Well, in a recent change to regulations in elite boxing there has been a huge change in the sport. The headgear you used to see in elite amateur boxing has now been taken away. You may ask why? It’s all based on a doctor’s opinion. Yes this is a good source from a health and safety aspect. But this doctor’s reasons are all based from a figures point of view. Everything in today’s world is figures based, so it’s no wonder this regulation has been implemented.
From the sport myself I could never dream of stepping into a ring without my headgear. Simply due to the physiologic protection it gives me. Mentally I don’t think I would be able for this dramatic change. Yet having no serious boxing injuries I am the one to preach about this issue.
The reasons behind the introduction of these new regulations in elite amateur boxing is based on figures. These figures show boxing without a headgear reduces the risk of becoming concussed. In a period of heavy bouts, concussion can accumulate over a period of time. Yes, on one hand boxing without a head gear does prepare boxers for the professional game and also makes the head a smaller target. But not all amateur boxers want to go professional.
Dr Butler states "if you get a cut it will heal; if you break a bone it will heal” Rd. Butler said “if you can’t recognize your grandchildren, it’s a disaster". Glove technology has improved to help reduce the impact of blows".
Here is the difference between amateur and professional boxing. Pro boxers have a huge gap in between fights to prepare and recover. Whereas in amateur boxing you may have many close bouts on a weekly basics and then sparring sessions during that week. There is no time for the healing process. So why take the headgear away when it prevents simple cuts from happening, but also gives the boxer protection during sparring whilst also preparing for their next bout. Because the media can benefit from the removal of the headgear. Their audience will be able to relate to the boxers more as compared to just jumping on the band wagon when the media decide it’s time around the semi-finals of the Elite Championship, and there obliged to share the news to the world. |
"Was out on my feet in the 1st round and didn’t recover, blurred vision for 3 rds with head clashes! F**k your no headgear!"
Changing rules to make a sport more attractive to the viewers? I think we’re beginning to loss the art of boxing through aggression. Yes boxing is an aggressive sport but also very skilful and technical. We as a nation can only be happy with the introduction of the new scoring system the ten point must-system. This basically means the Irish can come across stronger on the score boards with our aggression being acknowledged. The ten point must-system works by a selection of results from 5 judges but picking a random 3 by computer to base each rounds point’s from. When compared to the old scoring system of breaking your back, just to get one clean clear cut at the head. You might as well forget about the body in terms of scoring as its non-existent. You’d have a better chance at winning the lotto. With that in mind though, if half our medals in the London 2012 Olympics came from guys with counter punching and defensive talents. Then we would have only come home with Katie Taylors Gold Medal and possibly Paddy Barnes, if this scoring system was in place at the last Olympics.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with the term sexist. You may have noticed that nothing has been said about female boxer’s headgear.
Katie jokes about the headgear:
“If they come off, I’ll have to do something with my hair, shave it off. That’ll be a good look”.
But if the doctor says that boxing without a headgear reduces the risk of becoming concussed, why are children and female boxers still wearing them. Doses that not show it’s obviously not proven. The truth is, the IABA isn’t really sure. It seems there just trying to find the happy medium between money and medals by choosing the politically correct reasons rather than actual safety for women.
Contact sports are taking over the Irish television screen, simply because we tend to love aggressive sports as a nation. Given the recent success in the rugby and our notorious Conor McGregor taking over, can this be why the IABA is trying to eliminate headgear from the sport? Personally I think it would be a great research study if Dr Butler was to switch places with Paddy Barnes for a week and see how his concussion is afterwards! From a health and safety aspect obviously!
Author: Lauren Bergin - 4th year BB (Hons) in Recreation and Sport Management student.