BOXING fans have won a knockout victory after their sport was given the backing of Bolton councillors. Leisure services members last night decided that they would support the sport ... despite calls from the British Medical Association to think again. They decided they would give their backing to amateur boxing provided that clubs are affiliated to the Amateur Boxing Association and apply its rules.

In addition, professional events can be staged on council premises subject to normal licensing requirements.

As predicted in last night's BEN, councillors rejected claims by the BMA that it can cause serious injury.

Injuries

A report presented to councillors said that a recent Sports Council survey ranked it 27th out of 28 in a league table of injuries recorded in different sports.

Swimming, horse riding and cycling recorded many more injuries than boxing.

Councillors were also told that there are strict rules about the use of headgear and competitors have to undergo thorough health checks.

Cllr Frank White, who is chairman of Castle Hill boxing club, said: "I fully support this recommendation. I have spent many happy hours boxing in the days before today's rules on head protection and it has not done me any harm ... although others may disagree."

He explained that at a recent Albert Halls bout between Castle Hill and Bolton Lads' Club youngsters were not allowed to take part because officials judged they did not have suitable opponents.

"Enthusiasm would have carried these lads into the ring, but it is not enough, the sport itself has to be satisfied that they have suitable opponents.

"It is a healthy well-controlled sport and I believe we should support it."

His Labour colleague Cllr Mrs Sharon Keatings added: "I fear that if we do ban it, then we will drive the sport underground and there will be no control."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.