To not understand how boxing is still a 'sport'

[cherryadeisyummy]

People literally punching the living daylights out of each other.

How on earth is this acceptable in modern society?

If I went up to someone and punched them in the face, I'd be arrested and end up in prison. But put it in a ring with some rope around the outisde, and that's fine.

What am I missing?

I agree. Some other sports are questionable to a degree, but boxing is just barbaric.

It is not mindless punching though, like something like a fight in the street would be.

And no one is forced to take part.

Boxing is very hard work. The training Burns more calories than other sport, other than rowing.

I agree. Can’t watch it.

Boxing is the only sport I watch. Probably because it's pretty obvious who's winning.

I have felt this way for years. I agree with you OP. It is barbaric and reflective of cultural norms I would think we want to move away from.

Punching someone else in the face repeatedly is not sport.

Boxing and MMA are the only sports I can't watch - and I say that as a big rugby / shinty fan (I've also played both sports).

I've done boxing training for fitness and agree it's the absolute best form of all-round training

However, there is something very personal about the level of aggression in boxing that I find disturbing and difficult to watch.

I can't watch heavyweight or cage fighting.

But I did kickboxing for years and it's a great sport. Fittest I've ever been, extremely confident and assured, and never got actually hurt because it's very disciplined.

I'd argue cheerleading, dancing, American Football are all more barbaric in terms of what they do to the body.

Completely disagree, everyone in the ring has a choice, it is technical and physically difficult. Plus the outcome of children that get involved in boxing is positive, they are less likely to get involved in fights outside of the ring. Discipline in boxing ,like martial arts is important.

Agreed OP. Some of the permanent damage to the brain is sickening

And unlike other sports , it is adults that are competing for a medal

Incomparable to throwing a punch in the street. Boxing is 100% consensual and probably no more dangerous than rugby.

You’re missing loads.

The point of boxing is really to avoid being hit and letting your opponent score. It’s immensely disciplined, very strictly regulated (now) and extremely technical. Anyone who thinks they could get on a ring and punch the living daylights out of someone would be demolished.

It requires an amazing amount of athleticism and it’s one of the best sports going.
Hprse riding is much more dangerous as is skiing but Some how I never see people on here bleating how they should be banned. And noone even asks the horses if they want to participate either 🤷🏻‍♀️

Brilliant - predominantly middle class website looks to ban predominantly working class sport. One that often gives young men direction, discipline and focus. And keeps them out of trouble. And raises fitness.

Perhaps we can tell them all to volunteer at church instead, or get another approved hobby (won't be gaming, or cycling or football, we've seen the mumsnet consensus on those!)

Just because you don't understand it, and it is of no use to you, doesn't mean you get to cancel it.

I don't understand it - physically hurting another person for sport.
That's not to say I won't be delighted for Kellie Harrington if she wins a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal at the Olympics.
She is a great sportsperson.
But I won't be getting up to watch it.

I agree with you OP.
It's not 'normal' in this day and age.
There are other sports in the Olympics that I question too, but that's probably for another thread.

You've missed out on protective kit, a controlled environment of rules and supervision and consent.

Not my choice of sport but it's a very effective way of teaching self-discipline and productively channeling anger and raising self esteem in people susceptible to being drawn into gangs and violence. Overall it contributes positively to society and it's a free choice to participate or watch.

If I went up to someone and punched them in the face, I'd be arrested and end up in prison. But put it in a ring with some rope around the outisde, and that's fine.

If I went to someone and started having aex with them on a street, I'd probably be arrested. But having sex in private, especially when duvet is there, is fine...

Almost like if things were situation dependant 😱

@Lasttraintolondon

Brilliant - predominantly middle class website looks to ban predominantly working class sport. One that often gives young men direction, discipline and focus. And keeps them out of trouble. And raises fitness.

Perhaps we can tell them all to volunteer at church instead, or get another approved hobby (won't be gaming, or cycling or football, we've seen the mumsnet consensus on those!)

Just because you don't understand it, and it is of no use to you, doesn't mean you get to cancel it.

Not trying to cancel it it all

Just saying i don't understand how punching people repeatedly in the head is something we consider civilised. But each to their own.

@RJnomore1

You’re missing loads.

The point of boxing is really to avoid being hit and letting your opponent score. It’s immensely disciplined, very strictly regulated (now) and extremely technical. Anyone who thinks they could get on a ring and punch the living daylights out of someone would be demolished.

It requires an amazing amount of athleticism and it’s one of the best sports going.
Hprse riding is much more dangerous as is skiing but Some how I never see people on here bleating how they should be banned. And noone even asks the horses if they want to participate either 🤷🏻‍♀️

Completely agree. The discipline required to compete at a professional level is incredible, as is the athleticism. I think it's a beautiful sport.

If I went up to someone and punched them in the face, I'd be arrested and end up in prison. But put it in a ring with some rope around the outisde, and that's fine.

You seem to have forgotten the fact that boxing involves two consenting competitors. So your analogy is nonsense.

Civilised society is about a fair treatment. Boxing is therefore a part of it because it is ensured there is a fair treatment in a form of weight categories and rules.

Boxing is civilised

@RevolvingPivot

Boxing is the only sport I watch. Probably because it's pretty obvious who's winning.

🤣🤣. During the euros I asked my boyfriend which team were wearing pink, the look of disgust on his face when he said it was the referee.

I do boxing for the fitness element and also to learn it as a skill. I don't fight anyone or spar at the moment and probably won't - although I absolutely understand why someone would want to get in the ring to put their skills and fitness to the test.

Boxing is sooooo underrated and greatly misunderstood as a sport. The training that a boxer goes through is soooooo hard - just an hour of boxing training is a harder workout than anything else I've ever done - although the physical and mental benefits are also magnificent. It is empowering, it keeps your mind sharp, it combines strength with lightness of feet... almost balletic in movement... I have so much respect for boxers - even more so since doing the training myself. People have no idea how much skill and fitness is involved.

Personally I wish I'd had the chance to learn boxing skills when I was younger - I think it is great for kids to learn - they don't have to fight anyone - but learning the sport, doing the training - it teaches skills, discipline, confidence, coordination... and so so much more.

‘If I went up to someone and punched them in the face, I'd be arrested and end up in prison. But put it in a ring with some rope around the outisde, and that's fine’

I have read some shit analogies on here over the years, but this is the absolute worst.

what??