8/18/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Boxing.
Upstarters and underdogs. Lightweights and heavyweights. From shadow boxing to sparring with a partner in the competition ring, all boxers need conditioning. It takes hours of training focused on technique, hand speed, and head movement. Raw, brutal, and tough, fighters wrap their hands and work hard to master their footwork and sequences. Through dedication and sheer force of will, they land punch after punch until the ultimate TKO. When we protect our boxers, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Boxing Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Boxing has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Boxing involves dominating an opponent through physical aggression. These types of environments pose risks of increased interpersonal violence perpetrated by athletes, and/or hostile environments that may limit athlete participation and acceptance.
- In boxing, athletes may be taught “toxic resilience”, which means pushing limits, ignoring pain, and enduring violence. This can increase the risk of injury, neglect, and abuse.
- The weight class system in boxing comes with the potential risk of harm to athletes. This system can be exploited through “cutting,” and gaining and losing weight in rapid succession can have negative short and long-term impacts on athletes.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
7/11/2026
Conor McGregor’s return and the uncomfortable questions it poses for sport
7/7/2026
Marion County boxing coach arrested for sexually abusing juvenile student
6/18/2026
Saginaw youth boxing coach accused of sexual assault
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Boxing Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Boxing.
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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of CTE risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Common Boxing Injuries & How To Prevent Them
Physical Safety
Learn training techniques for injury prevention in boxing.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
The Dangers of Cutting Weight and Dehydrating
Safeguarding
Gain an understanding of the dangers of "weight cutting".
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
