THE usual controversy surrounding boxing never fully goes away and once again it’s become a matter of some debate.

It all kicked off again when Welsh MP Paul Flynn said the Government should not be encouraging boxing as a sport for young people as it could lead to long-term brain damage.

And he said the Government should be promoting other sports such as athletics with far less physical contact.

Round one to him, some would suggest.

But then in comes Mark Reynolds who is a powerful advocate of a sport which has transformed thousands of young people’s lives in Huddersfield over a long number of years.

Mark admits that when he was young he could quite easily have ended up in serious trouble, but he discovered boxing which transformed his outlook on life.

He wanted to pass this message on and so founded Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club. Over the last 13 years it has helped 17,000 youngsters.

He insists is not just about what happens in the ring. The way boxers train steers them in the right direction.

Who knows how many of those youngsters Mark has saved from falling into trouble, ending up with a criminal record and then forever struggling to get a job.

How many has he steered away from antisocial behaviour and the misery that wreaks on local communities?

It’s OK for opponents talk about other sports but people who box love the sport more than any other – and that’s why they do it. The risks must be made clear to them but it’s their choice.

Looks like Mark has won on points.