Rufty-tufty government ministers are, of course, queuing up to ally themselves with the new machismo. David "Bruiser" Blunkett declares that boxing by young people is socially beneficial. Richard "Rocky" Caborn, sports minister, says he is very much in favour.
No doubt there are arguments on all sides. Fitness, training and discipline are good things for some young people. But the British Medical Association knows a lot about the effect of rattling the cerebral cortex with too much biffing and bopping.
What is really noticeable is the absence in government thinking of slippery slopes and thin ends of wedges. Well-run amateur boxing is very different from the barbarism and ear-biting of the professional heavyweight scene. But doesn't the regulated discipline of one lead some young people to the blood lust frenzy of the other? Apparently not. If you trust the view of punch-drunk cabinet heavyweights.
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