Boxer calls for pre-fight brain scan after Towell death
Boxer Nick Blackwell is calling for boxers to be evaluated by a handheld brain scanner pre weigh-in.
Nick Blackwell, who has recovered after being put into an induced coma following a bout in March, is now calling for fellow boxers to be checked by a handheld brain scanner a day before fights.
The Infrascanner device, which can detect clots and brain bleeds with an accuracy of 90% before symptoms such as headaches develop, is being trialled by London’s Air Ambulance for head-trauma incidents.
Blackwell, the youngest English middleweight champion suffered a bleed on the skull following a defeat to Chris Eubank JNR.
Like Scottish boxer Mike Towell who died after he was seriously injured in a bout, Blackwell had been suffering headaches prior to the fight.
The Boxing Board of Control have said that “formal conversations have been held with regards to using the infrared scanner in the sport. The Bѿý will consider any studies received and look at all aspects.”
Blackwell told 5 live that boxers are “our own worst enemies” because “we don’t want to let everyone down” before a fight.
“No matter how much money you are making in a fight, your health is more important,” he added.
This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Thursday 21 October 2016.
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