International boxing officials defend the decision to ban headgear

International boxing officials say that medical evaluations from the recent Asian Games have validated their controversial decision to stop using headgear.

The AIBA reported that no boxers were found to have suffered concussions during the international competition in South Korea.

“This result demonstrates that concussion should not be an issue for the sport of boxing if Elite Men’s Competitions are held without headguards,” officials said in a statement.

The governing body reversed its long-standing policy on headgear for men last year, citing medical research that showed extra padding actually increases the potential for concussion.

The reasoning goes like this: Unprotected fighters won’t punch as hard or butt with their heads. Also, bulky headgear decreases peripheral vision and makes for a larger target that is easier to hit.

Women and youth are still required to wear headgear because they do not hit as hard.

Some in the sport have criticized the recent rule change, arguing that bare-headed fighters are more likely to suffer facial cuts.

The AIBA has adopted stricter rules against using the head and elbows, saying the rate of cuts has decreased to less than 3%.

“AIBA believes cuts are not a major concern as they will naturally go away at the higher level of boxing competitions as time goes by, due to the fact that the boxers, coaches and referees will know how to conduct the bouts avoiding cuts,” the statement said.