Kristine9299
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Registered: 12/07/08
Posts: 24
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Reply with quote | #31 |
I am in complete and total agreement with Charles. Boxing has inherent risks, it's BOXING folks! I think the new headgear is a risk in that it's SO padded etc. that I can barely see out of it!
I don't feel like a boxer anymore, I feel like a clown, or that I'm being made a fool of; why not require a clown uniform along with it?! Yes, seniors and juniors also take a risk while boxing and could possibly receive brain injuries when stepping into the ring. Yes, their brains are just as susceptible to injury. I may not be twenty, but I hardly think I'm old at 38 and have proven I can take a punch.
It's been shown statistically that other sports such as football, skiing, and horsebackriding are more dangerous, more likely to cause permanent serious injury.
I also thought it interesting that they've targeted the "older" boxers for all the extra gear. What a great marketing strategy; charge more for the population most likely to have the money!
Can't safety always be used as an excuse in boxing? This was the SAME excuse used to keep women out of the sport, for "safety". Hmm...
Kristine
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mannyspar
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Registered: 04/11/07
Posts: 274
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Reply with quote | #32 |
Hi Kristine,
I understand how you feel but I personally have to disagree with you on the reasons for the new headgear. If you look at the facts, Ringside had to pay a lot of money to get the headgear approved by USA Boxing and there are not as many Masters nor competitions that would make me say that they are targeting the Masters for a quick buck.
You have to look at the entire picture and understand that even dough you are 38 years old there are masters up to 79 year olds competing so safety especially in a tournament is the highest priority. There where complaints of the headgear this year but yet there are 96 masters competing at ringside.
Please don't get me wrong, I understand how you feel. If you guys and gals want changes, I would suggest that you contact your local boxing commission and submit your concerns to USA Boxing for 2010.
Just my thoughts, that's all.
Manny
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j_felix
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Registered: 05/27/09
Posts: 27
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Reply with quote | #33 |
the headgear isn't worth all this fuss, imo
I actually like it & will probably make it my sparring headgear also...it has a real nice dual layer padding, with the inner layer (closest to your noggin) made up of a memory-foam padding
the cheek protectors didn't inhibit me during the few rounds that I've sparred with this headgear, but maybe I'm just used to having those (I mainly use a Title brand sparring headgear w/cheeks). also, you won't look like a clown- look at all the pros that spar with Mexican-style headgear (that's what this masters one is, basically, just with better cushioning) or full-face headgear for example...and if it's any headgear that's a problem, we could always go pro & fight some 4 rounders  |
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Kristine9299
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Registered: 12/07/08
Posts: 24
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Reply with quote | #34 |
Hi Manny,
Thanks for the email, very nicely written. Initially I noticed that only Ringside carried the masters equipment which I thought interesting. However, it was explained to me that it's USA boxing's rule and Ringside was the only company willing to make it so maybe I was wrong on that one. It is frustrating after buying and sparring in headgear and then having to buy another one, in total almost $200.
I think they need to break down the age categories. In triathlon they have a master division and at 60 a grandmaster division. It's odd to me that a 35 year old be in the same category as a 79 year old. My grandmother is 81 and obviously there is a big difference between her physiology and mine.
J. Felix- I currently spar with a mexican-style headgear which I feel is quite adequate. If you like the other better, great, but hopefully it can be left up to personal preference. I'm starting to wonder what other gear will be required in the future; a foam suit?
I don't want to go pro because I feel like it would take the fun out of it. When there's money involved, not to mention promoters and managers, it changes a lot of things.
It just feels less and less like boxing to me. I showed it to my current trainer, a 59 year old ex-amateur boxer and he stated "Wow, you have to wear that to compete"? I felt embarrassed. As my trainer, he's obviously concerned about my safety but thinks it's a bit over the top. My previous coach and I are still friends and I'd never show it to him, he'd laugh his butt off! I guess I'm worried about the "slippery slope" effect.
I think many of us are so grateful for the chance to compete as amateurs that we'll do just about anything. I will continue to spar in my regular headgear.
I don't know, maybe if I decide to race cars I'll wear that instead of a helmet; it should be more effective  !
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Romanwild
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Registered: 10/06/07
Posts: 162
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Reply with quote | #35 |
I have been trying to find where it states in the Rulebook that the Masters headgear is mandatory. The stamp on the one I saw just says masters approved. Nothing about USABoxing like the normal fight headgear.
The 16oz gloves are mandatory. I know that.
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Charles
“Advice must be given, rune written, song sung, fame earned,
judgment pronounced, the day seized”
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mannyspar
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Registered: 04/11/07
Posts: 274
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Reply with quote | #36 |
Good morning everyone,
The Ringside Tournament was a big success and it truly was a pleasure meeting the masters there. In my personal opinion the headgear is blown way out of proportion. All of the Masters that I talked to that competed, 104 of them to be exact had no problems with the headgear. For those that missed the tournament because of headgear I am truly sorry that you did because you missed a great event. The competition, the excitement, the atmosphere and just the humble and kindness that each master has was so impressive and refreshing. Highlights from some amazing female boxers to a 79 year old showing his skill.
I personally want to thank all that participated, you all where amazing! For those that didn't get the chance this year I hope you have a chance to experience this type of atmosphere, it will leave you speechless.
If you are so passionate about the headgear and rules that Ringside or USA Boxing has then you need to get involved, be part of the commission. Ask your local boxing commission questions. There is no right or wrong answer, the rules where set and those that participated accepted the rules and many if not all where happy with the end result on headgear and being able to compete. It wasn't out of desporation or that this was there only chance to compete. Going from 68 masters last year to 104 competing shows that headgear was not an issue.
Just my two cents, maybe just worth one.
Manny
Manny
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