Some of the most endearing figures in sports and the culture at large have come from the world of boxing.  Who can forget Sylvester Stallone, in the crowd-pleasing, heart-tugging film classic, “Rocky.”  And for real heroics, plus world-class charm in the ring, no one comes close to boxing legend Muhammed Ali. Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, even as he inspired us with his athletic power and original poems, all written in praise of his own beauty.  He mercilessly egged on his opponents, danced the rope and dope, dazzled and endured.  And most likely he stayed far too long in the ring.

Years after his days as the heavyweight boxing world champion, the world was stunned to see the great Ali lighting the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics, his hands shaking with the effects of Parkinson’s disease.  It was unforgettable moment, as the champ stepped forward, his once great power so obviously diminished by illness.  How much damage did a life in boxing cost the great champ?

Boxing is revered for its power, excitement, and yes, its brutality.
But the reality of serious injury has always made the sport controversial.
Generally amateur boxers sustain fewer, less serious injuries, as they spend less time in the ring.  The danger for professional boxers is high, however, and there have been many calls for safety reviews, and for banning the sport altogether.

Pro boxers experience repeated violent blows to the head, which can cause fractures to the bones of the head and face.  The resulting damage to brain tissue directly effects brain function.  Boxers also sustain injury to bones in the arms and chest, but head injury remains the most obvious and vulnerable area for the professional fighter.  Beyond the glamour and excitement of life in the ring is the sad reality of the “punch drunk” fighter, leveled by brain damage and other associated diseases like Parkinson’s.  Many in the sports world feel fighters are made to pay far too high a price for their moments of glory in the ring.