By Mark Havey: There are people that call for the abolition of boxing. They allude to the many deaths as the reason. Of course you can die from boxing, but you are more likely to die crossing the road. No one calls on cars to be banned. Cars benefit them and boxing doesn’t. However, it benefits many others. Critics will point to people like Muhammad Ali as a reason that boxing should be banned. Muhammad Ali is the very reason it shouldn’t be banned.
Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali is the perfect example of boxing and its benefits. He famously started boxing after someone stole his bike. We have a boy that was destined for poverty and discrimination. A black boy in a white land, what did he have to look forward to? Boxing. Remembered by many as the greatest, Ali is most likely the most famous man on the planet. Even non boxing fans know him. He has transcended the sport. Today, children still take up boxing because of Muhammad Ali, just like the greats did. Somewhere out there right now is a 10 year old boy in a rundown gym that dreams of being like Muhammad Ali. That boy started boxing because of Ali. He will someday grow up to become the greatest pound 4 pound boxer on the planet. His own hard work will get him there, but he will have Muhammad Ali to thank for fueling the flame.
By airing his thoughts on war and race discrimination, Muhammad Ali has become a global symbol. What does he represent? Standing up for what you believe. His title and best years were stolen from him when he refused to go to war. The authorities made an example of him, yet he couldn’t be stopped.
Ali didn’t make the kind of money that current boxers make. However, he is still rich. And his charitable work has changed the lives of poor children all around the world.
Boxing keeps children off of the streets, it’s a positive thing to do with your time, teaches discipline, good for your health and fitness, teaches self defence and demands healthy eating. Whilst other teenagers are out partying, the boxer is sleeping.
Ali done well for a kid with no hopes. Not only a great fighter, but Muhammad Ali created a perpetual legacy that not only changed a sport, it changed the world.
So tell me again…. why should boxing be banned?
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