Although most people know that a knockout will end a boxing match and that other fights are won or lost by "decision," far fewer understand the rules that govern how a judge decides who wins a match. The rules that govern the winner or loser of any given bout start before the match even begins.
Qualification
Before a fighter begins a bout, he must qualify according to the rules of the sanctioning organization. Although rules are different among organizations and frequently among competitive divisions within an organization, most require the boxer to make weight, demonstrate that he has health insurance and pass a basic physical. Female fighters must also prove that they are neither pregnant nor menstruating at the time of the match.
Counting Punches
Throughout the course of each round, judges count the number of punches each boxer lands. These punches are divided between "power punches" that land solidly with force, and "glancing punches" such as a light jab, or a punch that slides along the body. Punches with no force, or punches to the arms, are not counted at all.
Winning the Round
If a fighter has scored more punches at the end of a round, the judges award the round to that fighter. If it's a tie, the win goes to the fighter each judge decides showed the most control, technique or style during the round. In some divisions, the judges' decisions are polled for each round and a single score given for that round. In others, each judge makes his awards separately, and the scores are totaled at the end.
Winning the Bout
A fighter who wins a round receives 10 points for that round. The loser of a round receives 9 or fewer points, based on the margin by which he lost. As a general rule, receiving less than 9 points only happens in the case of a knockdown, penalty point or similar major sign that a fighter was outclassed. After all rounds are fought, the judges total the scores to determine a match total. Whoever has the most points wins.
Knockout and Technical Knockout
A fighter is considered knocked out if he is knocked down and unable to stand after a 10-second count. If a fighter gets knocked down and stands in time but is knocked down enough times -- the specific number varies according to conference and division -- the referee will stop the match as a technical knockout. Referees will also award a "TKO" if one fighter appears to be no longer able to defend himself or seems to be severely concussed.
Posted in: Boxing