Boxing making moves to knock out mental health stigmas

Boxing has long been associated with physical fitness and toughness, but it is also gaining recognition for its potential benefits in improving mental health.

The sport is becoming more and more popular as a method to relieve stress, build confidence, and improve overall well-being. Scientific data researching the link between boxing and mental health is growing, and it is showing that the sport has numerous benefits for individuals struggling with a variety of mental health issues.

The World Boxing Council brought awareness to the topic by launching its Mental Health Awareness press conference last week.

Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC president, spearheaded the campaign, commenting: “During the month of May, we have a series of activations with the firm intention of promoting mental health care…We try to find people who need help. We seek to create community and break barriers through courage. 

“We tried to spread the message that no one is alone, everyone is beautiful, and this is what we will always stand for. I invite everyone to be empathetic and not minimize people’s emotions. The world is better when we unite.”

Common stereotypes have depicted the boxer as either a strong, silent type, or a charismatic trash-talker. A boxer’s talking is done with fists, it is believed, and success is measured with championship belts and accolades. In a world where a boxer is only as good as their last fight, it has been easy to forget that boxers are indeed human, too, with no one above the challenges of mental health.

Legendary Mexican boxer Erik Morales, WBC champion in several weight classes, opened up about his struggles with mental health in an attempt to change societal perceptions.

“It is necessary to make visible this