At the risk of sounding like a prick...

[Headrek1]

Does boxing really make you dumber? I'm not trying to insinuate anything about anybody on this site, I'm new (to the site and the sport), and haven't had my first real round yet, so I can't talk about anybody. But you watch the movies like Rocky and look at how people make fun of Evander Holyfield or even Muhamad Ali (I know he has a disease, but I thought it was accelerated because he boxed), and even though I want to fight, I don't want to end up ******ed when I'm 40 something. Does it really make you slower, or is it just a matter of A) how hard your being hit, B) how often you get hit, or C)luck/genetics/etc. If it's either A or B I've got serious work to do because even though I'm skinny I don't consider myself to be especially quick/agile when it comes to moving my body to do the nesscary dodging it takes to not get hit.

[cyberthugpatrol]

only if you suck as a boxer.

if you constantly get the **** kicked outta you, then logic tells you that the brain can only take so much.

let me ask, does pro football make you dumber ?

in all seriousness, no. it does not make you dumber. on the contrary, I think it makes you smarter and healthier

[Kid Achilles]

Brain damage is a serious concern in boxing. Let's be realistic here. Even if your defense is exceptional, legendary, and you're only getting hit with 10% of your opponent's punches (a ridiculous number made to represent an almost perfect fighter), it still adds up if you have 50 pro fights, 100 amateur fights, and thousands of rounds of sparring.

If you go pro you are ******** with your life and the health of your brain period. Even having an extensive amateur career can be dangerous.

I love boxing and will defend it until my death but this is the truth and something you personally need to come to terms with before you begin to even spar.

[leff]

Does boxing really make you dumber? I'm not trying to insinuate anything about anybody on this site, I'm new (to the site and the sport), and haven't had my first real round yet, so I can't talk about anybody. But you watch the movies like Rocky and look at how people make fun of Evander Holyfield or even Muhamad Ali (I know he has a disease, but I thought it was accelerated because he boxed), and even though I want to fight, I don't want to end up ******ed when I'm 40 something. Does it really make you slower, or is it just a matter of A) how hard your being hit, B) how often you get hit, or C)luck/genetics/etc. If it's either A or B I've got serious work to do because even though I'm skinny I don't consider myself to be especially quick/agile when it comes to moving my body to do the nesscary dodging it takes to not get hit.

repeated blows the head is obiusly not godd.

however if your new and figting ammature i wouldnt worry, ammature boxing is a relativly safe sport.

you hve to get beat the crap out off, often for years to get permenantly punch drunk(dementica pugilistica).

[fraidycat]

"You must spread some reputation around before giving it to Kid Achilles again."

Some beer comin' your way, bro.

[fraidycat]

And actually, Hedrek, this discussion reminds of something my doctor said before checking me out after my first fight. He said,

"Boxing is great for your overall fitness, but lousy for your health."

[Kid Achilles]

So true my friend. Not only for the brain, but for your organs as well.

And boxing and drinking together? Go ask Jerry Quarry's ghost.

[BrooklynBomber]

Well, something not many talk about, but what I learned in boxing is was to think fast and smooth. Yeah, you do get some damage do your brain, especially the ko's which are the classical concussion. But at the same time boxing teaches you to make decisions qquickly and analyze and frightening speed.

[BrooklynBomber]

And actually, Hedrek, this discussion reminds of something my doctor said before checking me out after my first fight. He said,

"Boxing is great for your overall fitness, but lousy for your health."

lol, my doctor once said that amateur sport makes you healthier, professional sport destroys you. He was right somewhere.

[yrrej]

Obviously suffering minor cerebral hemorrhages in sparring and actual fights on a regular basis for years doesn't do one much good, but some of the old timers are just as alert as they ever were. Hard to say sometimes if it is 'dementia puglilistic' or just poor aging like lots of non-fighters, e.g. Alzheimers, etc.