Deaths in the ring...

[BaiHu]

Mods, feel free to kill this or move this if you think it shouldn't be here at all or in RR.

I just thought these 2 videos were interesting takes on the combat sports.

https://youtu.be/mtkDgSEzcPE

https://youtu.be/bAsSJQlhepY


Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[Old Man Winter]

When you look at the number of sparring rounds in training and the number of rounds fought in actual contests, boxers take a lot of shots to the head throughout their career. While ring related deaths happen in all divisions, it seems to happen much more within the lower weight divisions. I believe punch stats and punch power provide an explanation.

With few exceptions the number of punches thrown is relative to a fighters size. Stats tell us smaller fighters throw more punches than bigger fighters. Stats also tell us smaller fighters land a higher percentage of punches. It seems reasonable a division that throws more punches and lands more punches will experience more brain injuries and deaths.

Punching power or the lack of power plays a significant role as well. Regardless of division, there’s a small percentage of fighters blessed with true knock out power. Most fighters rely on the lucky punch or a cumulative effect of punches that resembles bludgeoning their opponent. Getting knocked out is never great for the health of a fighter but there’s a big difference between getting caught with one good shot and taking repeated shots for 10 or 12 rounds.

By the time a championship level fighter gets to fight night, they’ve had 8+ weeks of camp which includes 30 rounds of sparring per week minimum. Some old school trainers will have their fighter sparring 50+ rounds a week.

I’m surprised we don’t see more boxing deaths.