Amateur boxing in Denmark. The effect of some preventive measures.

A survey of all amateur boxing matches in Denmark was made during a 3 year period. Data was gathered on means by which bouts were ended by the referee or attending physician, such as knock outs or blows to the head. A total of 5272 matches were fought: 3240 were senior matches (over age 19) and 2032 were junior matches (ages 17 to 19). Prophylactic intervention--unlimited length of hand bandage, voluntary use of boxing helmets, and heavier gloves for boxers greater than 149 pounds--did not affect the frequency of matches being stopped because of knock outs or blows to the head.