CELEBRITY BOXING

Early day motion 605, tabled 29 January 2003 by Jimmy Wray (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House is concerned that celebrity boxing trivialises what is a serious and potentially dangerous sport and that these fights are unlicensed with inadequate medical cover; recognises that with contributions to charity their intentions are good; but feels that celebrities with little or no boxing experience are putting themselves at considerable risk and are not taking into account the predisposition of a person's body parts to trauma; notes that the British Boxing Board of Control does not license boxers over the age of 35 who have not boxed before; believes that the BBC has underestimated the duty of care required and may leave itself open to legal action; further believes that as a publicly funded broadcaster the BBC should not support unlicensed boxing; and hopes that the trend of celebrity boxing matches on television will be put to an end.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.