In theory, taking blows from highly trained athletes in boxing seems to have a high potential to alienate participants. However, an intriguing addictive effect often takes hold. Fighters, regardless of their skill, tend to retire too late, much like Muhammad Ali's unwavering desire to box. You might expect more boxers to follow Sunny Edwards' path and admit defeat at a young age, but many feel an undeniable pull towards the sport.

Boxing - A Sport with an Addictive Exit

Boxing's Allure and the Fighter's Dilemma

1: The allure of boxing is undeniable. Lennox Lewis, in 2004, spoke wisely about leaving the sport behind but realized the "drug" of boxing. Even in 2024, at 58 years old, he still considered a comeback. Tyson Fury, despite being at the elite level, didn't listen to his wife or himself when it came to retirement. The feeling of walking to the ring for a big fight is like being at the center of the universe, and an old identity waits to be slipped back on. 2: Boxing has a clear exit ramp, but too many ways back. The money is tempting, and the adrenaline rush is hard to resist. It's as if the sport holds a magnetic pull that fighters find difficult to break free from.

The Physical Risks and Retirement Preparations

1: Boxing poses a significant physical risk. After retirement, fighters may be left to their own devices and end up coming back. Mike Tyson is a prime example of this. Planning for retirement during a boxing career might seem incongruous, but many boxers are ill-prepared for the end. Even those who leave at the right time, like Andre Ward, found it challenging to stay away. 2: There are organizations that offer support to retired boxers, such as the California Professional Boxer Pension Fund and the IBF's Special Assistance to Retired Boxers Fund. However, they often fall short in adequately informing fighters. The WBC's Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund aims to provide holistic support, but mental health assistance seems to be lacking on a larger scale.

The Need for Comprehensive Support

1: Boxers need more than just financial aid. They need regular therapy and psychological assistance to resist the addictive nature of boxing. They need help integrating into non-boxing jobs and commissions that refuse to sanction fighters who should be retired. Without these supports, retirement will remain temporary for many. 2: Images of retired boxers like Matthew Saad Muhammad and Evander Holyfield serve as a reminder of the sport's potential to abandon its participants. Boxers need a safety net to ensure they can move on from boxing and lead fulfilling lives.