HARSH REMINDER OF THE RISKS OF A LIFE IN THE RING
IT’S an aspect of the sport, a noble art in so many ways, that no one likes to think about. Least of all the brave men and women who put themselves at risk, however statistically minimal that might be, in pursuit of excellence — and for the entertainment of the masses.
Today, all who still love boxing are again confronted with evidence of the very real danger that can never be taken lightly, never simply be ignored as an inconvenient truth.
The terrible injuries suffered by Mike Towell, the 25-year-old Dundonian who walked into the ring on Thursday night with ambitions to move one step closer to the British welterweight title, act as a reminder of what is at stake when men stand toe-to-toe and throw punches — even through gloved hands — at each other.
Eintentional attempt to injure an opponent, ends in a death.
Equally difficult to contemplate for most will be the emotions of a referee who, inevitably, must face questions about whether he should have stopped the bout earlier. Victor Loughlin, who had previously attracted criticism for his handling of a contest that left one fighter with bleeding on the brain, will surely be tearing himself apart on this very point. VERYONE involved in the contest at the Radisson Blu Hotel, one that Towell appeared to be winning on points until that fateful fifth round, will ask themselves what they could have done better. Or differently, at least.
As for the many millions who count boxing as among their favourite sports?
The God-fearing will pray and all will mourn the loss of a fine fighter. Then, as history shows, we will return to our fascination with an athletic discipline that strips the idea of human competition down to its barest ideals.
On Friday night, thousands will gather in Glasgow to roar and holler as Ricky Burns — a man who once fought on for 10 rounds with a broken jaw — puts his world title on the line. At ringside will be Adrien Broner, the American multiple world champion already lined up for a ‘super fight’ against the Scot.
In the build-up to next week’s bout, Burns will undoubtedly pay tribute to Towell, a compatriot, a brother in unarmed combat, in terms as fulsome as Ricky ever gets. Then, like the rest of us, he will move on. Hoping for the best, trying not to fear the worst.