I’ve always been torn about the spectacle of boxing. On one hand, it’s undeniably thrilling—my heart races 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 worrying 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 an Al Jazeera report, boxing’s popularity skyrocketed in 2024, with “the extraordinary number of eyeballs, online search queries and audience figures across viewing platforms” cementing its status as one of the world’s most-watched sports. Meanwhile, Dr. Ejaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and chair of Mid-Atlantic Kaiser Permanente Research Institute, paints a starkly different picture of what boxing does to the human brain. “Compared with other contact sports, boxing has been known to have some of the highest rates of concussion,” Dr. Shamim told Al Jazeera. “A concussion occurs when the brain thrusts back and forth hitting the inside of the skull. This causes damage to the brain and occurs every time a boxer is hit in the head. Each concussive event is akin to traumatic brain injury (TBI). With each TBI, there is irreversible brain damage.”
He adds that “it is thought that in boxing, an individual 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 punched in the head, with or without external head protection.” Hearing that makes me worried, especially when I recall cheering during a fight as an opponent staggered from a direct hit.
The harsh statistics back him up. “According to the Manuel Velazquez Collection which documents deaths in boxing, an average of 13 boxers are killed in the ring annually,” 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, could be risking their lives each time they step between the ropes.
Still, boxing has its defenders. Sports journalist Philip O’Connor told Al Jazeera, “People may come into boxing 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, “After a lifetime of watching boxing and various martial arts and practising more than my fair share, 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 remove or reduce risk to the greatest extent possible.” This balance—between the discipline and community boxing can provide and the real 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 in 2024 is the fifth most popular sport in the world and the most popular combat sport,” Kamilla Swart-Arries, an associate professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told 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 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 harm. 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 grow clearer and the tally of injuries adds up, the sport’s future may hinge 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 sake of the fighters’ health, I certainly hope we do.
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