'My observation regarding the comparitive vulnarability of the female torso stands. There may in fact be no increased risk - but we would need case studies and statistics to know.'... Actually when jane Couch won her landmark case against the British Boxing Board of control this was put forward as an argument against her, and it was shot down by her legal/medical team. The fact is women do not produce the power of the men so the relative dangers are about the same, like for like. Fighting in a 'full contact' combat sport is dangerous, full stop. We will never get away from that, we just must minimalize the risk through correct medical procedure.

I have to agree a litle bit with... 'I think the reason female fighters can appear to have more technique (esp novice) is that trainers hold them back until they are really ready. It definately hurts more to see your female fighters get hurt than your male ones. This is undoubtably sexist.' It is sexist maybe, but I must admit when I put my girls in for fights I do feel far more pressure than the guys, because I don't want to see them hurt. Sexist? sure but a normal human reaction.

I wouldn't agree 100% that trainers hold them back until they are 'really ready', as I've seen some that truly should not be in a ring.