I was always disturbed by the spectacle of boxing. On the one hand, it’s undeniably exciting — my heart races when two fighters enter the ring, each punch sending an electric shock that keeps the fans hooked. But on the other hand, I worry 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 opponents with blows to the head.
According to Art Al Jazeera reportboxing’s popularity skyrocketed in 2024, with “tremendous eyeballs, online search queries and audience figures across all viewing platforms” cementing its status as one of the world’s most watched sports. Meanwhile, Dr. Ejaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and chairman 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 is pushed back and forth and hits the inside of the skull. This causes brain damage and occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head. Any concussion 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 gets a concussion every 12.5 minutes of the fight itself. A protective headgear doesn’t help much with concussions. Internal brain trauma occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head, with or without external head protection.” Hearing that worries me, especially when I remember cheering during a fight as the opponent stumbled from a direct hit.
The stark statistics back him up. “According to Manuel Velázquez’s collection documenting boxing deaths, an average of 13 boxers die in the ring each year“, he notes Al Jazeera. Separately, the Ringside Physicians Association found there were at least 339 deaths in the sport from 1950 to 2007, with “a higher percentage in the lower weight classes”. It’s mind boggling to think that these fighters, many of whom are chasing dreams of fame or financial stability, could risk their lives every time they step between the ropes.
However, boxing has its defenders. said sports journalist Philip O’Connor Al Jazeera“People may come to 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 I could handle, 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 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 the sport is hard to deny. “In terms of global media popularity, boxing is the fifth most popular sport in the world in 2024 and the most popular combat sport“said Camila Swart-Aries, 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.” Indeed, icons like Mike Tyson continue to captivate audiences even in the later stages of their careers, as if drawn to the spotlight—and the fans follow.
Every time I watch a boxing match now, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern. While I applaud the bravery and skill of the fighters, I also wonder about the next-day 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 numbers add up, the future of the sport may depend on whether we, as fans and governing bodies, decide that even more rigorous safety measures – and perhaps deeper cultural reflection – are worth exploring. For the health of the fighters, I certainly hope we will.