Quitting Boxing due to head injury. Advice?

[lefthook3]

Hi guys, I fought and trained from the ages of 14-19 (4 fights) and I quit boxing to focus on my career. I am 27 now, and began training again as I love the sport and want to compete another few times atleast.

I stayed in shape throughout these years and put on size and strength. Got back into the boxing about 3-4 months ago.Training was going excellent, my speed and power was where I wanted it to be.
But one day (June 2018)during drills (not even sparring) I took a 10% powered punch and afterwards I had consussive symptoms like memory loss, nausea dizzy etc. It got alot worse, then about 2 weeks later a similar thing happened.

I got an MRI done and it turned out okay that my brain looks healthy (I've never been KO'd or severely rocked, or sparred more than once a week for fights) Also got a blood test which was fine, just have slightly low ferritin/iron levels which I am taking pills for.
Anyways I been training the last few months and finally sparred a few rounds last week (Sept 2018) Felt amazing, we were going about 50% power and I ate a few jabs nothing crazy. Afterwards I felt a slight headache...no dizzyness or nausea...or sensitivity to noise or light. Just headache. and slight brain fog which lasted a few days, however nothing major like speech problems or concentration issues just a slight fog.

Doctors told me I should be careful and that it could be PCS few months ago and I should be careful. Got 2 opinions from sports doctors, 1 said I can spar once every 3 months lol, the other said return when you feel better but if it keeps happening to quit but it's a bitter pill to swallow. Boxing helps me in my life and I love getting in the ring. My goal was to fight 5 more times in the next few years, I dont want to go pro, I have a great career. But just wanted to prove to myself I could step in there again. The last few days been difficult because I genuinely love the sport and physically besides the headaches could have competed again.

Any of your advice I would appreciate given you've gone through a similar road.

Should I rest up, and try again gradually. Or just not spar or fight anymore. Thanks in advance
S

[abracada]

Hi guys, I fought and trained from the ages of 14-19 (4 fights) and I quit boxing to focus on my career. I am 27 now, and began training again as I love the sport and want to compete another few times atleast.

I stayed in shape throughout these years and put on size and strength. Got back into the boxing about 3-4 months ago.Training was going excellent, my speed and power was where I wanted it to be.
But one day (June 2018)during drills (not even sparring) I took a 10% powered punch and afterwards I had consussive symptoms like memory loss, nausea dizzy etc. It got alot worse, then about 2 weeks later a similar thing happened.

I got an MRI done and it turned out okay that my brain looks healthy (I've never been KO'd or severely rocked, or sparred more than once a week for fights) Also got a blood test which was fine, just have slightly low ferritin/iron levels which I am taking pills for.
Anyways I been training the last few months and finally sparred a few rounds last week (Sept 2018) Felt amazing, we were going about 50% power and I ate a few jabs nothing crazy. Afterwards I felt a slight headache...no dizzyness or nausea...or sensitivity to noise or light. Just headache. and slight brain fog which lasted a few days, however nothing major like speech problems or concentration issues just a slight fog.

Doctors told me I should be careful and that it could be PCS few months ago and I should be careful. Got 2 opinions from sports doctors, 1 said I can spar once every 3 months lol, the other said return when you feel better but if it keeps happening to quit but it's a bitter pill to swallow. Boxing helps me in my life and I love getting in the ring. My goal was to fight 5 more times in the next few years, I dont want to go pro, I have a great career. But just wanted to prove to myself I could step in there again. The last few days been difficult because I genuinely love the sport and physically besides the headaches could have competed again.

Any of your advice I would appreciate given you've gone through a similar road.

Should I rest up, and try again gradually. Or just not spar or fight anymore. Thanks in advance
S

Get a proper diagnosis of what’s going on, could be other issues not related to getting punched in the head, eg a vitamin imbalance.

[McNulty]

Stop sparring. It's not worth it. You're not a pro or an amateur, why risk it?

[tcbender]

I feel your pain my dude. I couldn't imagine if a doctor told me stop at this point, but your overall health, longevity of life and quality of life are going to be more important than stepping in the ring.

Some ppl are just made differently and it sounds like maybe you weren't made to take a punch. I've never had a headache after sparring or brain fog or anything along those lines (even after some wars with heavy weights). Maybe its a lack of hydration or something, but in the end its going to be better not to risk it.

I don't like telling ppl to give up on their dreams/goals, but in this situation it sounds like sparring and definitely fighting should be left to the wayside. Continue to train, but stay out of the ring.

[Steven Mccowan]

Why did you only have 4 fights in 6 yrs? Was you part of a boxing gym? Just do what your body tells you. Everyone elses opinions dont matter because they not you. Seems like their should be a better doctor that would do their best to find a problem if their is one. Hey good luck and LISTEN TO YOUR OWN BODY

[SUBZER0ED]

Getting hit in the head is not good for anyone and it definitely isn't good for you. It's pretty much a no-brainer: If getting hit in the head causes you pain and discomfort, stop doing that which gets you hit in the head. Join a non-boxing gym, work out and watch the hot chicks with their tight yoga pants hugging their plump ass cheeks.

[Redd Foxx]

What you suffered is entirely normal for sparring. It typically goes away in a day. Will it cause permanent damage? It's hard to think that there won't be some small affect down the road but mild sparring is generally same.
As far as whether to continue, you have to evaluate what it means to you.

If it means keeping a passion for fitness and it gives you fulfillment in life, it may be worth the risks. Those who put safety first, always tend to have empty lives. So, I can see value in sustaining a little damage to keep boxing in your life.

I chose to stop sparring, but continue training. The reasons were both because of mental health concerns, and because of the physical toll on the body. I make a living in a field that requires me to be mentally sharp and sparring was leaving me exhausted and mentally foggy. Plus, the competitive angle had me training way more than I should, because I wanted to be the best possible. So, for me it wasn't worth it. For you it may be.
best of luck in whatever you decide.

[markyod]

This is normal when you get punched in the head, you're probably over reacting, take it easy for a bit and go again.

[OctoberRed]

This is normal when you get punched in the head, you're probably over reacting, take it easy for a bit and go again.

Some guys get scared off after getting their bell rung real good.