Adsum
October 2002
The Morality of Prize-fighting and Boxing
From the book, Father Connell Answers Moral Questions
by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D., L.L.D., L.H.D.
Question: What is to be said about the lawfulness of prize-fighting and boxing?
Answer: Boxing, in the sense of giving and parrying light blows without any intention of striking the opponent severely or inflicting injury, is lawful for the purpose of exercise and recreation, and in order to test one’s skill in self-defense. But it is difficult to reconcile prizefighting, as we have it today, with Catholic principles of morality. For, undoubtedly, the purpose of the fighters is to deal each other severe blows, and if possible to score a “knock-out.” That grave injuries frequently come to those who follow prize-fighting as a career is well known from experience. The fact that both contestants willingly submit to the probability of being severely pummelled does not alter the case, since a man has no right to allow another to beat him, apart from justifiable punishment. Neither does the fact that the combatants will be paid a large sum of money justify a means that is unlawful.
Even boxing may easily assume sinful features. Speaking of this sport, Damen says: “This type of contest can easily be-come unlawful, either venially or mortally, in accordance with the degree of the more or less probable danger of injury or even of death — for example, if the due cautions are not observed or if the contest tends to the ‘knock-out’ of one of the fighters” (Theologia Moralis [Rome, 1947, I, n. 586).
This opinion may seem somewhat severe in view of the widespread conviction of the American people that prizefighting is a “good, clean sport.” Yet it is difficult to see how any other interpretation of the fifth commandment can be given. Needless to say, pastoral prudence will often suggest that people be left in good faith on this point.
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