Among changes to the rules of boxing in the past 150 or so years have been:
(1) The introduction of rounds, instead of a continuous fight until one man could fight no more or was knocked out. (2) The banning of bare knuckle fights with the introduction of muffled hands, and then boxing gloves. (Fists as well as heads could be damaged for life.) (3) The banning of head butting. (4) The introduction of not hitting below the belt.
None of the above were easily accepted by the fancy at the time.
The main vested interests affected by this new proposal are boxers, boxing promoters, bookmakers, manufacturers and ancillary workers. They should all realise that boxing is on shaky ground. The anti-boxing lobby is alive and may get stronger, but if those interested in the continuance of boxing will take on board this 'limited target' idea, their financial stake in boxing will be safe.
Boxers will never again have the dread of a 'bad' brain scan or permanent eye damage hanging over them.
Boxing will continue to meet the needs of the aggressive spirit of the public and of young men. Amateur boxing would be happy to fall into line and might well increase in popularity in the services and schools.
If a spirited lead is given by the United Kingdom with this idea, it will no doubt be followed worldwide.
Rev. John Worthington, Moorland Cottage, Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LG (tel 0425 654448).