GENEVA -- A group representing the world's doctors has again urged a ban of "the simply barbaric practice" of boxing.

The latest request comes after Paul Ingle underwent brain surgery to remove a blood clot following his featherweight title defense.

"Boxing is quite unlike any other sport in that the basic intent is to cause bodily harm to the opponent. It is impossible to participate in boxing without being hurt," said Delon Human, secretary-general of the World Medical Association.

"It cannot fairly be described as a sport; it is simply a barbaric practice," Human said.

The WMA, made up of some 8 million doctors in 70 countries, first sought a ban on boxing in 1983.

Failing a ban, the organization said ringside physicians should be given the power to stop any fight at any time. It said no bouts should be allowed unless a neurosurgical unit was nearby and resuscitation equipment was available at ringside.

Ingle fought South Africa's Mbulelo Botile on Saturday in an IBF title bout. He remained in what was described on Monday as a drug-induced coma.

"We are especially concerned by this particular case, where it seems that the fight should have been stopped at a much earlier stage," the WMA said.

Ingle was knocked out after 20 seconds of the 12th and final round. His trainer, Steve Pollard, admitted it was a mistake to send Ingle out for the 12th round.

"How many young men's lives and health, and now female boxers as well, must be lost before we stop this organized form of barbarism?" Human said.