Kids...boxing?
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
Philippines
April 16, 2007 12:25pm CST
As the country rejoice for the win of Manny Pacquiao over Jorge Solis. What they don't know and realize. A lot of young children are deeply affected with this kind of publicity. With the trend of boxing, of being a very famous and good paying sport; especially with the rise from rugs to riches of Manny Pacquiao, children of 3 to 13 years old started to undergo boxing training.
In some provinces here in the Philippines, junior boxing or children boxing is consider legal in some recognized associations. But how about the amateurs? The illegal fights? I have seen this local documentary of "emergency" where children were fighting one another, in a boxing ring. They give all their strength and you can see their little fragile body, colapsing with the blow of the opponents.
Maybe you'll ask where are the parents? Unfortunately, some are there, cheering and clapping for their children. Supporting them in their innocent endeavor to win the boxing fight. Not aware of the repercussions each blows would have on the fragile body of the child.
And to add, there is no fight doctor on the site, no competent medical team or ambulance on standby, because it is an unformal fight. Children at this age, could suffer from brain injuries, damaged nerved cells and to extreme events coma. And these actions will repercutes itself thru their lifetime.
I'm not condemning boxing as a sport. But I hope our society would be aware of the harm of boxing for young children. And protect the child against such abuse. And this post is to inform parents about it. Therfore parents supervision and advices are highly recommended. I hope the local government do something about it. To make it more safe for children.
How about in your country? is there such sports that is damaging to children's health? Or what do you think about young children boxing? (^^,)
Source: "Emergency documentary-unicef awardee-Ch7"
5 people like this
14 responses
@aidonia (4209)
• Greece
16 Apr 07
I don't like boxing or any kind of sports like this.The good is that at my country boxing isn't so popular sport.many people care about it and less they watching.
I'm very glad we haven't kids boxing at all.I'll never understand them parents,if you can call them parents...Just my opinion.
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
16 Apr 07
well, boxing, taekwando, judo, and as such are considered physical sports and i guess it's nice to learn them. as i say, it entails much responsibility is getting into sports like it.
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
16 Apr 07
sorry.. not physical sports but contact sports. forgive my errors.
1 person likes this
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
I don't know why, those parents would put their children, especially the 3 years old, in the hands of so incompetent trainor. And have them fight in illegal fights. They are a lot of guidelines and right procedures that lacked in their training. I have nothing against contact sports. My siblings and I even had judo during my teen years. It is just the way the children are so misguided and unware of proper training; is so alarming and scary too. (^^,)
@bluewings (3857)
•
16 Apr 07
The sport, even if it's a dangerous one , survives and gets sponsored because it's a big money churner.I understand people taking to it as adults, but the influence it has on children isn't too encouraging.That said,we can't realistically get them to abandon it due to the level of excitement and fame associated with it.However,what we can is to create awareness for the need of protective gears for the young people involved in boxing.I have witneessed several boxing matches on AXN and nat geo where hardly any protection was used fo rthe head or the mandible.If kids follow their idols then it could drastically harm them.In our country what's more popular is wrestling.There are several schools called 'akharas' run by so called gurus who teach kids to build their muscles from very early age and fight their opponents,but it can't be as devastating as a boxing match gone wrong.
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
16 Apr 07
It's so frightening and alarming. A lots of awarness is needed. And I think professionals only should teach them the right techniques and ways for a safer fights. And they should be boundaries for children in those kind of sports. The "akharas" looks like a very tough sports too and very harmful for children. It's so alarming and scary nowadays that children are into this kind of sports. I just hope, they would make it more safer, more secure for children.(^^,)
@bluewings (3857)
•
16 Apr 07
My exact semtiments ,Aphroditei.They won't look such fatal when we use the necessary protection.You made a great point about using the right techniques.I guess they use the deadly punches because points are allotted on just on the blows ,but also on their intensity and forcefulness.No one likes to see their kids become deaf or lose an eye an such a young age.We should definitely rally behind safer training so children can enjoy being children even if they choose such sports as careers.
