So true.. until we acknowledge these sports as  barbaric and reminiscent of the roman arenas, we will continue to be a primitive society. 

There can be no argument that the object in boxing and some other full contact sports, is to for 2 people to physically pummel each other till one sustains enough damage, they cannot continue (typically because of the brain damage that has been sustained.)

People pay and cheer to see it.  The fact that people will pay to see it, is the driving force behind it all.  What does that tell you about us?   It fuels the very nature of violence we have struggled to teach OUT of our children and future generations.    

Being competitive.. demonstrating skill and endurance.. can be done and appreciated, without being brutal.