Muaythai Judging: Decisions

By Tony Myers

Introduction International Competition
Fight Classifications Differences between associations
What techniques score? Fouls
How are fights actually scored? Decisions
Some common mistakes made when judging Muay Thai bouts, and how to avoid them Summary

Professional A Knock-Out (K.O.) is awarded:
    when the opponent is knocked down and unable to continue within the 10 second count
A Technical Knock-Out (T.K.O.) is awarded:
    when a boxer is seriously hurt or weakened
    when the referee stops the contest before 10 is counted due to the condition of the counted boxer
    when a boxer cannot continue the match after the break.
    on the doctor's recommendation, when the referee is unsure whether a boxer can continue the match due to injury or being seriously weakened.
    receiving a count three times in the same round and unable to continue the match
Winning due to the opponent's retirement because of injury
Winning due to the opponent's violation of the rules
Winning on points
No decision is awarded:
    as a result of both parties colluding together to cheat or not fighting properly.
No contest is awarded:
    as a result of the ring being damaged and the match not being able to continue, or if an external event occurs during the fight, causing it to be stopped
Equal Score
    when both boxers' scores are equal
    when both boxers receive a count of 10




Amateur In Amateur competition the terms detailed above are also used to record the outcome of amateur bouts with a few exceptions, these are:
Referee stops the contest (RSC) due to:
    a boxer being "out-classed" or is losing by a very wide margin.
    a boxer receiving an injury so that they are unable to continue. The site of the injury is detailed on the score card (head or body)
    a boxer receiving their "count limit"; three standing eight counts in one round or four in the span of the bout.
    a boxer is being severely punished and unable to defend themselves
A boxer wins by "withdrawal" when:
    their opponent intentionally withdraws from the contest due to injury or other reason.
A boxer wins by "walk-over" when:
    their opponent doesn't show for the contest.
A "draw" can be awarded in friendly competition or single elimination bouts but not in tournaments

Overall match decision

In professional fights the outcome of a match is determined by considering the majority of decisions given by the judges and not by adding the judges' point totals together. This is the case even if the judges award a draw. Therefore, if two out of three judges' award the fight to the blue corner, the blue corner would be awarded the match; if two out of three judges award the match a draw, a draw would be declared. Amateur matches are also determined by the majority decision of judges. However, in international competition a jury panel, made up of a number of senior officials, make the final decision after examining the judges score cards.

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