A local newspaper is asking for readers opinions on the subject. Write your contribution discussing both sides of the argument I am writing this essay on whether or not boxing should or should not be banned, I will write in support of and against boxing. Boxing is an ancient sport with a long history dating back centuries. It developed from bare knuckle fighting in the 18th and 19th century.
The sport has already experienced a ban in 1865 and despite this remains a popular today despite this. The sport has rules established by Marquees of Queensbury that form the basis of modern boxing: three minute rounds and boxers must wear gloves. The spot attracts audience and athletes, and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a pleasure to men and woman from all classes of society, even though people think of the sport as aggressive and violent.
Is boxing a positive sport? There are many opinions and views of the sport. Before any boxer participates in boxing, he or she knows the risks involved, whether or not they box is their choice, no one forced them they do it of thier own accord, it is a question of individual choice. We should also consider that boxing is a well paid source of employment for boxers and provides many other jobs as well. Secondly it has in resent years caused less deaths than show jumping, which is a non-contact sport. Casualty rates are higher in other sports, such as rugby. A quote from Dr. Adrian Whiteson, chief medical officer for the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) is ‘chronic injuries to the brain are actually very really seen today.”
Another reason to support boxing is that boxers often begin as underprivileged children from working class backgrounds, though this is not always the case. Boxing provides a release for these young people urging them away from crime and disobedience, it encourages strength and self-discipline, ” the harder to train, the easier it is in competition” this is a motto quoted from Amir Khan, this shows that boxers are athletes. Boxing keeps young people off the streets and urges boxers away from the temptation of alcohol and drugs. Boxing as a sport give a chance of a career, a chance to be somebody, possibly even a celebrity.
Boxing is a highly regulated sport, “the B.B.B.C are able to take away the licence of a boxer if they consider them to be unfit”. Many boxers have long healthy careers and retire fit and well. The sport is considered one of much skill and discipline. The spectators or boxing do not watch the sport to see the boxers brutally hurt each other, they watch to see two talented athletes show their skills.Clear indicated doctors and paramedics at the ring side, seat were they can clearly see and gain immediate access to the ring if need to do so.
With such rules and safeguards a boxer is very unlikely to sustain any permanent damage. This sport, even though it contains physical contact, projects a positive image to young children, especially boys, as it encourages self control and exercise, while keeping them away from drugs and alcohol. Finally if the sport was to be banned it would continue to exist “underground” this would make the sport extremely unstable and dangerous, the boxer would be fighting without basic rules and training, and a without any presence of medical professionals or equipment.
Underground boxing is illegal but if boxing is banned it would still exist. It is possible that if boxing was banned the people who support it would protest and there would be an uproar as with fox hunting. Boxing matches are also held for charity were professional boxers fight for a paying audience were the money is donated to charity. The BBBC are still making changes, to make this sport safer. The sport is now safer than sports such as show jumping, which the no talk to ban.
Here is a series of quotes from the Daily Express (summer 2004) regarding Amir khan’s silver Olympic, display that boxing is extremely positive, “Kahn is flying the flag for Asian sport.” this shows the sport is successful for all people whatever race or background. ” he can make an impact beyond the Olympics and improve race relations in Britain.” this also strongly supports boxing. Jane Couch was the first woman to be licensed by the BBBC she says ” I’ve gained friends and a lot of respect. It allows me to travel all over the world.” without boxing she would be without all of this, should it really be taken away?