How Boxing is Scored?
- December 27, 2022
- TFG Team
- Boxing
Boxing is a sport that combines physical strength and skillful technique, making it one of the most popular sports in the world. To ensure fairness and maintain an even playing field during a match, boxing matches are judged by a panel of referees who score each round according to certain criteria. But how do these judges decide on the winner?
This article will explain how boxing is scored and what goes into the scoring process.
Table of Contents
The Judges’ Scorecards
At the end of each round, the judges must award a score to each boxer. This score is based on their performance during the round, with criteria such as clean punches, effective defense, ring generalship, and overall dominance factored in.
The scores are given on a 10-point must system, with each judge awarding a score of 10 to the boxer they consider the winner of that round and a score of 9 or lower to their opponent. In the event of an even round, both boxers can receive a score of 10.
Comparing Scores
At the end of the match, the judges’ scores are compared and added up to determine a winner. All three judges must reach a consensus on who won each round for their scorecards to be considered valid. If there is a disagreement between two or more of the judges, then the higher score will be disregarded and an average score determined from the remaining two.
Once all three judges’ scorecards have been tallied, the boxer with the most overall points will be declared the winner. If there is a tie, then it is up to the individual judges to decide which boxer won that round and assign the appropriate score accordingly.
In some cases, a majority decision can be made if two of the three judges agree on a winner while the third scores it as a draw. Generally, this means that the majority score will be counted as the deciding factor in determining a winner.
It is important to note that judges’ scorecards are not always objective or accurate and can be subject to human bias. This is why professional boxing matches are judged by three separate referees to reduce the chances of bias influencing the outcome.
How Are Punches Counted in Boxing?
Most boxing matches are not judged solely on the number of punches thrown or landed, but rather based on the overall performance of each combatant. However, there may be instances where punch count is taken into consideration when judging a match.
Generally, if one fighter has significantly more total punches than their opponent (known as “connecting”), then the referee may award that fighter more points. Punch count is also taken into account when calculating a boxer’s power punches (such as jabs, crosses, and uppercuts) versus the total punches thrown.
How is Boxing Scored in the Olympics?
In Olympic boxing, the same scoring system is used as in professional boxing. However, in addition to the three referees’ scorecards, a fourth judge may be appointed to keep track of all the punches landed and measure their effectiveness.
At the end of each round, this judge will announce the punch count and provide their opinion on which fighter won the round. This opinion is taken into consideration alongside the three referees’ scores, with their decision ultimately determining the winner of the match.
How Do You Score Points in Amateur Boxing?
Amateur boxing follows the same scoring system as professional and Olympic boxing. The three referees score each round based on the criteria mentioned above, and their scores are tallied to determine a winner once all rounds are complete.
However, in amateur boxing matches, there is usually an extra point awarded for significant technical blows or ring skills displayed by either fighter. This additional point is used to reward boxers who demonstrate a higher level of technical proficiency and can make the difference between a draw and a win.
In addition, amateur boxing matches may be stopped early if one fighter has clearly gained an overwhelming advantage over their opponent. In this case, the bout will be halted and the winner declared before all rounds have been completed.
Conclusion
Overall, boxing is a highly competitive sport that requires skill and strategy to win. The scoring process helps ensure fairness between boxers by providing an objective system for judging each round. By understanding how boxing is scored, you can better appreciate the sport and understand the decision-making process of boxing referees.
No matter what level you’re watching, from professional to amateur, the scoring system is the same and it is essential in determining a winner in a match. With a better understanding of how boxing scoring works, you can ensure that your favorite boxer gets the win they deserve.
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