Blood sports

I HAVE always thought boxing was a horrible “sport”; how can any endeavour be considered civilised when the aim is to hurt people?

Fans maintain that it is not proper violence because it is controlled, and that the aim is to demonstrate skill and speed, rather than to beat someone senseless.

So why does it not surprise me when violence goes beyond the ring, as with Dereck Chisora and David Haye (your report, 20 February)?

GILLIAN ANDREWS

Edinburgh