Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Boxing

Boxing is one of the oldest and most competitive combat sports out there.

For centuries, fans have tuned in to see boxers slug it out in the ring, with their right arms often drawn back, ready to strike. Boxing is more than which fighter packs the heaviest punch; speed, mentality, and defence are all pivotal in deciding which boxer will emerge victorious.

Usually, two boxers (historically, men, although women’s boxing is gaining popularity) box each other with only their fists until one is knocked out.

Combined with a long history of controversial and colourful characters, boxing is an entertainment sport, not merely a test of strength, speed, and an iron will to win.

In ancient times, fighters often fought in unsanctioned bouts until one acknowledged defeat.

The basics of boxing

Although deemed violent, boxing is neither a street fight nor a brawl like MMA.

Boxing’s rules are set to reduce injuries to boxers and entertain fans. Before a boxing match, a rules meeting is held in which all the rules particular to the upcoming match are explained. A technical knockout (TKO) can occur if a boxer is unable to continue safely due to injury, fatigue, or the clear dominance of one fighter over another.

During a boxing match, there are 12 rounds, each lasting between two and three minutes, with a one-minute rest period in between.

To prevent injury inside the boxing ring and from the match degenerating into a rowdy brawl, there are specific rules that prevent boxers from doing any of the following:

• No grabbing onto the ropes
• No biting of an opponent’s ears
• No eye gauging
• No striking an opponent below the belt
• No hitting an opponent when they are down on the canvas floor
• No excessive holding or grappling
• No kicking
• No striking with elbows, forearms or slapping. Only fists can be used
• No head-butting

Committing any of the above acts results in a foul, causing the match judges to deduct points. The referee will disqualify consistent offenders if they are unable to continue safely. Additionally, a match can be stopped if a boxer renders their opponent incapable of continuing.

Boxing equipment and ring

The boxing ring has a canvas surface raised 1.22m on a platform with flexible ropes enclosing the “ring.” Ring sizes vary, but Olympic boxing allows rings up to 6.1m wide.

Boxers do not box with their bare knuckles. Their hands are wrapped in bandages, and then they wear gloves made from padded leather. Amateur fighters usually wear headgear as well.

Scoring in Boxing

Boxing judges in professional boxing score on a 10-point scale, with most rounds ending 10-9, the dominant boxer receiving 10 points.

Should a boxer be knocked down, they will lose a point. Knocked down twice, two points are deducted. If both fighters are knocked down, then the points cancel each other out. A knockout can significantly impact the scoring, often leading to an immediate end to the match.

Should the judge find that both boxers have competed evenly, then both fighters receive 10 points.

Referees can also deduct points for intentional fouls as per the above examples, although this usually occurs after a warning. Point deductions can be crucial, especially if a boxer is already losing on the scorecards.

Ultimately, judges assess boxing fights by looking for the following:

• Clean and hard punches – fighters may land many punches, but they do not have an impact if they are blocked. Judges are looking for hard punches that hit their mark or knock-out punches.
• Commanding the ring – Boxers who enforce their will and style in the role, effectively controlling the action.
• Defensive actions – is the boxer blocking punches or slipping up? Top defensive actions are taken into effect.
• Aggression—Asserting dominance and being aggressive is when a fighter avoids opponents’ punches and effectively lands their own.

Victory in a boxing match can be achieved through various methods, such as knockout, judges’ decision, or technical knockout.

Boxing scorecards

Boxing fights can last until the 10th round. Judges (there are three of them) then use scorecards to determine the winning boxer:

• Draw – when either two judges ruled the contest a draw or one thought one opponent has won, another the other player, and the third judge deeming it a draw.
• Split decision – When two out of three judges picked one opponent as the winner, whilst the third judge said the other player won.
• Majority decision – Similar to a split decision, except the third judge called a draw instead.
• Unanimous decision – All three judges pick the same fighter winning the match.

The official outcome is declared based on the judges’ scorecards, which can significantly impact betting results.

Boxing weight divisions

In boxing, fighters are divided by weight so that fights are more evenly matched. No boxer can fight another with a higher or lower weight, thus remaining in their weight division.

The most popular weight division, watched by fans alike, is the “heavyweight” division, which has continued since 1884 and is unlimited in upper weight but heavier than 90.72kg.

Speed or power in boxing fighting styles?

Fans love to watch boxers land punches into each other, roaring on the fighters to use their power to land the knock-out punch. A tremendous right hand can turn the tide of a boxing match, showcasing the significance of a single, impactful strike. This is understandably why fans are more fascinated with power fighters than those with speed.

However, power isn’t everything.

Although the top boxers have power, they focus more on speed, which enables them to land more punches. Boxers typically use combinations of punches and engage in tactical manoeuvres to outscore their opponents without necessarily knocking them out.

Boxers who are quick off the draw and can deliver a straight punch faster than their opponent’s win more fights because they can respond quickly and land more punches even if they are hit.

Boxing styles can be categorised into three main types: out-fighter, brawler, and in-fighter.

• Out-fighters maintain distance and rely on speed, using longer punches like jabs to wear down opponents.
• Brawlers prioritise power over technique and are known for landing heavy punches to knock out opponents.
• In-fighters use aggression and close-quarters fighting, often employing hooks and uppercuts in their approach.

Pre-fight mentality and trash-talking in boxing

A fighter or coach often says that fighting is 50% mental and 50% physical. That’s why, before major fights begin, fighters “trash-talk” their opponents, hoping they will doubt their ability to win their upcoming match.

Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali—all were excellent at mentally denigrating their opponents. However, there is another reason. Tyson Fury is another famous boxer who uses mental tactics to gain an edge over his opponents.

Fighters make money on marketing their boxing fights; in other words, the more tickets they sell, the more money they will make. Making provocative statements about their opponents in front of the media guarantees more media and public attention, equating to higher ticket sales.

Floyd Mayweather said it best, “love me or hate me, you will pay to watch me fight.”

Boxing’s heyday may be in years gone by, but the fury and attraction of the sport are still immensely popular worldwide, with boxing match “super-fights” selling out courtside and watched by millions through TV audiences. Knowing these basics about boxing means you have enough to begin watching and betting on your first boxing match.

How to bet on boxing: know the game

Now that you understand the fundamentals of boxing—from its rules and scoring to its weight divisions and psychological edge—you’re better equipped to follow the action with clarity and confidence.

Boxing betting allows bets on who will win, the number of rounds the fight will last, and whether the fight will end in a knockout or decision. If one boxer fails to continue fighting and fails to show up once the bell for the next round is made, their opponent is declared the contest winner from the previous round over the losing boxer.

Smart fans don’t just watch for knockouts; they study form, weight class dynamics, scoring trends, and fighters’ mental states before bouts. 

Recognising a boxer’s fighting style, how judges assess rounds, and even the impact of pre-fight tactics can make all the difference when forming an informed opinion on how a match might unfold.

If you’re still new to boxing, consider exploring some betting tipsters to guide your understanding or offer the best odds. More experienced fans may find value in using arbitrage betting software to analyse boxing odds across more boxing bouts.

Whether you’re watching as a boxing fan or want to understand what shapes outcomes in professional boxing, knowing the game gives you an edge. 

Boxing isn’t just about brute strength—it’s a sport of timing, discipline, and strategic mastery.