Section 6: Scoring
10-Point Must System
The 10-Point Must System is the standard scoring system for all WBA bouts. Under this system:
- The winner of each round receives 10 points
- The loser of each round receives 9 points or fewer
- An even round is scored 10-10 (though even rounds should be rare)
- A round with a knockdown is typically scored 10-8
- A round with two knockdowns is typically scored 10-7
- A dominant round without a knockdown may be scored 10-8
Judging Criteria
Judges evaluate each round based on the following criteria:
- Clean Punching: The number and quality of clean punches landed. A clean punch is one that lands on the legal target area with the knuckle part of the glove with force. Quality and accuracy are valued over sheer volume.
- Effective Aggression: Moving forward and pressing the attack while landing punches. Aggression without landing is not scored favorably.
- Ring Generalship: Controlling the pace and positioning of the fight. Effective use of footwork, distance management, and tactical boxing skills.
- Defense: Effective avoidance of an opponent's punches through blocking, parrying, slipping, and footwork.
Decision Types
- Unanimous Decision: All three judges score in favor of the same boxer
- Split Decision: Two judges score in favor of one boxer and one judge scores for the other
- Majority Decision: Two judges score in favor of one boxer and one judge scores even
- Draw: Unanimous, split, or majority draw when scores are equal or split