BoxRec

Monty Betham reveals brain injury forced him to walk away from boxing

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-spor ... rom-boxing

Monty Betham has opened up about the alarming health scare that forced him to walk away from boxing.

The former Warriors and Kiwis league player last week made the decision to retire, in consultation with experienced physician Dr Chris Hanna, after being diagnosed with a brain bleed earlier in the year that left him nearly paralysed with pain.

And while he has since been given the all-clear, Betham has since said it is too dangerous to lace up the gloves again.

"It was frightening. I have a high pain threshold but ... it felt like someone was stabbing me every time I moved, that's how bad it was.

"I had a brain bleed or head bleed, and the fluid leaked down the spine into the lumber area which just crippled me. The scary thing is if that hadn't happened, I would have fought because I had passed the concussion test. I would have fought a 10-round fight with a brain bleed. I could have been history."

The scariest part is Beetham says he passed the concussion test and could have fought again.

Glad to hear he has made the smart decision. Sadly, many haven't.

Good call. Bethem was a good footballer and boxer. Enjoy your retirement.

Like a Boss wrote:The scariest part is Beetham says he passed the concussion test and could have fought again.

Glad to hear he has made the smart decision. Sadly, many haven't.

Not that for a second i believe for a second he would have followed through, but i thought it interesting (indeed a little brave) that he admitted to thoughts of one last fight... and the knowledge of how irrational those thoughts were....

Best of luck to him.... hopefully there is a lot more golf and fishing for him in the future....