BMA criticises increased funding for boxing

The British Medical Association has criticised the decision by UK Sport to award greatly increased funding to boxing in the run up to the next Olympic Games.

“It’s a setback to our campaign against boxing, and it’s worrying,” said Vivienne Nathanson, director of professional activities at the BMA. “We worry about how many go into it without knowing the risks.”

British boxers did very well at the London Olympics, winning three gold medals, a silver, and a bronze, putting them top of the medal table. This represents something of a rebirth for amateur boxing in the United Kingdom, which in 2004 sent a single representative to the Athens Olympics, Amir Khan, who came home with a silver. Half of this year’s 10 team members won medals.

UK Sport has adopted the policy of rewarding the successful; and boxing’s share of the pot for the …