21M with juvenile-onset RA and a bad concussion. Should I keep boxing or retire?
Calgary, Canada. 21M.
Diagnosed with RA at 11. On methotrexate, folic acid, and a Humira biosimilar since then. Well controlled.
Amateur boxer, one fight so far. I was in camp for my second when I got caught in sparring three days ago and concussed. About 20 seconds out and a few hours I don't remember. ER confirmed a concussion, no scan needed. The fight is off and my parents want me to stop competing entirely.
The reason I'm so attached to this sport is that I feel like I chose it. Nothing else in my life feels like I had control over it. I got pushed into a career by my parents, and everything else just feels pointless without this.
I love it more than anything I've found. But between the RA, the immunosuppressants, and now this, I'm not sure my body is built for it.
What would you do? Keep going or retire?
Posted Aug 14, 2026, 5:52 AM UTC