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
29 Apr 07
All I can say on a personal note is that I wish I had the opportunity to box as a child. Then I wouldn't have suffered from the intense bullying at school. It would have improved my life tenfold. I wouldn't have suffered the abuse as a young lad. There is nothing wrong with children boxing, and I would support it but I think under 10 is too young. Serious damage could be done and when children are developing it could stunt certain parts of their growth. Boxing should be used as self-defence for the child's own protection and it will also stop bullying!
1 person likes this
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
29 Apr 07
It's okay Wolfie, I perfectly understand the feeling. I'm not against children boxing as well. But I hope our government, promotes a better and safer way for children to enjoy it as a sport and as a way of self-defense. And put some sanction on illegal practices of it which puts the health of the children in danger. And as you said an age limit will be better too. Thank you for your response Wolfie! I really appreciate it. (^^,)
@lafavorito (2959)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
hi aphroditei! I haven't watched the documentary but I saw the commercial about it, I feel sad for the children inside the boxing ring. Yes boxing is a sport but they also rely on the strength of the punch in order to take down the opponent, unlike karate or taekwondo where the moves are controlled while the punch or kick sould hurt the opponent but not to the point in making the other bleed. In the provinces I think more boys like boxing more than studying, now that is really sad.
I would never ever make my son do all the work so that we can have a better life, heck I'm the parent that is my duty.
1 person likes this
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
Applause Lafavorito! Well, said, it is so sad that parents don't know how to earn for a decent living nowadays and use their children for that. I hope our local government takes some actions regarding this matter, to assure the welfare of children. Thank you Lafavorito! Have a nice day! (^^,)
@romel_ece (1290)
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
Yes, I agree with you that the government should do something regarding kids being exposed to boxing at young age.I think boxing is a nice sport but in a sense being exposed to it at a very young age is not advisable.I would also encourage parents like me to highly supervised and advise our children not to indulge boxing as their sport while they are still young.
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
Yah, I agree with you too, while they are a little bit older is more advisable. Thanks for responding Romel! Have a nice day! (^^,)
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
16 Apr 07
i am happy with manny pacquiao's victory. i always am. his triumphs make me more proud to say, i am a filipino, too.
it's just sad to know that there had been issues like the ones you've mentioned. i haven't seen that episode on tv. but i know what you are talking about.
i don't blame much our government about it. if i have a kid and he/she wants to take up boxing lessons, i will let my kid do it. but with responsibility ofcourse.
boxing is one good sport if responsible in any of your acts. the ones should be blamed more are the kids who do the illegal stuffs and mostly, the parents who allow their kids to do this because of money.
the government can be partly blamed but i guess the government can't totally stop all these illegal activities unless the parents and children won't work hand in hand to stop this matter.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Apr 07
My son did boxing in school but they were training sessions for defence But to let little fellers fight with no doc or anything is way out of line and how can the parents not know what could happen to the kid in the ring .even grown men have been killed in the ring with one hit just right and they have califlower ears and nerve damage too. What is wrong with the parents I would rather them to wrestle than box but I do like to watch boxing.
1 person likes this
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
I do like to watch boxing too. And I would let my child do boxing if he wants, but not with an irresponsible handler. It is too scary. And you have a point Lakota, if adults get wounded so badly how about little child with no ambulance on standby. (^^,)
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
17 Apr 07
i ahve alos noticed that in my country so many kids have been into boxing ..i just hope that their respective parent knows all their activities and must be guided accordingly..negligence in the part of the parents make them accessories of this to their children.
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
20 Apr 07
Thank you Vanities, sorry for the late response ha.And I agree with you the parents have the sole responsibility to supervise to the welfare of their children. And they should be sanctionned for being negligent in their duty, especially in any sports or activities which involved their children. Thank you for your response Vanities. Have a great day! (^^,)
@gemini1960 (1161)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
im living in the philippines too..but i dont see any wrong on boxxing per see..in regards to children doing it ..boxing now is consider a sports even in the olympic it is included have you forgotten that? its not an abuse thing its what we called training at an early age like some sports in running and etc..however in boxing it must be done legally and with direct supervision on the concern govt.units so that children or young adults will not be violated or abuse as you called it..
