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HEADGUARD DEBATE

Why did AIBA remove the headguard from men boxers?

In the past several years, AIBA made Olympic-style boxing more like professional boxing with key rule changes, including: remove men’s headguard, increase round length to 3 minutes, use the pro scoring system, and allow boxers to hold.  AIBA also established professional boxing leagues for men boxers: World Series of Boxing (WSB) and AIBA Pro Boxing (APB).

Have there been negative health effects since the removal of men's headguard?

Does removal of headguard make men's boxing more marketable and popular?

World Series of Boxing, the first AIBA professional boxing endeavor for men, began in 2010.  Over its eight seasons, it failed to gain traction in the world market.  AIBA established AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) for men recently.  It has not yet proven to be profitable.  AIBA offered entry into the Olympic Games for established professional male boxers, with three entering the Rio Olympic Games.

Doctors on record for headguard removal?

Doctors on record against headguard removal?

Robert Cantu, M.D., neurologist, author of Boxing and Medicine and Concussions and our Kids
 
Barry Jordan, M.D., neurologist specializing in sports neurology and traumatic brain injury     
  
Edward Benzel, M.D., neurologist

Association of Ringside Physicians, position statement
“There are fewer head and facial injuries when using headgear in amateur boxing. Amateur boxing is a relatively safe sport, and eliminating headgear will make amateur boxing less safe. The ARP supports the continued use of headgear in amateur boxing, as well as efforts to improve the effectiveness of the headgear.”

Did the International Olympic Committee sponsor any studies on headguard?

Yes, the IOC sponsored research that was published in the summer of 2015 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.  Authors Macintosh & Patton concluded: “In totality, the data support the opinion that current AIBA headguards can play an important role in reducing the risk of concussion and superficial injury in boxing competition and training.”

Is there published research on headguard safety?

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