It's definitely a reality of boxing, if you plan to take it seriously at all.

I just recently had major problems in mine, as hematomas were building up inside nose everytime I sparred & it's only when I went to the hospital for a check-up that it got operated on before they burst and possibly bled into my brain.

My nose has been a bit flattened and can get slightly off to one side unless I pop it back straight. The most frustrating thing is now my nose is going any semi-decent shot I take. Lyle makes a point about using defensive skills, but the fact is if you're sparring or fighting anyone decent (& in the amateurs you're almost always matched with someone of a similar level of ability) than you are going to get hit & with your nose bang in the middle of your face it's like the centre of the dartboard to your opponent.