31 year old boxer who has died after winning a boxing match a couple of nights ago. He did live in Hartlepool when he was younger (him and his brother went to the same primary school as me). Tragic. 31 is just too f ucking young.

It’s awful. Has the time come to question whether two big blokes punching each other in the head in guise of sport/entertainment is acceptable in 2018?

Even get past the real fight it’s self most of the crowd look like pissed/drugged up extras from Peaky Bilnders who invariably end up windmilling towards each other once the real ‘action’ has finished. I increasingly struggle with Boxing as a sport I think it’s had it’s day. Decent fights are as rare as hens teeth and all of the faux trash talk is just embarrassing.

I've never understood it.

It is tragic, but I'm sure he knew the risks before entering the sport. I used to be a fan, but as you get older you realise you get enough bangs on the head in life without voluntarily asking for your head to be smacked around. It should be banned imo.

As sad as it is no one can claim surprise at such events. Many boxers claim they only do it to provide well for their families, which is fair enough. Ring girls only did their job for the money too but never hurt or killed anyone, am I wrong to think they banned the wrong thing?

Curtis Woodhouse the ex footballer was the headline fight at the event mentioned. He sounds like a right bell end. " I used to get into fights all the time , so I thought I may as well get paid for it" he said. It seems most people who get into boxing or like boxing are just violent people, who like fighting for fighting's sake. The only thing I would say in its defence, is that it may of rescued a few lads from a life of crime and violence , boxing and the good work of their coaches giving their lives some direction and discipline.

There are a couple of boxers in Hartlepool who come across as decent people and seem to have got the balance right.

Why dont we just ban everything then people wouldnt have as much to complain about.

No need to bite his head off man.

Well said ! some sad people on this board ! and its not me, as much as those in question would like people to believe.

You're cut.

In fairness to Woodhouse he has said he might not fight again due to Westgarth's death, remains to be seen if he sticks to that like.

I'm sure Woodhouse was the boxer who hunted down a twitter troll and was sat outside his house tweeting him to come outside.

I wonder if Bates knows him? only 37, probably better than the midfielders already at the club , and has management experience at level we could be playing at next season