It seems counter-intuitive to suggest that boxing without head guards causes less damage to the human head than boxing with them, especially with so much blood being shed in the ring at the Commonwealth Games!
However, the Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) changed the rules in 2013 when two separate studies presented evidence that the removal of head guards actually reduces concussions. Many involved in the sport maintain that boxing is more exciting as a result, but it remains a controversial topic when sports related concussion has been in the news headlines so much recently. Without the head guards the sport is seeing more cuts though, and the frustration of those unfortunate competitors deemed unfit to continue if their cuts don’t heal quickly enough must be keenly felt.
The guards have been dropped for elite male boxers, but retained for women and junior level competitors.
The AIBA has agreed to carry out a detailed study of the impact of scrapping head guards for amateur contests when the Commonwealth Games have concluded.
Source articles: http://www.sportsfan.com.au/boxing-chiefs-to-probe-headguards/tabid/91/newsid/139358/default.aspx
