Boxer Dies From Brain Bleed Hours After Winning Fight
Inquest Into Boxers Death
The inquest into the death of Scott Westgarth after a fight in which he received multiple heavy blows to the head and the bout continued, returned a verdict of Death by Misadventure.
In my opinion (which I know nobody has asked for but you're going to get it anyway) taking part in any boxing competition is an act of misadventure by its very nature.
One of the interesting conclusions drawn by the Coroner is that although Westgarth was displaying signs of distress at the end of the bout, these were not sufficient (according to the medical staff present at the time) to indicate that a catastrophic bleed in his brain was taking place. And this raises questions.
If such injuries cannot be reliably detected by ringside doctors, is it not time to call a halt to this deadly, murderous parody of sport...?
A young man's life can be dependent on warning signs being seen and action being taken to get the victim of his own misadventure to appropriate medical care quickly. If the ringside doctor can't spot the warning signs, or is incapable of accurately assessing that a scan is necessary, then it's time to make serious, radical changes to the practice.
Firstly, if I had my way, the whole disgusting practice would be banned. Unfortunately, that is not likely to happen all the time people profit from it.
But changes can be made. I acknowledge that even if Scott Westgarth had been taken straight to a medical facility with a scanner, he would probably have died anyway, but all that does is highlight the severity of the injuries inherent in this barbaric practice.
Firstly, bouts should be restricted to no more than three four minute rounds (or four three minute rounds). That is how amateur and Olympic bouts are carried out without diminution of the event as a contest. Prolonged fighting going on to 10 or 12 rounds, or beyond only increases the risk of serious injury. There is no justification for it.
Another change that might help in the future though would be to legislate so that venues where boxing bouts are held MUST install brain scanning facilities that are fully manned by skilled practitioners on the night of the event. Every boxer must be immediately scanned after the bout on every occasion of boxing. The cost is to be borne by the venue. It will not be met from NHS funds.
Hospitals in the area must be forewarned that boxing events are taking place and injured boxers may need immediate medical attention.
I would go further and ban punches to the head. Only blows to the body between the shoulder and waist should be acceptable and in any case, protective padding should be worn to chest level at that. Body protection is worn by Tai Kwando fighters without restricting their movement or ability to compete. There is no reason why boxing can't follow suit
If Boxing is all about discipline, strength and courage, then those attributes do not need bludgeoning an opponent senseless to be demonstrated. The risk of causing injuries leading to death are too high to carry on in this way.
Another death in the ring. Another wholly unnecessary loss of life for the excitement of blood-crazed morons and the profit of promoters who only see the cash value of a young man who is too dazzled by dreams of stardom or riches, or too immature to see the risk he is taking.
It should be stopped altogether. But if it can't be stopped, then it should be made as safe as it possibly can be.
Lives, literally, depend on it.