A new study might deliver a knockout punch to boxing in America.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says it has more scientific evidence and research to show there's a greater need than ever to keep children and teenagers from fighting in the ring.
Boxing's injury rate has risen 40 percent from 11.4 injuries per 100,000 to 16.4 injuries per 100,000 from the 1990s to the 2000's, reports the Palm Beach Post.
More than 18,000 kids under 19 were registered with USA Boxing as of 2008.
The study says there is no significant research to indicate safety equipment lessons brain injury in boxing and a child's brain actually takes longer to heal from a concussion.
More than 70 percent of injuries in boxing are to the head: 33 percent concussions, 29 percent open wounds, cuts, fractures, and 19 percent to the eyebrow and nose.
Boxing also ranked No. 1 among combat sports that resulted in a trip to the hospital: 4.8 percent for fighting, 3.6 percent in judo and 3.1 percent in karate.
If parents stop kids from entering the boxing ring, the search for the next Mike Tyson might never end.
