Bobby Blay Has “Double Vision”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7278, 4 October 1933, Page 11

Bobby Blay Has “Double Vision”

INADEQUACY OF COMMON MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF BOXERS

Bni RISING out of the case, of Bobby Blay, an object C* lesson is given to boxing J-jl prom o t e r s throughout Australia (says a writer ai in the Sydney' “Sun”). ® Bobby Blay was medically examined by two leading Sydney specialists recently, each of whom reported that before he entered the ring for his match against American Tod Morgan, at the Sydney Stadium, he was suffering from diplopia, or “double vision.” The present method of running the stethoscope over the body of the boxer a few minutes before he enters the ring was described by one of the specialists ns “puerile and totally inadequate. The stethoscope would not reveal anything at all about those other vital parts of the anatomy, the head and the eyes vulnerable points, the weakness of which have before to-day resulted regrettably in loss of life. By way of emphasising this particular statement, Jet me quote from 011 c of the doctors who examined Blay. If he continued fighting, the cause of the condition of his complaint would be irritated, plus a definite further irritation of already existing meningeal condition. This might result in . sudden brain haemorrhage while receiving punishment, and he would be quite likely to die in the ring.” Now let me take you to the rooms ot one of Sydney’s leading specialists. Seated on a table was Bobby Blay. Behind him was the specialist directing the hoy’s head in order to focus his eyes on an object on an adjoining wall of the room. “Can you sec it all right, now?

queried the specialist, “Yes,” replied Blay, “there is only one object.” “Move your head around a little,” continued the specialist. “I can now see the same obiect twice,” replied Blay. The final curtain to this little drama came when, after completing a thorough examination of the boxer, the specialist, leaning toward the boy, quietly exclaimed: “Give the fight game up, son; you are too fine a specimen to have your body and brain despoiled by further punishment. Your system is tired out. Your condition is due to severe damage sustained six months ago, when you fought A 1 Foreman. There is no reason why you should not regain the full vigour of your manhood.” Return now, for a brief moment, to the surgery of another doctor who was consulted. Blay’s clinical record was fully substantiated, but here is what the doctor said: “It is absolutely essential that there should be a regular medical supervision of all fighters at periods of not more than six months. Not merely a stethoscope examination, but a complete overhaul. In cases where the examining doctor was doubtful he should order an X-ray of the skull. thin skull might easily aid in the setting up of a fatal luemorrhagc. This is caused through a pre-existing disease or an inherent weakness of the vessel wall, or external injury. There is less possibility of a haemorrhage in a well-conditioned and healthy body.” . ~ Finally, as to Blay’s condition, the doctor remarked, “With the. cause taken away, and, not being .subject to further punishment, he will recover.. But the original cause of the injury must not be repeated.”