Klitschko Sued by Brain-Damaged Magomed Abdusalamov

[Badhusker]

Every fighter knows the risk when stepping in the ring.
Klitschko holds no liability in my eyes.

I agree with this 100%. Like a lot of dangerous sports, the risks involved are certainly acknowledged by whoever competes, and am sure it is a case that will get thrown out. Imagine what can of worms that would open if everyone that gets hurt in combat sports? Not happening.

What about Abdusalamov's corner and his own team's liability? They could have stopped it at any time.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I do not think there is a single person on this forum who does not see this as a tragedy.
I think that placing the blame on anyone outside of bad luck,is just crazy.
I have watched this fight numerous times and like the Du Ku Kim fight I never would of
thought what the aftermath would of been.
I believe that the promoter,the ringside doctor and all seemed to of followed what they thought
was the correct protocol.The only person I see that could of taken any responsobility was Abdusalamov's
corner.When Magomed stated "something don't feel right" they took a portion of the responsobility by
not stopping the fight themselves.
To blame everyone else is wrong.Klitschko's were not in the corner.They were not the ref.They were not the doctor.
It is just a tragedy.But I do not see anyone at fault beside the fighter and his own corner.

Yes, ultimately the cornermen have to have the consideration of the fighter's health as their number one priority, when that fails, bad things often happen.

If McClellan had Manny Steward in his corner that night, i wonder what the outcome might have been. Manny knew his guy, and would surely have noticed something wasn't right with Gerald and called it off.

[ttornado]

In a large city with limited ambulances it can also be argued that having an ambulance at every sporting event with the possibility of injuries is not a reasonable expectation.

Personally, I would expect an ambulance to be at every boxing event ever held anywhere in the universe but if they aren't available then I guess I'm out of luck.

This is in the article:

Though two ambulances were on site, he and his trainers were advised to take a taxi. It turns out his brain was bleeding.

It would seem that K2 did their job and it was medical advice not to take an ambulance. That seems negligent, but as NSAC can't be sued the family is going after the promoter.

[tiny_acres]

I do not think there is a single person on this forum who does not see this as a tragedy.
I think that placing the blame on anyone outside of bad luck,is just crazy.

Boxing is a show/sport where brain damage is not unexpected, so there should be insurance purchased covering such instances.

I have to disagree.Anyone who takes constant blows to the head is expected to receive brain damage to some degree.

[BAD INTENTIONS]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that shit is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

[ReggieDiggs]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that poo is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

I actually appreciate & respect the sentiment most of the sh!t you bring up along these sorta angles tries to get at, but your logic to go along with your sentiment is mfing retarded more often than not.

This sorta boxing landscape would cut into the fights in the sport drastically. I'm actually all for less fights cuz I think there are too many bs "pro" boxers & I think being a Professional Boxer should mean something besides you don't have a hernia & you didn't fall off a treadmill after two minutes, but this would make only the rich capable of getting into the fight business as lesser promoters & venues would fear of going into debt over an injury in an inherently dangerous sport.

[BAD INTENTIONS]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that poo is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

I actually appreciate & respect the sentiment most of the sh!t you bring up along these sorta angles tries to get at, but your logic to go along with your sentiment is mfing retarded more often than not.

This sorta boxing landscape would cut into the fights in the sport drastically. I'm actually all for less fights cuz I think there are too many bs "pro" boxers & I think being a Professional Boxer should mean something besides you don't have a hernia & you didn't fall off a treadmill after two minutes, but this would make only the rich capable of getting into the fight business as lesser promoters & venues would fear of going into debt over an injury in an inherently dangerous sport.

?

How often do serious in-ring injuries occur? (At least the ones that show up immediately.)

Your telling me that $400K-$600K stops HBO, TR or GBP from putting on fights? Especially considering the infrequent occurrence of serious injuries? HBO already puts its brand on the line by showing boxing. If a high profile death occurs, they will be ridiculed by the people who believe boxing shouldn't be a sport.

Also, if the networks, promoters and commissions are more aware of the fighter's health (because money is the only way to make them care), then we'd have less repeat beat downs on TV. Plus, one-sided fights like Manny/Rios would be stopped early. More like a dominance stoppage, which I think should be in place.

But whatever Diggs, let's do your usual recommendation, NOTHING ...cuz things can't get better ... sounds like a COWARD to me.

[ttornado]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that poo is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

Would only the boxers on the major TV networks have this cover? If not who would pay for those fighters on un-televised bills?

[Badhusker]

If they start awarding big payouts to every boxer that has had a concussion or some type of brain damage, it will kill the sport.

