A doctor’s perspective on the continued popularity of boxing and head injuries

I’ve always been spoiled by the boxing show. On the one hand, it’s undeniably exciting: My heart races when two fighters enter the ring, each punch landing with an electricity that keeps the fans hooked. But on the other hand, I find myself concerned about the real price these athletes pay, both physically and mentally. It’s hard to overlook the brutal nature of a sport that encourages knocking out an opponent with blows to the head.

According to one Al Jazeera reportboxing’s popularity skyrocketed in 2024, with “extraordinary eyeballs, online search queries and viewership figures across viewing platforms” cementing its status as one of the most watched sports of the world Meanwhile, Dr. Ejaz Shamim, neurosurgeon and president of the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Research Institute, paints an entirely different picture of what boxing does to the human brain. “Compared to other contact sports, boxing is known to have some of the highest concussion rates“Dr. said Shamim Al Jazeera. “A concussion occurs when the brain is jostled back and forth hitting the inside of the skull. This causes brain damage and occurs every time a boxer takes a blow to the head. Each concussion event is similar to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). With every TBI, there is irreversible brain damage.“

He adds that “it is believed that in boxing, an individual has a concussion approximately every 12.5 minutes of fight time alone. The protective headgear doesn’t help much with concussion. Internal trauma to the brain occurs whenever a boxer is punched to the head, with or without external head protection..” Hearing this worries me, especially when I remember cheering during a fight while an opponent staggered from a direct hit.

Hard statistics back it up. “According to the Manuel Velázquez Collection documenting boxing deaths, an average of 13 boxers die in the ring annually.”, he points out Al Jazeera. Separately, the Ringside Medical Association found there were at least 339 deaths in the sport between 1950 and 2007, with a “higher percentage in lower weight classes”. It’s amazing to think that those fighters, many chasing dreams of fame or financial stability, could be risking their lives every time they step between the ropes.

Still, boxing has its defenders. Sports journalist Philip O’Connor said Al Jazeera“People may get into boxing to vent anger and frustration, but they quickly learn that these things have little or no place in the training gym or ring..” He further explained: “After a lifetime of watching boxing and various martial arts and practicing more than my fair share, I can say that from my perspective the mental and physical benefits far outweigh the risks, but we must always strive to improve safety and eliminate or reduce the risk of as much as possible.” This balance, between the discipline and community boxing can provide and the actual harm boxers suffer, is what keeps the debate alive.

Despite everything, the popularity of this sport is hard to deny. “In terms of global media popularity, boxing in 2024 is the fifth most popular sport in the world and the most popular combat sport.,” said Kamilla Swart-Arries, an associate professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Al Jazeera. She noted that “it has attracted legendary figures who have also transcended their sport to become global cultural icons.” In fact, icons like Mike Tyson continue to captivate crowds even in the later stages of their careers, as if they were drawn to the spotlight, and fans follow suit.

Every time I watch a boxing match now, I can’t help but feel a little worried. While I applaud the courage and skill of the fighters, I also wonder about the morning-after headaches, the accumulated hits, and the potential for permanent damage. Boxing’s unique combination of artistry and aggression has kept it alive for centuries, and it’s unlikely to disappear anytime soon. But as medical knowledge becomes clearer and the injury count mounts, the future of the sport may depend on whether we, as fans and governing bodies, decide that even more safety measures are worth exploring. rigorous, and perhaps a deeper cultural reflection. For the sake of the fighters’ health, we sure do.