I have always been torn about the spectacle of boxing. On the one hand, it’s undeniably exciting—my heart skips a beat when two fighters step into the ring, each punch landing with an electricity that keeps 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 a Al Jazeera reportboxing’s popularity soared in 2024, with “the extraordinary number of eyeballs, online searches and audience figures across viewing platforms” confirming its status as one of the world’s most watched sports. Meanwhile, dr. Ejaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and chairman of Mid-Atlantic Kaiser Permanente 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 rates of concussionsDr. Shamim tells Al Jazeera. “Concussions occur when the brain jolts back and forth and hits the inside of the skull. It causes damage to the brain and occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head. Every concussion is similar to traumatic brain injury (TBI). With every TBI, there is irreversible brain damage.“
He adds that “it is thought that an individual in boxing gets a concussion about every 12.5 minutes of fight time alone. The protective headgear does not help much with the concussion. The internal trauma to the brain occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head, with or without external head protection.” Hearing this worries me, especially when I remember cheering during a fight as an opponent staggered from a direct hit.
The hard statistics back him up. “According to the Manuel Velazquez Collection documenting deaths in boxing, an average of 13 boxers are killed in the ring each year,” notes Al Jazeera. Separately, the Association of Ringside Physicians found there were at least 339 deaths in the sport from 1950 to 2007, with a “higher percentage at lower weight classes.” It’s staggering to think that those fighters, many chasing dreams of fame or financial stability, can risk their lives every time they step between the ropes.
Still, boxing has its defenders. Sports journalist Philip O’Connor tells Al Jazeera“People may box to vent anger and frustration, but they quickly learn that these things have little or no place in the training gym or the ring.” He further explained, “Having watched a lifetime of boxing and various martial arts and practiced more than my fair share, I can say that the mental and physical benefits far outweigh the risks from my perspective, but we must always strive to improve safety and reduce risk. remove or reduce. the greatest possible extent.” This balance – between the discipline and community boxing can provide and the actual damage boxers sustain – is what keeps the debate alive.
Despite everything, the sport’s popularity is hard to deny. “In terms of global media popularity, boxing is the fifth most popular sport in the world and the most popular combat sport in 2024,” 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 later stages of their careers, as if drawn by the spotlight — and fans follow suit.
Every time I watch a boxing match now, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern. While I applaud the fighters’ courage and skill, I also wonder about the next day’s headaches, the cumulative hits and the potential for permanent damage. Boxing’s unique blend of artistry and aggression has kept it alive for centuries, and it’s unlikely to disappear anytime soon. But as medical insights become clearer and injury counts mount, the sport’s future may depend on whether we, as fans and governing bodies, decide that even tighter safety measures — and perhaps deeper cultural reflection — are worth exploring. For the sake of the fighters’ health, I certainly hope we do.
