Leading neuroscientist Chris Nowinski has ignited a massive boxing safety row, labeling ringside doctors as “CTE Deniers” after a recent seminar in Las Vegas dismissed the established link between fighting and brain trauma. This public confrontation highlights a dangerous divide between mainstream science and elements of the combat sports medical community.
Former WWE wrestler and concussion campaigner Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, blasted the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) after Dr. Peter Q. Warinner dismissed established links between boxing and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
“My goodness, ARP invited a concussion doctor to trash CTE with the most embarrassing criticism I’ve seen in years,” said Nowinski. “He doesn’t even understand how you differentiate tau diseases. Now, boxing doctors are CTE deniers years after NIH accepted causation? These are truly pathetic criticisms.”
Nowinski pointed to his foundation’s research showing clear evidence of CTE in fighters, accusing the ARP of downplaying irrefutable science:
“Most of these arguments are addressed in our 2022 Bradford Hill paper — for example, why fewer women have been diagnosed. Far fewer women box or play football. I’m all for dialogue, but not for explaining basic science from the ground up.”
The Controversial ‘Facts’ Used to Dismiss CTE Links
Dr. Warinner’s seminar presentation listed controversial “facts” to challenge the causal link, including:
Case reports of CTE in athletes with no concussion history
Cases found in teenagers without long-term exposure
Hundreds of millions concussed over a century, but only hundreds of proven CTE diagnoses
Almost no confirmed female cases despite data showing women are more prone to concussion
Phosphorylated tau also appears in other degenerative conditions
These are truly pathetic criticisms. Most are addressed in our 2022 Bradford Hill paper – for example, why fewer women have been diagnosed (duh way fewer box & play football). I’m all for scientific dialogue, but not for explaining science from the ground up.…
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 27, 2025
VADA President Margaret Goodman Calls for Nowinski to Intervene
The backlash to the seminar was so severe that it prompted VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) president, Dr. Margaret Goodman, to intervene publicly, urging Nowinski to step further into the boxing spotlight.
“It doesn’t take an expert to understand the frequency of CTE in fighters,” Goodman told Nowinski. “Trying to excuse, deny, or debate the prevalence is dangerous and inexcusable. People in combat sports need to hear from you.”
The Deep Divide Over Brain Trauma in Combat Sports
With boxing already under intense scrutiny for fighter safety, the row has highlighted a deep and potentially catastrophic divide: one side demanding greater recognition of CTE’s dangers backed by neurological consensus, and the other pushing skepticism that critics argue risks undermining decades of neurological research and endangering athletes.
The onus is now on major governing bodies to address the crisis ignited in Las Vegas.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.