My first afternoon at the fights...

First off, Congrats to Aaron! *

He had his first fight today. I'm happy for him, especially since I know he's been working really hard to get to his first match.

While at the fights I was wondering why someone would go in to a competition where you place yourself in harms way. Simply put; boxing to me is about knocking the other person senseless while protecting yourself as they try doing the same to you. This seems like a good time to mention I don't really agree with Aaron boxing.

Any sport or activity contains risk. I play ultimate frisbee and I know full well the more I play the more likely I am going to damage my knees or feet or ankles. I used to be a competitive road cyclist, where a crash in a race or training could likely mean a broken collarbone or maybe a rib.
I've been knocked unconscious playing basketball and hockey while in high school. So if you're assuming my problem with boxing is the violence or the risk to your health, you're wrong.

I don't think boxing is wrong. No more than hitting a guy with his head down in hockey, or a basketball player getting charged really hard as they set a pick (if you don't like it, keep your head up or don't set a pick). In boxing, both participants enter the ring knowing and understanding the risks, and agree to compete... just like any sport. My concern with Aaron boxing, (and perhaps with many of the younger kids there today), is the fact I don't believe he's really respecting or appreciating the risks involved.

Throughout the past few months as Aaron's training has taken on more sparring, I've noticed him showing up afterwards being what I consider punch drunk or 'in a fog'. He'd have noticeable difficulty focusing in conversations, would stutter a bit more than usual, and generally just not all be there. Now, if he were to say "Yeah, I'm not all here right now, but it's a price I'm willing to pay because I don't want to give it up.", but he doesn't. Aaron tends to say things such as The brain is hidden behind your forehead and when the front of your head is struck your brain slides back and doesn't suffer the blow.This concept I understand, however this doesn't eliminate the potential of suffering serious permanent head injury.

Really, I'm wanting to get across that if you choose to step into a ring, onto a court, on a rink, and both understand and accept the potential consequences, then go for it. Who am I to judge what's important to you. If you're in Aaron's shoes, and understand that you have a slight slur and stammer a bit after a sparring workout; and know that long term exposure to being struck in the head can harm the most important organ in your body then enjoy. I respect the fact you'd be facing against not just the other boxer, but also against your own instincts to flee or step away from harm. I am also a bit envious you are entering one of the few places left that encourages "old school 'manly' behaviour".
But, having been knocked out before, and meeting a few people who've suffered different types of head injuries (and yes, a couple boxers who didn't know when to quit), I think I'll stick to ultimate. While it is possible that playing ultimate may chronic knee or ligament injuries, I'll opt to play a sport not as likely to inflict short term memory loss or 'mind fogs'.

Aaron, if you're reading this, congratulations, I really mean it. You climbed in to ring and faced an opponent. Very few people can say they've done that.

* not his real name