Miriam Gutierrez was barely recognizable after being peppered with 236 punches

3:50:00 PM Tkd kwan 0 Comments

BOXER Miriam Gutierrez was barely recognizable after being peppered with 236 punches during her defeat to Amanda Serrano.

The Spaniard was a heavy underdog heading into the clash with seven-weight world champion Serrano on the undercard of Jake Paul's rematch against Tyron Woodley in Florida.

And the fight went how many people expected, with Serrano dominating the entire bout before securing a wide unanimous decision - 99-91, 99-90, 100-90.

During the ten two-minute rounds the Puerto Rican superstar landed a sickening 237 punches - with Gutierrez eating 37 punches in the first round alone.

Besides the external effect of the punches to the head, there are more serious damages that can happen.

 Boxing, like any contact sport, carries the risk of brain injury. Research has repeatedly shown that repeated blows to the head can lead to various neurological issues and long-term brain damage. Here are some common effects of boxing on the brain:

1. Concussions: Boxing often involves powerful punches to the head, leading to concussions. These traumatic brain injuries can result in temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties.

2. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): CTE is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head traumas. It manifests gradually and is characterized by symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, depression, and aggression. CTE has been extensively studied among boxers and is thought to be a result of repeated sub-concussive blows.

3. Brain Bleeds: Boxing increases the risk of brain bleeds, including subdural hematomas and intracerebral hemorrhages. These can occur due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain inside the skull caused by violent blows.

4. Brain Volume Reduction: Studies have shown that boxing can cause a reduction in brain volume, particularly in areas associated with memory, movement, and cognitive function. This shrinkage can potentially lead to cognitive decline and other neurological impairments.

5. Parkinson's Disease: While the exact relationship between boxing and Parkinson's disease is complex, there is evidence to suggest a link. Repeated head trauma, such as that commonly experienced by boxers, has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life.

It is important to note that not all boxers will experience severe negative effects on the brain. Factors such as the number of fights, level of protective gear used, and overall boxing technique can influence the risk and severity of brain injury. However, boxing carries an inherent risk of brain damage, which is why safety precautions and medical evaluations are crucial for participants in combat sports.