Alright guys, just wanted to get some of your opinions on the effectiveness of headguards in preventing brain injuries. Frank Warren was on the Paul O'Grady a few weeks ago and he kinda broached the issue, saying that they don't help at all and actually present an opponent with a much bigger target. From what I've read, there seems to be no concrete medical evidence to suggest that headguards diminish the impact of a blow, only that they prevent facial injuries. Personally, I'm inclined to believe that boxers are safer with them on. But to what extent I really don't know. Any experts out there?
When I sparred I actually used to prefer sparring without them on, even though my coach would rarely have it. If you can roll away from a punch, even if it just clips you, there's no impact. If your wearing headgear and it clips you it can move the head gear in turn jarring your neck. As much as I think Barry McGuigan talks through his hoop he is totally against this and I'm sure he protested against it recently to the BBBC ?? Definately no expert though
Does anyone claim they do prevent brain injury? I've always assumed that these combined with bigger gloves at amatuer level were simply to do with preventing facial injuries? (not that it works for me, black eye every other week!). The main reason a brain injury occurs is when the brain rattles against the skull. This can be excarbated by dehydration as that layer of water around the brain thins and so there is less of a cushion for the brain rattling around inside. Thinking about it, headguards would not prevent the brain rattling around in the same way would they?
Everyone always seems to blame headgear and the bout for the brain damage and other associated injuries... I think that fighters doing silly things to make the weight through poor dehydrationa and lots and lots of sparring is most of the damage is done IMO. There will always be an arguement about headgear,but there are lots of other factors that have to be taken into consideration not just headgear alone... IMO :yep
Headgear is purely for the reduction of cuts and bruises from head clashes. It makes no real difference to the impact of punches and reduces range of vision thus making you more susceptable to punches.
When i used them it always come undone and i would fling it off and try fight without it. I can't stand them it muffles sound, Feels uncomfortable and fighters have been hit clean while trying to put head guards straight. There not for me at all.
