What distinguishes boxing from most other sports is that causing hurt and injury is its very aim. It is also the result. Medical evidence shows that repeated blows to the head endured by boxers produce cumulative and irreversible brain damage.
Violence is the vested interest of boxing. The noble art of self-defence consists of deliberately attempting to inflict brain damage on an opponent.
Boxers not only voluntarily enter the boxing ring, but increasingly know exactly the risks they are taking. How can a society that allows smoking, drinking and pollution condemn an individual choice of occupation ?