When is the appropriate time for a boxer to call it a day? Do they retire at their peak, or do they stop when they feel they have nothing left to give? Do they stop because their earnings have ensured they no longer have to fight, or do they carry on because they simply need the money? One of the most difficult situations for a fighter, is when to decide to stop fighting, and it is essential that they get the timing right. Boxing is a brutal sport, and fighters refusing to retire are putting themselves at huge risk of damaging themselves in the long run, so a boxer must know when to call it a day at the right time. An older boxer refusing to retire could take more damage in one fight against a younger athlete, than they have done in the rest of their career. The harsh reality of this damage is long term issues with the brain that can come as a direct result of fighting beyond your expiration date.
Boxing has always been linked with neurological issues, with fighters tending to put themselves more at risk of experiencing them the longer they continue to fight. Chronic traumatic brain injury, or ‘chronic traumatic encephalopathy’, is considered to be the most deadly health issue in boxing, with those suffering with it commonly known as being “punch drunk”. CTE is known to be more common within the professional scene rather than amateur due to the lack of head-guards, with the risk of developing it during or after a career proving to be the biggest scare for a fighter. The issue itself is caused by repeated blows to the head, with episodes of concussion also proving to be a catalyst for its development. CTE is known to begin several years after receiving damage to the head, and has been seen to lead towards cases of dementia later on in life. Typical symptoms of the neurological issue include issues with thinking and short term memory, with slurred speech, significant memory problems, and Parkinsonism developing with the condition.
Over the years, key research has been undertaken on active and retired boxers, to understand more about the risks of brain issues such as CTE. No accurate figure is yet to be established, but it is thought that around 20% of boxers are currently living with CTE. Furthermore, epidemiological research conducted on ex-professional British boxers who had careers in the 1930s-50s showed that 17% had CTE. A notable sufferer of CTE was hall of fame legend Sugar Ray Robinson, who died in 1989. The boxing legend arguably remained in the ring too long, and developed neurological issues over the course of his life. He eventually developed Alzheimer's, having been struggling with the condition for many years. Over 90% of boxers suffer from multiple concussions during their careers, however medical awareness in boxing is continuously rising, whilst career longevity has been slowly decreasing amongst fighters.
As awareness for brain conditions such as CTE continues to shed light on the dangers of contact sports such as boxing, it is vital that those participating do everything they can to protect themselves from suffering with them later on in their lives. Whilst short term measures such as wearing head guards during sparring can also do their part in lessening the chances of damaging the body, boxers must understand the risks that they are putting themselves at as they continue to fight beyond their primes. A fighter refusing to accept retirement must look at sufferers of brain conditions such as Muhammed Ali and Micky Ward, and decide whether they want to risk putting themselves through similar ordeals. Whilst retirement is an uphill battle for many who cannot part with the sport, remaining in the ring poses a much more substantial risk. Boxing can rapidly turn from a friend into an enemy, and fighters must protect themselves by retiring at the right moment.