Aweless, we agree to just a bit. Yes, you can get hurt with head gear, but head gear does protect the eyes, nose, etc. The hits I'm talking about are the power hits, like a big hook that knocks head to the side suddenly. Head gear for that kind of punch just goes along for the ride. That's why I said I could box as long as I understand and the sparring partner understands, we both go at it, but hold off power to the power punches. If that puts me in a "pretend world", that's fine; I just want to learn and keep my brain intact.

Talking about a pretend world, I have watched so many boxing training videos about slipping jabs and how to counter them, of course all done in slow movement, when in real life within striking distance, if the puncher did not telegraph the jab, and the jab was all out speed, they get hit, no time to slip. I made boxing robotic boxing arms that jab at real speeds and the two boxers that tried it could not slip them. So at least I won't pretend I could slip a fast jab and I'm much better off keeping my guard up to begin with.

Agreed too, you have to take some risks and believe it or not, I have taken more than most, but I still try to study what I'm doing to cut down on the risk. I could see why you love boxing. It is a great sport but too bad it couldn't be done and won more safely. Realizing though, in a street fight you can use those same skills and make it as unsafe as possible for the person attacking you.