LETTER : `Hidden' statistics that reveal boxing's lethal purpose
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Dr Helen C. Grant
Sir: I have the greatest respect for Nicky Piper and agree with most of what he says (Another View: "Freedom to fight", 28 February). In addressing the horror of the acute, catastrophic intra-cranial haemorrhage in boxing bouts, he states, correctly, "statistically, boxing is much safer than other major sports". He is using as his criterion of safety the dramatic and immediately life-threatening brain injuries which occasionally occur in the ring and which, quite rightly, receive worldwide coverage.
They are indeed rare, thank goodness: in the UK we have had Steve Watt (1986), Michael Watson (1991), Bradley Stone (1994) and now Gerald McLellan. What Mr Piper does not mention - because he, like everybody else is unaware of them and the British Boxing Board of Control wants to keep it that way, of course - are the appalling statistics which emerge if long-term brain damage is taken as the criterion of boxing hazard.
Some years ago an inquiry of 185 UK neurologists into their encounters with brain-damaged patients associated with a variety of sports were asked which sports were responsible. These were their figures: soccer five, rugby two, wrestling two, parachuting (500 jumps) one, riding 12 and boxing 289.
Mr Piper also states "we boxers are under no illusion ... when we enter the ring". But they are because, as teenagers with stars in their eyes, they are not told about the likelihood of finishing up demented: they are only warned about eye damage (remediable) and about the very rare bleeds (also, in the very best circumstances, survivable).
Mr Pipe has a very high IQ, but it is unlikely to stay that way unless he gives up boxing. Muhammad Ali also had a very high IQ. Steve Watt was a very bright young man when he succumbed to a bleed (because he did not get to a neurosurgeon soon enough) and, as was reported in your columns yesterday, I was horrified to discover upon examining his brain that this 28-year-old already had severe old brain damage.
That bright young man Barry McGuigan said, in 1988: "Boxing damages your brain, don't let anybody tell you different." And Terry Marsh, also known to have a high IQ, said, in 1987: "I don't need the BMA to tell me getting hit on the head can't do me any good." Nicky Piper, please note. Stick to writing and keep your brain functioning.
Yours faithfully,
H. C. GRANT
Neuropathologist
London, NW3
28 February
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments