The first specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in the region, Qatar’s Aspetar hospital was the focus of a symposium of worldwide specialists to discuss Orofacial Trauma in Boxing, held during the AIBA World Championships with a guest appearance from the International Boxing Association’s President Dr Chin Kuo-Wu.

Following the launch of AIBA’s HeadsUp! initiative to encourage boxers to adopt a more upright style in the ring, Dr Wu highlighted the importance of education as a key pillar in protecting boxers’ health.

“The safety of boxers is our top priority,” said Dr Wu. “There was a perception that headguards improved that, but our research shows concussions have actually dropped since their removal in 2013. The fact that there have been zero instances of concussion and just five cuts during the 2015 World Championships proves that we are on the right path.”

The AIBA Medical Commission have studied more than 11,000 bouts all over the world, and that analysis, along with workshops for referees and coaches, has continued in Doha. “Prevention is always better than treatment, and AIBA is one of the first boxing associations to have an integrated injury prevention program. We are taking a holistic approach to modify the boxers’ behaviour and encourage a more upright stance to minimise the risks to health,” said Dr Khadri, Chairman of the AIBA Medical Commission.

The symposium was held during the 2015 edition of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha, the first time the competition has been held in the Middle East.

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