Roy Jones Trying To Fix Damage From Ring Punishment

So he was already having problems with his balance, yet continued to fight on against Calzaghe, Trinidad, Lacy, Hopkins, Green etc?

 

You really can't underestimate how addictive this sport is for these fighters, can you

 

Doesnt shock me. The kind of blow he took vs Taver in the rematch can really screw up the brain and the fact that he only allowed 4 months of rest before being KTFO by Johnson made matters worse. You need a good 6-7 months of rest after suffering such a clear knockout to allow the brain to heal.

 

Sadly, I imagine that the priority of those who commission the fights and issue the licences the $£$£$£$£$£$£. As long as there's money to be made, the fights will happen

 

As much as drug testing is an issue (not nearly big enough), proper health control is just as shitty in our sport, but no one wants to touch this subject. There are several methods to detect neurological damage and stuff, and there should be an internationally controlled medical criteria where boxers could only get licenced if they pass a certain amount of in-depth tests. But since it's all business and I say at least 33% would fail deeper tests, people involved in boxing rather pass on this subject which is a shame. Money talks, and why would anyone making dough should notify Roy that his health is at stake, they say 'let the boxers decide', but we all know they are the last ones to know when to quit.

 

If Roy stays away from the ring, he'll be fine.

 

I agree. Safety and health control has imrpoved drastically in the recent years with regards to ringside medical knowledge and the protection of a fighter on fight night. But still very little, if anything is done to protect fighters from themselves by preventing them from fighting on too long and risking serious damage in later life.

I understand the argument that it's their life and that they shouldn't be prevented from earning a living - but it goes beyond that - it's not even just about that fighter, it's about the image and reputation - and even ethics - of the whole sport.

Sadly, boxing is more than happy to get what it can from it's fighters and then wash it's hands with them when they're done.

I watched that recently too - I was completely shocked. Pretty sickening


Actuall Ringside, a show on Sky Sports, just did an episode dedicated to British fighters Michael Watson, Paul Ingle and Spencer Oliver, who all suffered sever injuries in the ring. It's well worth a watch

 

Wow, that's pretty f'd up. I wish I could say that fighters in questionable still get their licence to fight because their passion and love for the sport was somehow able to move the commissioning bodies into allowing them to fight. But the reality is that it's all about the $$$.

also... I hate the fact that part of me was trying to anticipate the inevitable debate from the fans and haters would start and make an issue of this being an excuse for the later part of Roy's career. ESB has turned me into a full time cynic

 

It's quite sad. Watson is a happy and proud man despite what happened to him because he had to overcome such adversity after coming out of his coma - he had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. He genuinely feels that he has won the fight of his life.

Spencer Oliver appears in great physical and emotional health - he seems happy with the way his life is and he's greatly relieved to as lucky as he has been and stil be involved in the sport he loves.

On the other hand, Paul Ingle does not seem well. He comes across as a very depressed and lost person who is prohibited from living his passion. It was sad to watch

 

respect for the avatar