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

I have always been torn by the spectacle of boxing. On the one hand, it’s undeniably exciting: my heart races when two fighters step into the ring, each punch landing with an electricity that keeps fans hooked. But on the other hand, I am 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 a Al Jazeera reportBoxing’s popularity skyrocketed in 2024, with “the extraordinary amount of eyeballs, online search queries and viewing figures across all viewing platforms” cementing its status as one of the most-watched sports in the world. Meanwhile, Dr. Ejaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and president of the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Research Institute, paints a completely 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. Shamim said Al Jazeera. “A concussion occurs when the brain pushes back and forth, hitting the inside of the skull. This causes brain damage and occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head. Every concussive 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 suffers a concussion every 12.5 minutes of fight time. The protective helmet does not help much with concussion. Internal trauma to the brain occurs every time a boxer is punched in the head, with or without external head protection..” Hearing that worries me, especially when I remember cheering during a fight when an opponent was staggered by a direct hit.

The hard statistics support it. “According to the Manuel Velázquez Collection that documents deaths in boxing, an average of 13 boxers die annually in the ring.“, grades Al Jazeera. Separately, the Ringside Physicians’ Association found that 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 these fighters, many of them 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 enter boxing to vent their anger and frustration, but they quickly learn that these things have little or no place in the gym or ring..” He further explained: “After a lifetime of watching boxing and various martial arts and practicing more than my share, I can say that from my perspective the physical and mental benefits far outweigh the risks, but we must always strive to improve safety and eliminate o reduce risks. to the greatest extent possible.” This balance – between the discipline and community boxing can provide and the real harm boxers suffer – is what keeps the debate alive.

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

Now, every time I watch a boxing match, I can’t help but feel a pang of worry. While I applaud the courage and skill of the fighters, I also wonder about the next-day headaches, the cumulative blows, and the potential for permanent damage. Boxing’s unique combination of artistry and aggression has kept it alive for centuries and is unlikely to go away anytime soon. But as medical knowledge becomes clearer and injury numbers rise, the future of the sport may depend on whether we, as fans and governing bodies, decide that even more rigorous safety measures are worth exploring, and perhaps a deeper cultural reflection. For the sake of the fighters’ health, I certainly hope so.