Speaker
Description
Boxing has been the subject of an ongoing debate of its effects on the physical and mental health of participants as well as the legitimization and glamourization of physical violence which may result in the exploitation of men and women from vulnerable socioeconomic communities. To the contrary, advocates argue that boxing provides a healthy lifestyle alternative to the appeals of antisocial behaviour. More specifically the boxing gym is seen as a safe therapeutic space for men and women to challenge hegemonic masculinity, managing emotions as well as effecting change. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to contextualise the debate through the voices of local boxers. Utilizing interviews and thematic analysis, the following questions will be explored: What does boxing mean to them? Has it played a role in negotiating life challenges? What issues they have had to counter inside and outside the ring? How would they like to be received by boxing administrators and society? The researcher’s activism will take the form of awareness sessions to pave the way for discussions and negotiations with boxing officials to build and improve on existing interactions.
