Not everyone who trains in boxing ends up punch drunk or with severe brain damage. It depends on how you train. Both Klitschko brothers began their professional fighting careers while getting their phD in sports medicine in Russia (not exactly a cake walk). The new WBA lightweight champ, Juan Diaz, is a pre-law student.
If you step in the ring everyday, sparring full-contact with guys who are 1,000 times better than you then you will end up with brain damage after a few years. That's not the right way to train...
As you develop boxing skill, you also develop ability to handle contact. Alot of it boils down to fitness. The better shape you are in and the more often you spar, the more prepared you will be. On top of that learning proper boxing skills, defense and strategy will help protect you.
When you first spar, your natural instinct is to flinch or cover up. Once you've sparred 1,000 times with quick, light contact you don't flinch as an instinct, rather you move your head to get out of the way, block or roll with it.
Then you can start going a little harder - once you go harder, you have to bump up your fitness again because your matches are a little more explosive and more taxing on your attributes.
Look at it as a journey that begins with one step at a time; try to be patient with yourself and give it your all.
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