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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really dislike boxing?

99 replies

LawnmowerSpring · 27/02/2023 10:01

I know I’ll get flamed 🙄 but I really dislike the premise of boxing and the fact it’s considered to be a sport (though I can see why it is due to the level of physical fitness needed etc)

The amount of knuckleheads that froth at the mouth every time there’s a big fight. I just find it barbaric that we get so excited about two people punching each other’s heads in. Literally pubs filled up to watch, people having parties at their house to watch. Seems there’s even more excitement when there’s blood pouring off a head etc, it just seems so barbaric in 2023.

In a world where violence on our streets and on TV / Media seems to be ever increasing, why are so many people endorsing this sport?

And no, I’m really not a pearl clutcher in any other aspect of life, but I really hate violence and after seeing my 12 year old nephew at the weekend and him saying that himself and all his friends couldn’t wait to see the Tommy Fury, Jake Paul fight etc, I just think…is this really what we want to be encouraging kids to watch/ aspire to?

OP posts:
IheartBTS · 27/02/2023 11:18

I feel exactly the same OP. It turns my stomach.

WandaWonder · 27/02/2023 11:18

I do wonder how many injuries are from boxing compared to horse events, bungee/base jumping, car racing and other dangerous sports

I do hear more good stories of how boxing has helped people than caused harm, do people that complain about it have actual evidence of harm it causes society?

Yes I am quietly glad my son is not into it I am happy to admit, but as much as I would personally hate it if he was I would have to support him

Elle087 · 27/02/2023 11:21

WandaWonder · 27/02/2023 11:18

I do wonder how many injuries are from boxing compared to horse events, bungee/base jumping, car racing and other dangerous sports

I do hear more good stories of how boxing has helped people than caused harm, do people that complain about it have actual evidence of harm it causes society?

Yes I am quietly glad my son is not into it I am happy to admit, but as much as I would personally hate it if he was I would have to support him

More people die playing football (soccer not American) than boxing.
Many more too, probably 100 per year compared to maybe 10 boxers per year.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 27/02/2023 11:22

I think it is pretty primitive, certainly not a sport.
If the gloves were bigger it would be less harmful. Maybe this is the way to go, perhaps the World Boxing Federation could look into it?

To really dislike boxing?
Sharpbridge · 27/02/2023 11:22

YANBU. Boxing isnpathetic and not a sport. Running is a sport. Long jump is a sport. Swimming and vaulting are sports. Hitting someone? No, that’s violence.

Crabo · 27/02/2023 11:23

Elle087 · 27/02/2023 11:14

In what world is MMA more violent than boxing?
So many uneducated people on this thread.

Show quote history

Interesting that people are ‘uneducated who are not into MMA!

CascaChan · 27/02/2023 11:23

I like boxing.

CoalCraft · 27/02/2023 11:26

I don't like it either OP, for similar reasons. Other formalised combat sports seem much safer with head injuries being rare and the result of accidents while in boxing head injuries seem to be the whole point!

Ponoka7 · 27/02/2023 11:33

You have to have reasoning why something is banned, or changed. For example we've made big changes to children playing rugby. I like that boxers and combat sports were leading the way in keeping sports sex based. The training and injuries in ballet are extreme, likewise gymnastics. As said football has the most injuries, go to A&Econ a Sunday and it's full of sport injuries, none from boxing. Again running has a high injury rate and those at amater level love to keep going despite injury. Horse riding is dangerous. Horse racing is a cruel sport. Boxing is quite low on the list. If you don't like it, don't watch.

Tessisme · 27/02/2023 11:38

I have always hated boxing. I don't think it matters if more people are killed playing football, as pp cited above, it's the message it sends - that battering each other around the head can somehow be acceptable, that the ultimate aim of a 'sport' is to cause maximum damage to an opponent. People who are killed in football, while it's a terrible tragedy, are not trying to inflict injury on others or actively accepting injury to themselves. There's no comparison.

