Lawmaker wants to abolish boxing in the Philippines
03/24/2008 | 10:37 PM
People may never see newly crowned WBC featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao fighting inside the ring here in the Philippines – that is, if a bill filed in the House of Representatives should become a law banning "violent sports," like boxing.
Nueva Ecija Rep. Eduardo Joson, author of House Bill No. 3743, said boxing is a dangerous sport whose basic intent is to inflict physical injury on the opponent.
He cited studies showing boxing incidents that resulted permanent damage to the fighter like brain injury and sight and hearing loss – and even death.
"Sometimes, a single punch does the damage," Joson said. "But in other cases, it is the overall effect of hundreds of punches over the many fights fought by the boxer throughout his career. For this reason, and in line with the policy of the state to promote sports for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry, the author hereby seeks to put a complete ban on boxing contest and or exhibition."
Joson also noted that fame and money a few successful boxers sends a tempting message to the youth, especially those who belong to poor families.
"Many young boys are lured to go into boxing because of that," he said.
The bill seeks to penalize a boxer with prision correccional (six months and one day to six years) and fine of not less than P200 but not more than P6,000.
Joson said no amount of money can compensate for permanent brain damage and premature death of a boxer.
Last year, boxer Angelito Sisnorio, a native of Koronadal City, died after getting head injuries in a bout in Thailand . - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV
Nueva Ecija Rep. Eduardo Joson, author of House Bill No. 3743, said boxing is a dangerous sport whose basic intent is to inflict physical injury on the opponent.
He cited studies showing boxing incidents that resulted permanent damage to the fighter like brain injury and sight and hearing loss – and even death.
"Sometimes, a single punch does the damage," Joson said. "But in other cases, it is the overall effect of hundreds of punches over the many fights fought by the boxer throughout his career. For this reason, and in line with the policy of the state to promote sports for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry, the author hereby seeks to put a complete ban on boxing contest and or exhibition."
Joson also noted that fame and money a few successful boxers sends a tempting message to the youth, especially those who belong to poor families.
"Many young boys are lured to go into boxing because of that," he said.
The bill seeks to penalize a boxer with prision correccional (six months and one day to six years) and fine of not less than P200 but not more than P6,000.
Joson said no amount of money can compensate for permanent brain damage and premature death of a boxer.
Last year, boxer Angelito Sisnorio, a native of Koronadal City, died after getting head injuries in a bout in Thailand . - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV
