OUR story this week that boxer Ruben Groenwald is asthmatic and the ring is therefore a dangerous place for him to continue being in has elicited the ire of at least one of his fans.

OUR story this week that boxer Ruben Groenwald is asthmatic and the ring is therefore a dangerous place for him to continue being in has elicited the ire of at least one of his fans.

According to this fan's wisdom, football star David Beckham is also asthmatic and playing at the highest level so there should be no worry about Groenwald.

This one is a matter of life and death. Footballers can choose to opt out of a match for a minute or two but boxers enjoy no such luxury while in the ring.

It is not Groewald's problem that boxing authorities define fitness to be in the ring as narrowly as they do.

Boxing has unfortunately seen to many ring tragedies for us to sit idly as another potential calamity unfolds before our eyes. We hope we are wrong about our fears but it is up to the boxer, those closest to him and the authorities to do the right thing for him.