I think it will come down to this, taken from the article posted by the OP.

Boxing is obviously a dangerous sport and statistics for brain damage are all over the map. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reported that 90 percent of boxers suffer some kind form brain injury while competing or training. Because of these brain injuries, boxers are more prone to mental deterioration during their later years, which may lead to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

The “Assumption of Risk Doctrine” may potentially come into play in this case. In a recent decision the Court of Appeals reaffirmed that the doctrine, “applies where a consenting participant in sporting and amusement activities ‘is aware of the risks; has an appreciation of the nature of the risks; and voluntarily assumes the risks,” and where the plaintiff has assumed the risks, “defendant owes him no duty.” Bukowski v Clarkson Univ., 19N.Y.3d 353 (2012).

[Perseus]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that poo is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

I actually appreciate & respect the sentiment most of the sh!t you bring up along these sorta angles tries to get at, but your logic to go along with your sentiment is mfing retarded more often than not.

This sorta boxing landscape would cut into the fights in the sport drastically. I'm actually all for less fights cuz I think there are too many bs "pro" boxers & I think being a Professional Boxer should mean something besides you don't have a hernia & you didn't fall off a treadmill after two minutes, but this would make only the rich capable of getting into the fight business as lesser promoters & venues would fear of going into debt over an injury in an inherently dangerous sport.

?

How often do serious in-ring injuries occur? (At least the ones that show up immediately.)

Your telling me that $400K-$600K stops HBO, TR or GBP from putting on fights? Especially considering the infrequent occurrence of serious injuries? HBO already puts its brand on the line by showing boxing. If a high profile death occurs, they will be ridiculed by the people who believe boxing shouldn't be a sport.

Also, if the networks, promoters and commissions are more aware of the fighter's health (because money is the only way to make them care), then we'd have less repeat beat downs on TV. Plus, one-sided fights like Manny/Rios would be stopped early. More like a dominance stoppage, which I think should be in place.

But whatever Diggs, let's do your usual recommendation, NOTHING ...cuz things can't get better ... sounds like a COWARD to me.

No.
Fighters who are clearly being outclassed land lottery punches that lead to come-from-behind ko victories just often enough to keep such a rule out of the sport.
An intelligent corner that actually cares about their fighter should pull the plug on such fights.

[uptconnect]

Seems to me that as soon as a promoter and/or venue is legally liable for a fighter's health, the sport goes away.

Think about it, if K2 is responsible for Mago's current health problems, where's the line drawn? Wouldn't that make every long time promoter legally responsible for every old brain damaged fighter they ever promoted?
Couldn't Ali and his family go hard after every promoter he ever had, since they are all collectively responsible for his brain damage? (Using the logic of those who think K2 is responsible, of course.)

I think every fighter takes ultimate responsibility for themselves and that's the long and short of it.
It can't be both ways.
It can't be "It's my right to fight if I want to" and also be "You should have protected me from myself".

[tiny_acres]

Seems to me that as soon as a promoter and/or venue is legally liable for a fighter's health, the sport goes away.

Think about it, if K2 is responsible for Mago's current health problems, where's the line drawn? Wouldn't that make every long time promoter legally responsible for every old brain damaged fighter they ever promoted?
Couldn't Ali and his family go hard after every promoter he ever had, since they are all collectively responsible for his brain damage? (Using the logic of those who think K2 is responsible, of course.)

I think every fighter takes ultimate responsibility for themselves and that's the long and short of it.
It can't be both ways.
It can't be "It's my right to fight if I want to" and also be "You should have protected me from myself".

Nicely said

[ikorolev]

Seems to me that as soon as a promoter and/or venue is legally liable for a fighter's health, the sport goes away.

Think about it, if K2 is responsible for Mago's current health problems, where's the line drawn? Wouldn't that make every long time promoter legally responsible for every old brain damaged fighter they ever promoted?
Couldn't Ali and his family go hard after every promoter he ever had, since they are all collectively responsible for his brain damage? (Using the logic of those who think K2 is responsible, of course.)

I think every fighter takes ultimate responsibility for themselves and that's the long and short of it.
It can't be both ways.
It can't be "It's my right to fight if I want to" and also be "You should have protected me from myself".

That's why there must be insurance for fighters. By the way, I suspect that promoters have liability insurance, so nobody is going broke.

[Badhusker]

The inherent risk of boxing is well known, and has been since its beginning. Going from 15 to 12 rounds was just one of the steps taken to help reduce the risk.

