Dangerous Sports: Boxing clever?

Do you like your sport with a little extra excitement? Perhaps a high risk of serious injury or even death? It might sound crazy to put yourself in danger for the sake of sport, but for some it’s the adrenaline rush that sports such as boxing and mountain biking give that makes them enjoyable.

But is a bit of a buzz worth risking your health for? Many people think not. Boxing is one sport that can result in serious head injuries – some professional boxers have died as a result of brain damage. And while most injuries aren’t this catastrophic, a career in boxing can cause cumulative brain damage – injuries that build up over time as the brain is constantly subjected to impacts. Other common injuries include ear, eye and nose damage.

Despite the dangers, fans of boxing claim that it’s a good way to release aggression, and ring-side doctors say that it doesn’t pose a serious risk as long as proper medical care is available. What do you think? Would banning dangerous sports be a step too far? Or do adrenaline junkies need to be saved from themselves? Join us to hear from experts and air your views.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the British Neuroscience Association

Speakers

Mark Burford, Cityboxer, London
Peter Dangerfield, University of Liverpool
Mike Loosemore, English Institute of Sport
Daniel Sokol, St George’s Hospital, London