What Is The Worst Type Of Cut?

Cuts and bleeding are common in boxing, and can be caused by punches or by accidental or deliberate fouls. The most common situation to cause a cut is from a clash of heads. This happens a lot due to the way boxers move, during clinches and especially when a southpaw is up against an orthodox fighter. Boxers are warned if their behaviour is likely to result in a head butt, and they can be penalised if it occurs.

Bleeds that appear range widely in severity and can affect the outcome of a fight. A cut boxer will often be at a disadvantage, and the corner have to work hard to miminise the effects. If a corner, referee or ringside physician decide it is significant enough, the fight can be stopped early. This is mainly to protect the hurt boxer from long term damage.

The most concerning type of cut for a boxer is around the eye, especially above the eye, as the blood trickling down can affect vision, making the fighter more likely to get hit if their vision is affected, as well as the risk of permanent damage to eye sight. Swelling in these areas is also problematic and can cause the eye to narrow or close.

Bleeding from the nose is also common and although more easily treated, can cause issues with breathing. This is made worse by the fact the mouth piece makes it harder to breathe through the mouth. Cuts inside the mouth are generally not serious, and blood can be swilled away with water between rounds.

How Are Cuts Treated?

Each corner has an experienced cut person to treat cuts, bleeds and swelling. Their job is to minimise the damage and prevent bleeding as much as possible. The size and position of cuts will determine how easy that is. Chemicals such as coagulants can be administered to the bleed, which encourages clotting. Hard objects can be pressed into swellings to reduce them, especially around the eyes and cheek bones. Vaseline is used before and during a fight to soften the skin making is less likely to tear.

After a fight cuts can be treated in hospital and sometimes required stitches. Some boxers are more prone to cuts due to their facial features such as a bump on the nose or prominent cheek bones. It is also speculated that lifestyle outside of the ring can affect the likelihood of cuts and swelling during a fight, with hedonism between fights leading to higher chance of damage in the ring.