Can light sparring punches lead to brain damage?

[Amateurboxer19]

I'm older now so boxing is like 20 years ago...altercations have always been on a must do no choice basis for me.

Just be aware that if you getting hit in the head it's not a good thing for you.

Okay thank you, I will just find proper techniques and train correctly without sparring and avoid confrontation unless it is absolutely necessary. I want to live a long healthy life

[The Problem]

Okay thank you, I will just find proper techniques and train correctly without sparring and avoid confrontation unless it is absolutely necessary. I want to live a long healthy life

Call yourself Amatuerboxer, yet..you're afraid to spar.. Maybe change your name to Boxingfan or something. You will always Take damage dude, and no there's no such thing as light sparring Sparring Egos will always get in the way. And you actually take more damage from constant light punches than the hard thudding shots

[Eastbound]

My opinion, light sparring (50% max) is better for your head (and learning boxing skills) than hard sparring at 100%. I also think anyone with experience has the ability to pull their punches. Things can escalate quick sometimes, and you can either go for this ride or stop and let it be known that its too much, and back off some. Most people are reasonable and get it. I personally like to return a questionably hard head shot with a decent body shot to slow them down. Body shots hurt more immediately after.

[Quiksilva]

It's part of the sport. This is why most people say you play football, basketball but you don't play boxing.

If you're afraid of taking damage then I suppose boxing is not for you.

[Warrior Scholar]

Think about football for a second, I was a lineman in high school. We'd line up and charge each other once or so a week, it was a drill. whoever got lower usually was the victor. First time I ever saw a guy get knocked clean the F out was doing this drill, he was a Tight end going up against the top offensive lineman. He was out for about 40 seconds, then we just made him lay on the ground and wait for an ambulance. Haven't seen too many KO's like that.
oh, and the guy didnt quit and stayed first string.

[cv808]

I think this is an interesting thread. I haven't sparred and probably won't for awhile. I know my coach really wants me in the ring eventually. I legitimately feel like we're sparring when we do focus mitts lol. That sounds absurd but my coach comes at me to teach me to block, bob, weave, step in, etc. all defensive things and he doesn't hit me hard, but he makes sure I can feel each time I was unable to block a hit. We're all over the ring during mitts, to help with footwork too. Anyway, maybe that's a good alternative until you're confident and ready to actually live spar, do more mitts.

[TheReadyTimeBoy]

Honestly the truth is that boxing is bad for your brain. No ifs or buts.

That doesn't mean you will necessarily experience cognitive decline from boxing. don't spar hard more than once a week. Maybe twice max if u have a fight coming up.

Learn to move your head and keep your hands up. Use your jab. Move your feet. This kind of stuff makes a big difference. Stops you from taking tons of punishment.

Honestly every time I talk to an ex pro and even some active pros, they sound fcuked up. They have like a distinctive drawl to their voice. Like it might one day turn into a full blown slur.

[The Problem]

Honestly the truth is that boxing is bad for your brain. No ifs or buts.

That doesn't mean you will necessarily experience cognitive decline from boxing. don't spar hard more than once a week. Maybe twice max if u have a fight coming up.

Learn to move your head and keep your hands up. Use your jab. Move your feet. This kind of stuff makes a big difference. Stops you from taking tons of punishment.

Honestly every time I talk to an ex pro and even some active pros, they sound fcuked up. They have like a distinctive drawl to their voice. Like it might one day turn into a full blown slur.

It's the eyes that get me.. Guys that have over 60+ am fights you can tell sometimes not right lol

[Quiksilva]

The human brain isn't meant to be hit - but we do it anyway because of our primitive instincts.

And sparring and fighting is fun, it has its pros and cons - you just have to learn how to do it safely.

Spar with heavy headgear and 16 oz gloves always. You're in there to practice not hurt your opponent.

[Rockin']

The human brain isn't meant to be hit - but we do it anyway because of our primitive instincts..

Spar with heavy headgear and 16 oz gloves always.

Your headgear comment, while believed by many, has actually been proven false. Thus, why the amateurs no longer wear headgear in sanctioned bouts. (It is now optional I believe). Same with your 16oz glove comment, not true. While these larger barriers do limit the amounts of serious brain injuries the smaller injuries are actually multiplied because you will first be jarred by the initial blow (padding of the glove/headgear) and then the force of the fist and body behind it. So your brain will bounce multiple times in your skull adding more possibilities for injuries.


Up in my quote, your first sentence is A1, on point, that's the fact Jack comments ever posted in these forums. …………..Rockin'