Hi there HASBEEN...

In your first sentence you said '...Every time you, or the do gooders want to restrict someone else in what they can choose to do...'

Ah mate, I never said I wished to restrict anyone from doing whatever they wish to do - a case of, 'whatever floats your boat' !

I merely said when it comes to boxing, I don't think it's appropriate for women, not that they can't ! You're getting a little precious there ol' boy, eh ? In any event, it's only my singular opinion.

Hay o sung wu, that comment was not aimed at you old mate, but at some posters, or more at the article you were quoting.

I can't imagine you being dictatorial in such things.

For me, I would hate to see my daughters in a punch up or a boxing match. In fact I would not be too happy if my son was involved either. It is not my thing.

I was a member of Police Boys clubs in my youth, & indulged in basketball, & a bit of weight lifting, but not the combat sports.

I did do a fair bit of unarmed combat training in the navy, as I assume you did in the army, but fortunately never had to use any of it.

I also did quite a bit of gunnery training, aircraft, ship & small arms, but again never had to actually use any of it.

Ah HASBEEN...it's me that's being a bit precious ! Sorry ol' man !

Those exhilarating days of Kapooka, with you in Naval Aviation down the road at Uranquinty, and the RAAF at Forest Hills about 6 or 7 miles from Wagga. Interestingly, Wagga and it's environs played host to all of Oz's Military services, at one time, and still does with the Army and RAAF.

I would love to regain those times again, despite how hard they were on us at RTB ? Though, from what I heard the naval recruits had a tougher time than either the Army of RAAF. With the RAAF having it the easiest, from what I've heard ?

Time I stopped elapsing into my daily reverie and acted like an over seventy year old should act ? Tend to fire from the hip far too often I'm afraid ? Sorry again.

I am no fan of boxing, but if women want to do it, let them. The same with other 'male' sports. Perhaps the rules would be changed slightly to accommodate women.

Foxy,

"...they can avoid injury to vulnerable parts of the body the same way men do, through the use of protective clothing and rules of fair play....

One would hope. I remember years ago when cricketers wore protective clothing, but nothing for their heads. This spoke reams about what was considered their most valuable organ.

Concussion is considered a brain injury ... and research indicates that blows to the brain may result in dementia later down the track ...

Let's hope that female boxing isn't introduced into schools.

Foxy,

I had to grin ...

"... Men still want female athletes to appear "ladylike."

Basket ball and even croquet can bring out the most unladylike activity.