Wyrm episode 12. Momma said knock you out.. Lets talk boxing. As always I must point out there are two sides to every argument. There are two schools of thought when it comes to boxing, some would say boxing is an art form, a game of physical chess, a test of stamina and strategy. In contrast, some would say boxing is legalized violence, a game for thugs, who enjoy brutalizing each other. I have found most people take on of these views and hold it very firmly, there seems to be very few people who float in the middle. So at least there's one subject we're not apathetic about. So without further delay in the red corner wearing the unshakable moral high ground, the non-boxer and in the black and blue corner wearing the blood stained shoes, the boxing enthusiast, lets get ready to rumble. The positive aspects of boxing are usually overlooked by society. Prison boxing is a relatively new inititive that has been adopted in many parts of the world. Through providing a healthy outlet for the inmates aggressions and grievances they have actually reduced the levels of violence amongst the incarcerated, similar initiatives have been employed in the ghetto's of Mexico and America where at risk youth have been provided with boxing programs. Amateur boxing, with gloves, headgear and mouthpieces is relatively safe, the risks are actually minimal, believe it or not - its more dangerous to be playing a sport like soccer or baseball. Furthermore, Boxing is a martial art, well of sorts. As such, success in boxing requires large amounts of concentration, commitment and discipline all wonderful attributes. Woman’s boxing has broken new ground for the womans rights movement, only recently have women been 'allowed' to lace up the gloves and step into the ring without carrying a card with a number on it. Despite the fact I find woman’s boxing to be farcical, I do recognize how important this is to the advancement of woman’s rights.. Look out guys, sisters are doing it for themselves. The problem lies in professional boxing. Pro boxing is in a constant state of upheaval and controversy and its mainly due to one man, the one the only don king. Don king obviously does not use pantene, his hair would be more suited to the anal regions of a Sumatrin baboon and whilst he has the Einstein hairdo, the comparisons end there. Some might argue he must be an astute businessman to be were he is, I just think he’s a fat man with strange hair. Pro boxing is different for several reasons, the gloves are lighter and the headgear is gone (allowing greater potential for injury), their is an element of bloodsport and before you get all re-active lets remember blood sports were an accepted part of societies for many centuries, it's is only with our 'enlightened' consciousness that we have decided to condemn violence. Modern morality is a heavy burden to carry but I still believe violence has its place, although I do agree that violence should never be top of the options list. And if you want to keep your teeth, you'll nod and smile. Norman mailer wrote that the sound of punches echo in the mind like a heavy axe in the distance chopping into a wet log. Lovely. Fact is most of us have been in fights often unwanted or unprovoked but you never do know when that large drunk will decide you look like an easy conquest and come flailing in your direction. When Cornered I fight a lot like league legend Mal Meninga, IM a whirlwind of thrashing limbs and gnashing teeth. I've never had the displeasure of being beaten up to any serious extent. But many people have, the question.. Could boxing or other self defense training helped them avoid a pummeling? Its clear there are positive elements to boxing. As usual the choice remains with you, if you don't like boxing don’t watch it, don’t support it. Ghandi was a figurehead for the anti violence movement, he preached peaceful protest well duh... have you seen a picture of Ghandi? a 16 year old skateboarder would hit harder than him. But the idea is right on, by participating in violence you only perpetuate it, this is not to say you should let others beat the budget overflow out of you, self defense and violence are totally different things. Wisdom: Fight the war within.