Would You Risk Your Child’s Brain For A Boxing Dream?

Would You Let Your Seven Year Old Daughter Take Up Boxing?

Niall talks to Karl Deeter about a family disagreement sparked by the influence of Katie Taylor.

Around 80,000 fans are expected at Croke Park this Saturday night to watch Taylor take on undefeated French fighter Flora Pili, but one listener says Katie’s success has caused a row at home.

His seven year old daughter is a huge Katie Taylor fan and now wants to join her local boxing club. Her dad thinks it would be fantastic for her confidence, discipline, fitness and ability to defend herself. His wife completely disagrees.

She worries that what starts as a childhood hobby could turn into a serious passion, with their daughter continuing to box into her teenage years and potentially exposing herself to serious injury. In her view, boxing is simply too dangerous and “barbaric” to encourage in a young child.

So is she right to put her foot down, or is she preventing her daughter from discovering a sport she might genuinely love?

We celebrate Katie Taylor as one of Ireland’s greatest sporting heroes, but would you actually be comfortable watching your own son or daughter step into a boxing ring?

Niall discusses the dilemma with Karl Deeter.