Boxing is about skill, stamina and brutality. When a fighter steps into the ring, his aim is to hurt his opponent more than his opponent hurts him. By definition, it is a dangerous sport.

But is it too dangerous? Boxing's future is in question again today as Paul Ingle continued his greatest fight yet - the fight for survival.

The Scarborough sportsman is critically ill after being knocked out defending his world title on Saturday. Inevitably this terrible incident led to calls for boxing to be banned. Ingle's critical injury follows a number of tragedies in the ring.

Death and injury occur across the sporting spectrum, however. Skiers and motor racing drivers derive much of the thrill of competition from knowing that their lives depend on their sporting skill.

People are crippled and occasionally killed playing contact sports such as football and rugby, yet no one would suggest they are banned.

Boxing is different because inflicting injury is the point, rather than a hazard.

Critics say it is a form of ritualised savagery that undermines our claim to live in a civilised society. Its popularity confirms that man still derives a deep-rooted satisfaction from watching combat.

But there is much to admire in boxing, not least the raw courage, guile and physical fitness of the fighters.

Moreover, the sport offers a genuine opportunity for some to escape the most deprived backgrounds. Many young people who might otherwise drift into trouble learn discipline from boxing clubs.

This would be lost if boxing was banned and forced underground. The professional sport now takes its welfare responsibilities seriously: Paul Ingle owes his life to the ringside medical facilities provided as a matter of course.

As with previous tragedies, boxing must learn lessons from Saturday's ill-fated bout.

The inquiry will certainly want to consider whether referees should intervene sooner when a boxer has clearly lost a fight. It might also look at the case for introducing head protectors.

Meanwhile, our thoughts are with Paul Ingle and his family.