As more Nigerian celebrities take to the boxing ring in pursuit of multi-million naira prizes, neurosurgeons have warned that repeated blows to the head, eyes and other vulnerable parts of the body could leave untrained contestants with short- and long-term life-altering injuries, especially as many compete without proper protective gear.
The specialists stated that repeated punches to the head, which often determine the outcome of boxing bouts, expose participants to concussion, bruises, bleeding in the brain, dementia, paralysis, blindness and even death if the contests are not properly regulated.
They stressed that while professional boxing is an established sport, untrained celebrities entering the ring for entertainment or financial rewards are further at risk of eye damage, jaw fractures, loss of consciousness, and long-term conditions including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, stressing that such conditions outweigh any prize money or popularity gained from the contests.
In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts also called for stricter regulation of celebrity boxing events, saying referees, organisers and medical personnel must intervene early to prevent serious injuries and ensure participants are adequately protected.
