Boxing- but not fighting? To any boxers on Basil: I want to take up boxing. I'd like to increase my strength and stamina while learning to defend myself and having fun, and I think boxing will be good. However, I can't risk and minor or major brain damage because I'm going to be taking medicine next year, and any handicap to my ability to do that will be very unwelcome. I wondered if it is common to train for boxing, with punching bags and instructors and skipping and everything, but without actually fighting opponents, in order to avoid damage?