I trained in boxing for a year and a half. I've been a runner for 20+. The cardio output required in boxing is significantly higher than running. That's where the "healthy" bit comes in. If you've never tried it, you have absolutely no idea what incredibly good shape you have to be in to compete.
Yes, I grant that getting punched in the head hard is not good, but other spotrs have their risks as well. I used to rock climb a lot. The risk profile there is that you're pretty likely to never get injured, but if you do, there's a decent chance it's going to be really bad.
Everything has risks. I'm against decrying one activity because YOU don't like it's risk profile. If you don't find it acceptable, don't do it. I loved rock climbing tremendously, and I'd have hated for someone to take it away from me because they thought it too risky. Certainly, I talked to enough people who felt it was too risky. I'm not going to take boxing or MMA from those who find it an acceptable risk, and neither should you. We should, however, be up front with people about the risks and let them make an informed choice.