This discussion reminds me a little bit of the following clip from Cinderella man before the Max Baer vs Jim Braddock fight;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpmLSGixYwM

[ttornado]

That's why there must be insurance for fighters. By the way, I suspect that promoters have liability insurance, so nobody is going broke.

K2 had insurance just not for the fighters. I don't know enough about boxing promotion to know if that is normal. Insurance companies, with good reason, would be wary about taking on that level of risk.

[The Great John L]

Can hardly blame the promoter.

If the ring collapsed then yes. But not via beating. Wouldn't the boxer have their own insurance for that?

Like a person isn't supposed to drive without insurance, a boxer shouldn't step into the ring without proper coverage. Whether it should be purchased by a boxer or a promoter, needs to be regulated. I would expect a promoter cover that.

In the US any work related injuries are supposed to be covered by workers compensation. This would require that premiums are actually paid.

In the past I would have questioned how a fighter could purchase health insurance in the US, but I guess Obamacare might have helped with this issue. Oh, except for the fact that Abdusalamov isn't a US citizen and probably isn't covered by the ACA. In every other civilized country I guess this wouldn't be an issue since they all have national healthcare plans.

This sounds pretty complicated, but unfortunately I don't think Klitschko is liable. Of course, it's pretty sad that guys like the Klitschko, Mayweather and DLH don't do something to help their less wealthy co-workers with issues like these.

[sucracristo]

Reasonable measures are taken.
Those reasonable measures are the same measures that were put in place for every other fight on the show.

They could of been unreasonable for every fight on the show, it could be argued that for an ambulance to be in attendance is a reasonable expectation.

there was an ambulance present. it is required by statute that promoters have fully equipped
ambulances available at all times and the event can't proceed if the ambulance leaves until
the next arrives. i know here in florida the required insurance specifically covers the participants,
so i would assume it is the same requirement from other states. the doctor should have put
mago in one of those ambulances after that beating as standard procedure and no way any doctor
doesn't have enough training to know the delayed effects of a beating so a 10 2nd exam after the
fight on the way to the golf course is negligence. the doctors get paid so they are expected to
behave like a real doctor. your average dude getting a checkup gets more attention than
these guys get after a beating from another professional. i don't see that being the promoters
fault, though. the promoter provided the doctors and ambulances and the medical staff failed
to do their jobs, not the promoter.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/ind ... 8.049.html

the insurance wouldn't make a dent in mago's medical and rehab bills.
lack of insurance never effects liability, though.
if you don't have enough car insurance to cover the damage you cause,
they will go after your house and wages and accounts, etc.

[ReggieDiggs]

If boxing was run correctly, in an unfortunate incident like this, the family of the fighter should get like $30,000 annually (+ medical or funeral expenses) for 40 years.

I don't really care to estimate the medical costs, because all that poo is bogus, but $30K extra a year for 40 years to cover expenses would only be a $1.2M investment. That costs could be split between the network, venue and promoter. It would really be chump change for these rich assholes.

But no one will demand things like this ... instead MULTI-BILLION dollar companies like HBO tell us (regular people) where we can donate $.

I actually appreciate & respect the sentiment most of the sh!t you bring up along these sorta angles tries to get at, but your logic to go along with your sentiment is mfing retarded more often than not.

This sorta boxing landscape would cut into the fights in the sport drastically. I'm actually all for less fights cuz I think there are too many bs "pro" boxers & I think being a Professional Boxer should mean something besides you don't have a hernia & you didn't fall off a treadmill after two minutes, but this would make only the rich capable of getting into the fight business as lesser promoters & venues would fear of going into debt over an injury in an inherently dangerous sport.

?

How often do serious in-ring injuries occur? (At least the ones that show up immediately.)

Your telling me that $400K-$600K stops HBO, TR or GBP from putting on fights? Especially considering the infrequent occurrence of serious injuries?

No I'm saying the fear of having to pay this sum upon an injury would ONLY leave the "rich guys" in the sport. Lesser parties (espn, foxsports, small promoters & venues) would be few & far between due to the potential of an injury putting them on the line for 1.2mill or w/e you are suggesting they should be responsible for.

[ttornado]

there was an ambulance present.

There was actually 2 present, I mentioned that in a later post.

[sucracristo]

No I'm saying the fear of having to pay this sum upon an injury would ONLY leave the "rich guys" in the sport. Lesser parties (espn, foxsports, small promoters & venues) would be few & far between due to the potential of an injury putting them on the line for 1.2mill or w/e you are suggesting they should be responsible for.

either that, or they would be stopping fights in the first round all the time after a
guy gets hit with a stiff jab and wobbled a little, and fans would be screaming
for their money back