watched Duran v. Leonard and they mentioned each corner had smelling salts...

Never heard of smelling salts. care to explain?

 

Smelling salt is not exactly salt like or solid. It is called spirit of ammonia, a vile smelling liquid that apprently revives a person who just lost consciousness or in the verge of losing consciousness. Smelling salts, also known as spirit of hartshorn or sal volatile, are chemical compounds used for arousing consciousness.[1] The usual active compound is ammonium carbonate, a colorless-to-white, crystalline solid ((NH4)2CO3·H2O).[1][2] Because most modern solutions are mixed with water, they should more properly be called "aromatic spirits of ammonia."[1] Modern solutions may also contain other products to perfume or act in conjunction with the ammonia, such as eucalyptus oil.[3]






Smelling salts have been used since Roman times, and are mentioned in the writings of Pliny as 'Hammonicus sal',[1]. Evidence exists of use in the 13th century by alchemists as 'sal ammoniac'.[1]

In the 17th century, an ammonia solution was distilled from shavings of harts' (deer) horns and hooves, which led to the alternative name for smelling salts as spirit or salt of hartshorn.[1]

Smelling salts have also been known as 'sal volatile', for their ability to produce a reaction.[4]

They were widely used in Victorian Britain to revive fainting women, and in some areas constables would carry a container of them for the purpose.[5]

The use of smelling salts was widely recommended during the Second World War, with all workplaces advised by the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance to keep 'sal volatile' in their first aid boxes.[6]

[edit] Usage

Smelling salts are often used on athletes (such as boxers) when they are knocked unconscious or semi-conscious[1] (although a number of sports governing bodies, such as the Football Association in the UK recommend against their use[7]).

They are also used in competitions (such as strong man and Ice hockey) to "wake up" competitors to perform better.[1][8]

They are also still used for people feeling faint,[9][10][11] or who have fainted, either administered by others, or self administered, with some at risk groups, such as pregnant women, sometimes advised to keep them close to hand.[12]

[edit] Physiological action

Smelling salts release ammonia (NH3) gas, which irritates the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex[8] (that is, it causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster[8]).

[edit] Risks

Ammonia gas is toxic in large concentrations for prolonged periods,[1] and can be fatal.[11] Smelling salts produce only a small amount of ammonia gas.[1]

There is a limited possibility of direct burning of the nasal or oral mucosa from high concentration of inhaled ammonia.[1]

The use of ammonia smelling salts to revive people injured during sport is not recommended as it may inhibit or delay a proper and thorough neurological assessment by a healthcare professional,[1] and some governing bodies recommend specifically against it.[7] There is also a risk that as an irritant, use of smelling salts could cause reflex withdrawal from the source, thereby exacerbating any pre-existing cervical spine injury.[1]

 

Interesting. No wonder it is no longer aloud, seems like cheating.

 

That **** smells terrible too my nan used to have some not sure why but hey I think its better not to have in the sport to be honest.

 

If both sides can use it, I don't see the problem. If it's not healthy and if it's actually dangerous, then ban it. Otherwise, its as trivial as allowing pedialyte and whatnot as just a small edge in getting your fighter energized or woken up, and with both sides allowed to use it, I wouldn't consider it cheating.

 

Muhammad Ali or Cassius Clay then used it against Henry Cooper.
Actually Angolo Dundee put it under Clay his nose.

It was illegal in England back then, and could have DQ´d for it had they been caught then

 

That fight puts modern boxing to shame.

 

If I'm correct smelling salts was banned in the early spring of 1990, precisely after Leonard & Duran had all three of their epic encounters: (Leonard-Duran I, & II;1980) (Leonard-Duran III; 1989)

 

Hypothetically speaking, if a fighter eats a hard shot and is buzzed at the end of the round, then sniffs smelling salts and is somewhat revived for the next round, isn't that unfair?

 

I don't think so, we've seen plenty of wars since they've been banned and smelling salts will only give a momentary buzz. There are only so many bombs you can take in 3 minutes before you start losing focus.