Boxing decisions often generate controversy, even in closely contested bouts. At the core of the sport’s scoring is a system designed to bring structure—yet its subjectivity continues to fuel debates after high-stakes matches.
The 10-point must system, adopted widely across professional boxing, assigns a fixed framework for evaluating rounds. Despite its apparent simplicity, interpretation of performance remains complex and often disputed.
Understanding how judges assess effective aggression, defense and ring generalship sheds light on why results vary. The structure may be uniform, but its application remains a nuanced—and sometimes polarizing—part of the sport.
What is the 10-point must system?
The 10-point must system is the standard method for scoring professional boxing matches. In this system, the winner of each round receives 10 points, while the loser receives a lesser amount, typically 9.
Anthony Joshua looks on during the Heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2023. (Source: James Chance/Getty Images)
If a knockdown occurs, the loser may receive 8 points or fewer, depending on the severity and number of knockdowns. This system is designed to provide a structured framework for evaluating rounds, allowing judges to assess each round independently.
Scoring criteria
Judges evaluate rounds based on several criteria: effective aggression, ring generalship, defense and clean punching. Effective aggression refers to a boxer’s ability to be the aggressor while landing punches.
Ring generalship is the ability to control the pace and style of the fight. Defense involves avoiding punches through blocking, parrying or movement, according to sources like The Sports Grub and Womens Boxing News.
Clean punching is the landing of solid, accurate punches on the target area. These criteria are subjective, and judges may weigh them differently, leading to variations in scoring.
Close rounds
Close rounds, often referred to as “swing rounds”, are those in which neither boxer clearly dominates. In such cases, judges must rely on their interpretation of the scoring criteria to determine the winner of the round.
This subjectivity can lead to differing opinions among judges, resulting in split or majority decisions. The lack of transparency in how judges prioritize the scoring criteria contributes to controversies in closely contested fights.
Controversies
Controversies in boxing scoring are not uncommon. For instance, the 1999 bout between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield ended in a draw, despite many observers believing Lewis had won. One judge’s scorecard was widely criticized, leading to an investigation into possible corruption.
More recently, the introduction of AI judges, as seen in the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, has sparked debate over the role of technology in scoring. While AI aims to reduce human error, its use has been met with skepticism from some in the boxing community.
