• impacts the score. A knockdown usually results in a 10-8 score for the boxer who scored the knockdown. If a boxer is knocked down twice in the same round, the score becomes 10-7.
• Multiple Knockdowns: Some boxing commissions implement a “three knockdown rule,” which means that a boxer who suffers three knockdowns in a single round is automatically declared the loser. However, major boxing commissions like the WBC, WBA, and WBO do not follow this rule.
• Point Deductions: A referee can deduct points from a boxer for actions like low blows, holding, or other rule violations. This is typically done after issuing a warning, and the deduction affects the final score for that round.

2. Types of Decisions in Professional Boxing

Boxing outcomes are not always straightforward, and there are several possible results depending on how the fight unfolds. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of decisions:

Unanimous Decision

A unanimous decision occurs when all three judges agree on who the winner is. For example:

• Judge 1: 60-56 (Boxer A wins all six rounds)
• Judge 2: 60-56 (Boxer A wins all six rounds)
• Judge 3: 60-56 (Boxer A wins all six rounds)

In this scenario, Boxer A wins the fight, and the decision is unanimous.

Majority Decision

A majority decision happens when two judges score one boxer as the winner, but the third judge scores the fight as a draw. For example:

• Judge 1: 40-36 (Boxer A)
• Judge 2: 40-36 (Boxer A)
• Judge 3: 36-36 (Draw)

In this case, Boxer A is declared the winner due to a majority decision, despite the third judge calling it a draw.

Majority Draw

A majority draw occurs when two judges score the fight as a draw, while the third judge picks a winner. The bout is recorded as a draw in both boxers’ records, even if one boxer was favored by a judge. For example:

• Judge 1: 36-36 (Draw)
• Judge 2: 36-36 (Draw)
• Judge 3: 38-36 (Boxer A)

In this case, the official result is a draw, despite one judge scoring the fight in favor of Boxer A.

Split Decision

A split decision occurs when two judges score one boxer as the winner, while the third judge scores the other boxer as the winner. For example:

• Judge 1: 116-114 (Boxer A)
• Judge 2: 116-114 (Boxer A)
• Judge 3: 113-115 (Boxer B)

This decision means Boxer A wins the fight based on two judges’ scorecards, but Boxer B receives a vote from one judge. A split decision can happen when the fight is very close, and the judges are divided.

Split Draw

A split draw is a rare result where one judge favors one boxer, another judge favors the other boxer, and the third judge scores the fight as a draw. For example:

• Judge 1: 116-114 (Boxer A)
• Judge 2: 113-115 (Boxer B)
• Judge 3: 114-114 (Draw)

This results in a draw, despite the division in the judges’ opinions.

Draw

A draw occurs when all three judges score the fight equally. For example:

• Judge 1: 114-114 (Draw)
• Judge 2: 114-114 (Draw)
• Judge 3: 114-114 (Draw)

In this case, the official result is a draw.

3. Knockout (KO) and Technical Knockout (TKO)

The two most definitive ways a fight can end are through a Knockout (KO) or Technical Knockout (TKO). While both result in a boxer losing the fight, they differ in the circumstances that lead to the stoppage.

Knockout (KO)

A Knockout (KO) occurs when a boxer is knocked down and cannot get up before the referee completes a 10-count. The referee will signal the end of the fight by waving both arms. If a boxer suffers a serious blow and cannot recover, even after a knockdown, it is considered a KO. The most common scenario is when a boxer is knocked out cold and is unable to continue the fight.

Technical Knockout (TKO)

A Technical Knockout (TKO) occurs when the referee stops the fight due to concerns over a boxer’s safety. A TKO can happen under several circumstances:

• Outclassed Boxer: One boxer may be so outclassed that they can no longer defend themselves or continue to compete effectively.
• Excessive Punishment: If one boxer is taking too much damage, and the referee determines that continuing the fight would cause unnecessary harm, they may stop the bout.
• Corner Stops the Fight: Sometimes, a boxer’s corner will throw in the towel to signal that they want the fight to be stopped.
• Injury: If a boxer is unable to continue due to an injury, the referee may call for a TKO.

KO vs. TKO

The main difference between a KO and a TKO is that a KO happens when a boxer is knocked out and unable to continue after a count of ten, while a TKO occurs when the referee stops the fight due to a boxer being unable to defend themselves, often due to exhaustion, injury, or one-sided punishment.

4. Other Types of Decisions

In addition to KOs and TKOs, there are other outcomes that can be rendered in a boxing match.

Technical Decision

A Technical Decision occurs when a fight is stopped due to an accidental foul (such as an accidental headbutt) after at least four rounds have been completed. The boxer who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the fight is stopped wins by technical decision.

Technical Draw

A Technical Draw happens if an intentional foul causes a severe injury, and the fight is stopped after a later round. If the boxer who caused the injury is behind or even on the scorecards, the result is a draw.

Disqualification (DQ)

A Disqualification (DQ) occurs if a boxer commits an intentional foul that severely injures their opponent, causing the fight to be stopped. A boxer can also be disqualified for unsportsmanlike behavior.

No Contest

A No Contest occurs if a fight is stopped before the required number of rounds are completed (usually four rounds in longer bouts) due to an accidental foul. This is a rare outcome and usually happens due to serious injuries that prevent a fighter from continuing.

Conclusion

Boxing decisions can sometimes seem complicated, but understanding the various types of outcomes helps to make sense of how a fight progresses and concludes. Whether it’s through a clear knockout, a technical stoppage, or a judge’s scorecard, boxing matches can end in many ways. The critical element to remember is that the primary goal is always the safety of the fighters, while the judges’ role is to assess the action in the ring and make fair, accurate decisions based on the rules of the sport.

By learning the rules of boxing and the different types of decisions, you gain a deeper appreciation for the sport, its strategy, and the courage of the athletes involved.