(FORTUNE Magazine) – Question: Should boxing be banned?

BOXING IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST AND most popular sports. But many people think it is too dangerous. In 1984, the American Medical Association urged that boxing be banned. Many doctors say that boxing -- in particular, blows to the head -- can lead to brain damage. Years after some professional boxers leave the ring, they begin to slur their words or have difficulty doing simple mental tasks. On rare occasions, boxers have died as a result of blows they received in the ring. Boxing fans say boxing is no more dangerous than many other sports. They say boxers are highly trained athletes who should be able to use their skills to earn money. Should boxing be banned? We asked fourth-graders at Browning Elementary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to debate that question. Here are some of their thoughts:

* PRO (yes):

''I think boxing should be banned because boxers are just two people who beat each other silly. Too many people can get hurt in this sport.'' -- Tameka Haynes, 10

''Boxing is the art of self-defense, but boxing matches are too brutal. They show young men and boys that hurting one another is okay.'' -- Shanitria Currie, 10

''Boxing should be banned because people can get badly hurt. Boxers who are hit in the head can suffer brain damage, and they can also hurt their eyes. A few boxers have even died from blows to the head! Some young boxers might not understand the bad things that can happen to them. But when they get older, they could have problems.''

-- Amy Andryauskas, 9

CON (no):

''Boxing is entertainment. Boxers are trained athletes who know how to land tricky punches and how to keep going, round after round. Boxing is a lot more than two men just fighting each other.'' -- Edmund Ansara, 10

''You shouldn't ban boxing just because it's dangerous. It's no worse than football or auto racing.'' -- Nick Rammer, 10

''Like many sports, boxing teaches athletes how to keep a healthy body and eat healthy foods. It also shows people how to defend themselves. Boxers who get injured too often should just quit.'' -- Brandy Willis, 9

''People will always fight, whether it's in the ring or the streets. In boxing, at least a man can earn money.'' -- Mackenzie Mason, 10

THE KIDS VOTE Should boxing be banned?

PRO 9 CON 14 RESULT: NO!