BBC's plan criticised

The BBC have come under fire from the British Medical Association for their plans to broadcast footage of the boxing bill which…

The BBC have come under fire from the British Medical Association for their plans to broadcast footage of the boxing bill which left Paul Ingle fighting for his life.

Viewers of today's Grand- stand will see no footage of Ingle's bout with Mbulelo Botile, after which the Scarborough fighter collapsed and needed a life-saving operation to remove a blood clot from his brain.

But the BMA have branded as "insensitive" the corporation's decision to show highlights of other fights from the Sheffield Arena show, including Joe Calzaghe's world-title defence against Richie Woodhall, while Ingle is still seriously ill in a Sheffield hospital.

Ingle is slowly being eased out of a drug-induced coma and doctors say he continues to make good progress, showing signs of movement and opening his eyes.

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A BMA spokesman added: "We have a very clear position on boxing - we are opposed to it and ultimately we would like to see it banned.

"But a ban will only happen if there was strong public support for a change in the law."

The BBC, who landed rights to the highlights package after negotiations with Sky and promoters Sports Network, yesterday defended their decision.

They announced they will preface the action with an item - including an interview with a BMA representative - discussing issues arising from the event.

Their decision was backed by former European super-bantamweight Spencer Oliver, who underwent a similar life-saving operation after his bout with Sergei Devakov in 1998.

"I don't think it's insensitive at all from my point of view," Oliver said. "I have prayed for Paul every day since Saturday and if anybody is going to pull through then Paul will - he's a fighter."