Boxing ring no place for kids - AMA
The AMA today reiterated its call for a total ban on boxing in light of the story of boxing officials backing an amateur boxing career for a ten-year-old boy in NSW.
The AMA opposes all forms of boxing and, until the sport is totally banned, seeks a prohibition on boxing for people under the age of 18.
The Daily Telegraph today reports that the father and trainer of Zlate Vanoski - backed by senior boxing officials - want permission for the ten-year-old to box, but boxing is illegal in NSW for anyone under 14.
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today that boxing is a dangerous activity for anyone, let alone a young kid.
"Boxing is not a sport; it is organised violence," Dr Glasson said.
"The object of boxing is to cause maximum physical harm to your opponent.
"You win when your opponent can no longer continue.
"Is this a proper environment for kids? No.
"The harm caused to adults from boxing - professional and amateur - is clear for all to see.
"The harm to young bodies and heads could be much worse.
"The body and the organs of a ten-year old are still growing, developing and maturing. Chronic brain injury is a real possibility.
"Being subjected to repeated punches to the head and body is dangerous for any human.
"It is criminal to allow it to happen to kids.
"Boxing should be banned. Until it is, everything possible should be done to make it safer. It would be a good start to not allow kids as young as ten to compete," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306