Girls in America are stirring up controversy fighting for tiaras. In Britain, its boys fighting in a cage that has critics worked up. ITN News has video:

"This is children cage fighting to a sell-out audience in Preston. One of the boy who's 8 years old is hurt and in tears. They are not allowed to kick or punch. But the British Medical Associations are concerned that they don't have to wear head protection."

The event was staged in a club called Greenlands Labor. It was filmed and posted on YouTube.
British Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt says he is shocked to see children so young competing. The BBC has more.

Secretary:"So, Getting more young people doing sports is great. I do ask myself whether is really have to be in a cage. It just feels to me...It feels very barbaric."

Police will not take action against the club, writes the Daily Mail. But kids aren’t allowed there after six -- which could mean trouble:

“The city council is investigating whether any licence conditions were breached and will ask the club not to put on any more similar events involving children.”

A spokesperson for the UK charity National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children told NBC the fight is inappropriate, especially because it took place in an entirely adult environment.

Spokesperson" Children rightly need to be engaged in sporting activity that's appropriately regulated. But this even is really reminiscent to all cock fighting and bear baiting. It's completely inappropriate for children to be used as entertainment for adults. "


The British Medical Association condemns cage fighting and says there are better options out there for kids. ABC News has its statement:

"Boxing and cage fighting are sometimes defended on the grounds that children learn to work through their aggression with discipline and control. The BMA believes there are many other sports, such as athletics, swimming, judo and football, which require discipline but do not pose the same threat of brain injury.”


The father of a 9 year old participant says he’s comfortable with his son fighting.

 Father:" He does it himself. Nobody forces him to do this. I asked him if he wanted to do this. He said,' yeah, I'll do it'. Nobody forced him into this. We cannot stop him from doing it if he wants to do it and enjoyed doing it. So just let him go ahead and do it."

 And on Bloody Elbow, a Mixed Martial Arts analyst says BBC and Sky News is trying to smear the MMA:

"The two boys competed in an exhibition Submission Grappling match. No strikes were thrown. No slams were landed. No padding or head gear was needed or necessary, much to the outraged contrary of The British Medical Association and a so called impartial press with the BBC video journalist claiming 'Every blow is broadcast on the Internet'. "


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