Fed: States should consider banning boxing AMA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2001
Fed: States should consider banning boxing AMA

The Australian Medical Association says the federal health minister's personal wish
to have boxing banned should be taken up by all states and territories.

But AMA federal president KERRYN PHELPS admits it will be difficult to ban the sport.

Federal Health Minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE says he personally wants to see boxing banned.

But the federal government has no power to legislate for it and he's calling on the
states to make the sport safer.

The minister has written to the states asking them to do all they can to tighten boxing
safety regulations, and proposes a conference to discuss safety in the sport.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says boxing could be made safer by the introduction of compulsory medical
examinations.

He wants another person, other than the referee, to have the power to stop a fight.

And better education for those involved with the sport.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says he's surprised we don't let dogs or roosters fight in public but
humans are allowed to beat each other up in public.

AAP RTV pj/rp/pc

KEYWORD: BOXING (SYDNEY)

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