PAUL Ingle is the latest in a succession of boxers seriously hurt or even killed in the ring.

As he fights for his life in hospital the debate over the course boxing should take in the future rages on.

It is unrealistic to introduce legislation to outlaw boxing. That would drive it underground, with all the inherent risks criminality brings to any activity.

But professional boxing must not be allowed to continue without wholesale reforms and the introduction of stringent controls.

Most sports develop with the times.

When javelin throwers developed their fitness and techniques to such an extent that they threatened to throw outside the confines of the in-field, the athletics authorities took action. They changed the javelin, reducing the distance it could be thrown.

When engineers developed Formula One cars which could travel at twice the speed of original Grand Prix cars, the motor racing authorities amended tracks to cut down speeds.

When boxers became fitter and able to hit harder through improved training techniques, boxing authorities did nothing.

Boxing remains rooted in its gladatorial past. If it does not respond voluntarily to this latest tragedy then it must be dragged into the 21st century.

Medical provision at ringside has been much improved in response to previous tragedies, and indeed may have proved decisive in offering immediate treatment to Paul Ingle.

But while reforms outside the ring are welcome, boxing must now turn its attention to addressing reforms inside the ring.

Paul Ingle went into the 12th round of Saturday night's fight knowing he was trailing on points. He knew his only chance of victory was to inflict an injury on his opponent which would either knock him out or force the referee to stop the fight.

Such motives have no place in modern sport.

It is high time boxing caught up with the times. Boxers are fitter and hit harder now than ever before.

The protection afforded boxers must be increased proportionately.

Protective headgear will not diminish reliance on the skills of landing and avoiding punches, the essential art of boxing.

But it will reduce the bloody ritual of boxers looking for the knockout blow which can inflict a potentially life-threatening injury on their opponent.

Such a spectacle is not sport, but barbarity.