RonObvious · 27/02/2023 11:39

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 27/02/2023 11:22

I think it is pretty primitive, certainly not a sport.
If the gloves were bigger it would be less harmful. Maybe this is the way to go, perhaps the World Boxing Federation could look into it?

I'd watch that.

Oysterbabe · 27/02/2023 11:40

I think it's awful and should be banned.
It's outdated and incompatible with a civilised society.

Willyoujustbequiet · 27/02/2023 11:41

Its barbaric and should be banned.

I dread to think of the long term consequences for young kids doing this.

TinaYouFatLard · 27/02/2023 11:48

A late relative of mine was heavily involved in boxing and did fantastic, life changing work with dozens of young kids in a fairly deprived area. Boxing and those involved may seem a “dreadful bunch” to the average middle class mumsnetter, but to some it might be the least bad route to take.

Planesmistakenforstars · 27/02/2023 11:53

You aren't being unreasonable to really dislike it.

I love it. And fortunately it's not going away any time soon, with two of the biggest fights of the year coming up in April.

In boxing the aim is to incapacitate your opponent so he/she is either incapable of continuing, or chooses not to.

This is just so obviously horseshit that it's almost laughable. But mumsnet is very frothy at the mouth about some sports that it's not surprising people would not actually check if they're correct before hammering on their keyboard.

JazbayGrapes · 27/02/2023 12:01

to be fair i find boxing boring. MMA is so much cooler.

Ilovechocolate87 · 27/02/2023 12:09

Totally agree with you OP.I have always thought it is bloody horrible and certainly not at all appropriate for Kids to be watching/participating in.Boxing a punch bag for exercise, to release anger etc fine, boxing with other people NOT fine.If people feel the need to be punching each other in any sort of way, they need therapy.Not something to be encouraged or glorified.

chelle0 · 27/02/2023 12:12

My husband used to do MMA. Note the used to. It's horrible.

WiddlinDiddlin · 27/02/2023 14:02

Nope, can't stand it, won't watch it, will leave the room if its on.

I really take issue with people saying 'well it's their choice to do this, they know the risks'.

No, particularly those who start as very young children, they do NOT know and fully understand the risks. Many are choosing it as a PP put it 'the least bad route to take' - that is not an informed, free choice is it?!

Ewk · 27/02/2023 14:08

Yanbu if you dislike it.
I personally love it, I grew up boxing, loved the sport from my first day in the boxing gym, I'm a spectator now but still love it. The paul brothers/ksi/influencer boxing scene don't hold as much appeal for me though, I have to say, but that's not to do with the sport for me!

Floralnomad · 27/02/2023 14:10

I like boxing , I don’t like the likes of Tommy Fury and Jake Paul playing at being boxers and I think the rise of ‘exhibition’ fights should be stemmed as it’s encouraging lots of you tubers / z list celebs and elderly boxers who should stay retired to cash in .

AlwaysGinPlease · 27/02/2023 14:15

I loathe it. Barbaric. Yes they have a choice but it's awful.

Timesawastin · 27/02/2023 14:35

Nimbostratus100 · 27/02/2023 10:05

It is not a "sport".

How can it be considered a "sport" when the aim is to inflict brain damage?

Don't be ridiculous. The point is to score points (judges decision) or get a KO, which means on the floor for a ten count.
DH was an amateur boxer for years in his youth. Still sharp as a pin in his late 70s.
Pro boxing I'm less keen on as money encourages risk. But if you want a really dangerous sport, try racing over jumps.

ConcordeOoter · 27/02/2023 14:37

In a world where violence on our streets and on TV / Media seems to be ever increasing, why are so many people endorsing this sport?

Other people aren't you.

On a positive note they aren't me, either. Which is probably best for everyone.

verdantverdure · 27/02/2023 14:38

I'm against boxing to the extent that I wouldn't go on a date or be friends with someone who enjoyed watching it.

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