I was always torn about the spectacle of boxing. On the one hand, it's undeniably exciting — my heart races when two fighters enter the ring, and every punch has an electricity that keeps the fans on their toes. 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 “extraordinary eye views, online search queries and audience numbers across all viewing platforms” cementing its status as one of the most watched sports in the world. In the meantime, dr. Ejaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and president of the Mid-Atlantic Kaiser Permanente 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 hitting the inside of the skull. This causes brain damage and happens every time a boxer gets hit in the head. Any concussion is similar to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). With every TBI comes irreversible brain damage.“
He adds that “it is considered that in boxing an individual gets a concussion every 12.5 minutes of the fight itself. A protective cap doesn't help much with concussions. Internal brain trauma occurs every time a boxer is punched in the head, with or without external head protection..” Hearing that makes me worry, especially when I remember cheering during a fight while the opponent staggered from a direct hit.
Sharp statistics are in his favor. “According to the Manuel Velazquez Collection documenting boxing deaths, an average of 13 boxers are killed 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. Sports journalist Philip O'Connor said Al Jazeera“People may come to boxing to vent their anger and frustration, but they quickly realize that these things have little or no place in the gym or ring..” He further explained, “Having watched boxing and various martial arts all my life and practiced more than I have, 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 risk as much as possible.” This balance—between the discipline and community that boxing can provide and the actual harm that boxers suffer—is what keeps the debate alive.
Despite everything, the popularity of this sport is hard to dispute. “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 Kamilla Swart-Arries, 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 and become global cultural icons.” Indeed, icons like Mike Tyson continue to win over crowds even in the later stages of their careers, seemingly drawn to 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 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 is 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 a deeper cultural rethink — are worth exploring. For the sake of the health of the fighters, I hope we do.