Yahoo Sports Thailand debating child kickboxing after 13-year-old dies during match
Thailand is debating the sport of child boxing after a 13-year-old died during a fight. Anucha Tasako died Saturday from a brain hemorrhage as a result of a match.
Child boxing is common in Thailand, according to the Associated Press.
Child boxing is widespread in Thailand, especially in rural areas, where it offers a way for children to help provide for their families and a path to lift them out of poverty, according to its advocates. Opponents say the sport is dangerous, citing studies such as one published last month by Thailand’s Mahidol University saying that allowing children under 15 to box could result in various types of brain damage.
Fighters typically do not wear headgear during fights.
The country introduced legislation that would prevent fighters under 12 years old from taking part in the sport. The legislation has been revised, according to the AP, though it’s unclear if that includes raising that age. Under the legislation proposed before Tasako’s death, he still would have been allowed to compete in the fight.
Tasako started fighting at 8 years old, and had reportedly competed in 170 matches, according to the AP.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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