INDIVIDUALS AND NOT BOXING HAVE TO PAY FOR FARCE

BOXING abolishment enthusiasts were given ammunition to fire off some shots at the sport this week.

They didn’t waste the opportunity to hit their target. Yet, they simply miss the point.

Their argument was built on the fact that column inches were filled by those warning the dangers of the sport were intensified if someone who has tested positive for a banned substance is allowed to fight.

They seem to think that if there is any danger even with two clean fighters then the sport shouldn’t exist.

But why the call for banning just boxing? What about MMA? It’s the same concept.

Why are we not talking about banning rugby when there is just as much evidence out there about the dangers of head trauma?

Aim

They’ll argue that in boxing the aim of the game is to knock out your opponent but if an 18st man is allowed to dive head first at an opponent on a pitch what is his aim? It’s not to give him a cuddle.

Why are we even talking about banning the sport just because of a week of farce?

Shouldn’t we be focussed on taking action against those who caused the week of farce?

If you ban boxing you’re not just stopping a sport.

You’re banning the volunteer who opens a boxing club every evening in a deprived community to give youths there somewhere to seek solace.

You’re banning the kid who is tempted by a life of drugs and crime but finds safety in the gym on the dark nights.

You’re banning the aggressive teenager who can channel his anger into a sport and save someone from taking his punches in an unregulated manner.

Bully

You’re banning the kid who is being taught how to stand up to bullies and gain respect from learning the discipline.

You’re banning the bully from being humbled in a boxing ring, so he doesn’t throw his weight around against vulnerable children.

You’re banning someone from a working- class background from having a path which could change their life financially.

Some might say they can simply do another sport. But there’s an attraction to boxing for these people for a reason.

That is the relatively cheap cost compared to other activities and also because it gives them a buzz like no other sport can.

Banning boxing may stop head injuries at an elite level but more lives would be harmed without it.

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