@bluewings (3857)
•
17 Apr 07
I agree with you ,Aphroditei.The governmental initiative in protetting kids at such early ages into a dangerous sport is necessary.Also, the introduction of professional trainers can't be overlooked as safety is the primary concern.
Even when kids take it up as a hobby ,i'ts mandatory to put in place measures that ensure they don't stretch it too far in an effort to make money at such a tender age.If they suffer an injury in the developmental phase ,their dream of becoming a champion boxer or fighter could end right there.However, with professional supervision and proper equipments they could enjoy the sport without harming themselves in the formative years.
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
With the popularity of Manny Pacquiao, our little ones start to think that it is the only way to earn money. Who can blame them? All the money garnered by Pacquiao was plastered all over the media. Some parents even encourage them to join with the selfish thought that their kids will lift them up from poverty.
I find this whole boxing thing nothing but a crap. I'm sure you're aware of the politicians lurking around Pacquiao. They should focus more on the health issue of our young boxers. Sadly, politicians only care about how much will go to their pockets.
1 person likes this
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
All those politicians are always around Pacquiao, instead of taking care of the welfare of those mislead children. Thank you for sharing BunnyCharms! (^^,)
@Gemmygirl1 (2867)
• Australia
17 Apr 07
Of course it's a sport here in Australia, i'm not a big fan of it but it involves a lot of skill, a lot of athletisism & a lot of training & preparation to be good enough to get anywhere.
A child is only likely to get seriously hurt if they show off & try to take on someone that is a lot older, bigger & stronger than they are - look at any match, the 2 guys boxing are in the same weight category - it means their size, speed & strength is of about the same level. Same applies when kids are learning.
They do wear head gear & i'm sure children's boxing would encourage more protective gear to be worn.
This is my question to you though :-
HOW DID WE GET THE CURRENT WORLD CHAMPION BOXERS THAT WE HAVE TODAY?
Yes, they were once children, they possibly started the sport as kids & continued on as they enjoyed the challenges that were involved.
It might not be a sport everyone likes or supports but if a child has an interest in this sport, it's not really right to say they cant participate just because you don't like the sport yourself.
@bluewings (3857)
•
17 Apr 07
Hi Gemmygirl.I feel that Aphroditei's point here is though boxing is a great sport ,children at such young age (3-4 years) could harm themselves when fighting under unprofessional trainers and without protective gears as a damage in the early ages won't even give them the chance to chase their dream.We hear the stories of the champions ,but never get to hear about the kids who suffer irreparable damage to their eyes ,ears and can't live a normal life.
I had a friend who was boxing at an early age and a right hook broke the greater ala of his nose and his nose remained twisted since standard three.He had to give up boxing after that,but his confidence level had suffered a jolt after that. I feel such incidents could be limited when they are trained by professionals ,but participate in the fights only when they come of age.No doubt boxing is a popular sport ,but the violence involved couldn't always be good when our primary focus are the children.There is already enough violence being reported in the school campus around the world over and the increase in such incidents is indeed a worrying trend.
1 person likes this
@ozzydee70 (465)
• Germany
16 Apr 07
Poverty is the main reason why those kids want to be a boxer or why parents push their son to be a boxer, they thought its an easy money. they'l be in good hands though if they are with the legitimate trainers or managers. the problem is there's loads also of crooks that doing or dealing the illegal fights. all we can do is hope that the gov't will lift a finger on that issue.
@Aphroditei_5279 (2465)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
Yes, I agree, they would be in good hand with legitimate, legal and experienced trainers. And they'll enjoy this sport more. And it is alarming to know gambling on children's fights are done too. And the reward, of bieng payed, a mediocre amount of money after the match, is not a good way to promote sportmanship for children. (^^,)
