Amanda Serrano’s exit from the ring after her fierce rematch with Katie Taylor was unforgettable not only for her remarkable performance but for the disturbing image of her right eyelid, gruesomely cut and bleeding. This enduring image shows boxing’s violent nature.
When Serrano continued to fight despite the injury, fans were captivated. This fuelled excitement surrounding the event as a co-headliner alongside the Tyson-Paul fight. But Serrano’s injury raises deeper questions: Why do we celebrate a sport that inflicts such harm?
Boxing’s core premise is hitting an opponent, often targeting the head, resulting in severe physical repercussions. The repeated head trauma athletes endure can lead to devastating long-term effects.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is one of them. It’s a brain disease caused by constant blows to the head and is a well-documented hazard in the sport. According to the World Medical Association, former boxers face significantly higher risks of cognitive decline, memory loss and behavioral issues later in life.
The statistics are equally alarming. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that up to 40 per cent of retired boxers show signs of brain injuries, with many experiencing lasting neurological damage, even without showing symptoms.
There is more to the spectacle of boxing than just brain damage; physical damage like cuts and fractures also define boxing. Serrano’s brutal eye injury, caused by an accidental headbutt, is just one example.
Such injuries are far from rare. Over 70 per cent of boxing injuries impact the head and face, often resulting in concussions, disfigurement or even permanent vision impairment. The risks don’t stop there. Fighters endure a lifetime of chronic pain from overuse, injuries to their knees, back, and wrists, as reported by the National Library of Medicine.
Serrano’s decision to fight through her injury is admirable for her grit but concerning for her health. Fighters often push through pain, knowing the stakes of withdrawal, but their choice to keep fighting can have lifelong repercussions.
Beyond the physical damage, boxing also thrives on subjective judging, an issue that frequently pushes fighters to dangerous extremes. Studies reveal that judges agree on the outcome of only 60 per cent of rounds, creating frustration in athletes.
High-profile fights, such as Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, have exposed inconsistencies in judging, as Mayweather won rounds despite throwing fewer punches. Due to this lack of clarity, fighters are forced to aim for knockouts, taking unnecessary risks to secure decisive victories.
In the Taylor-Serrano rematch, Serrano landed more punches than Taylor, yet the results were in Taylor’s favour. This win has sparked debates among viewers. The fighters take it upon their ego to maintain their rankings or recover from controversial losses. The cumulative toll on their bodies grows with each fight and result.
An outright ban on boxing may not be the solution. Instead, reform could save the sport while prioritizing athlete safety. Suggestions such as banning headshots, introducing stricter medical protocols, or reducing fight durations could strike a balance between the sport’s appeal and its medical concerns.
Serrano’s bloodied face remains a stark reminder of boxing’s toll. Each scar tells a story of perseverance but also of suffering, challenging us to reevaluate our appetite for such entertainment.
The broken bodies, damaged brains and invisible scars are what should be remembered when we wait for a boxing match.