Women's Olympic boxing decision disappoints brain injury charity

Headway, a charity that supports those with brain injuries, has reacted angrily to the IOC's decision to allow women's boxing at the London 2012 Olympics.

"We are deeply concerned to hear that the IOC is considering adding women's boxing to the Olympic programme," said Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway. "This is nothing to do with the sex of the competitors as we believe all forms of boxing should be banned with immediate effect."

McCabe claims that eleven medical associations around the world support a ban on boxing, with scientific research showing that boxing significantly increases the risk of long-term brain injuries, even when headguards are used.

"Introducing women's boxing at the Olympics would simply serve to glamorise the sport to a new audience and lead to more young women putting their health at risk," believes McCabe.

SOURCE: Headway