LONDON British championship boxers may be subjected to regular weight checks in an attempt to detect possible dehydration and consequent danger of brain damage.

The British Boxing Board of Bontrol (BBBC) met in London on Wednesday to study reports following a life-threatening injury suffered by Briton Paul Ingle last month.

Doctors have concluded that rapid weight loss to meet the required limits can lead to dehydration and increase the danger of brain damage when a boxer is hit on the head. In the past 20 years no such injuries have occurred in Britain in the heavyweight division, the only category without a weight limit.

Ingle, 28, underwent emergency surgery after collapsing in the 12th round of his International Boxing Federation Featherweight Championship fight against South African Mbulelo on December 16.

His condition has steadily improved and on Tuesday a spokesman for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital said he was now walking without support and talking normally.

(Reuter)