Boxing Medicals in Sutton Coldfield

The Vesey is one of the most experienced providers of boxing medicals in the Midlands, trusted by fighters, promoters and managers for licensing, pre-fight and post-bout medical care. Our clinical team understands the specific requirements of the British Boxing Board of Control and provides thorough, efficient examinations with rapid turnaround.

Medical services for boxing

Procedures & transparent pricing

Prices accurate as of July 2026. Blood-borne virus screening laboratory costs included in the annual licence medical fee. Ringside doctor provision priced by event — contact us.

What to expect at your boxing medical

Deep-dive: BBBofC medical requirements

The British Boxing Board of Control requires all professional boxers to undergo medical examinations before each contest and as part of the annual licence renewal. These are not box-ticking exercises — they are substantive clinical assessments designed to protect fighters' health.

Neurological assessment

The neurological component of a boxing medical assesses mental state and cognitive function, speech and language, cranial nerve function, coordination (finger-nose testing, heel-shin, Romberg's), gait, and upper and lower limb reflexes. Any abnormality is investigated — typically with MRI brain — before clearance to fight.

Ophthalmological assessment

Visual acuity is measured with a Snellen chart. Visual fields are assessed by confrontation. Fundoscopy (dilated where indicated) examines the retina for signs of previous trauma — retinal detachment, haemorrhage, and tears are contraindications to continued boxing. Intraocular pressure is checked for glaucoma. Fighters with a retinal detachment or significant retinal pathology are not cleared to fight.

Cardiovascular examination

Blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are assessed. A resting 12-lead ECG is obtained and interpreted. Significant cardiac abnormalities — including Brugada pattern, prolonged QTc, ventricular pre-excitation, or significant hypertrophy — prompt referral to a cardiologist before clearance. Significant hypertension (Stage 2 or above) requires treatment and reassessment.

Blood-borne virus screening

The annual BBBofC medical requires HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) screening. Results are handled confidentially and in line with GMC guidance. Reactive results are referred for specialist management; continued participation in boxing is subject to specialist advice.

Deep-dive: brain health monitoring in boxing

Repetitive head trauma in boxing — both from knockouts and sub-concussive impacts in sparring — carries a cumulative neurological risk. The medical community's understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its relationship to combat sports has advanced significantly. At The Vesey, we take long-term brain health seriously.

Baseline cognitive assessment

Standardised neuropsychological testing at the start of a career, and periodically thereafter, provides an objective baseline. This allows clinicians to detect meaningful change in cognitive function over time — which a single examination cannot do. We can arrange baseline cognitive assessment as part of a pre-career or annual medical programme.

MRI brain — frequency and indications

The BBBofC requires MRI brain before initial licence and may require repeat imaging following a stoppage, significant head injury, or where clinical signs of neurological change are detected. The MRI protocol for boxers typically includes T2, FLAIR, gradient echo (to detect old haemorrhage), and diffusion-weighted imaging. We refer to accredited MRI centres in Birmingham, with reporting by neuroradiologists experienced in combat sports imaging.

Outside mandatory requirements, we recommend boxer fighters consider periodic MRI (every 2–3 years for active professionals with high fight frequency) as part of long-term brain health monitoring — even in the absence of obvious symptoms, given the subclinical nature of early cumulative change.

Suspension periods

Following a stoppage, BBBofC medical suspension periods apply (typically 28–90 days depending on the nature of the stoppage). Return-to-spar following a concussion or stoppage requires medical clearance at The Vesey, which includes neurological re-assessment and confirmation that post-concussion symptoms have fully resolved.

Frequently asked questions