Boxing
World Boxing aims to revamp scoring system with AI to boost transparency
World Boxing plans to use AI for a more objective scoring system and aims to secure IOC recognition by the end of the year.
World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst is set on overhauling the sport's scoring system by integrating modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to ensure greater objectivity and transparency.
This move is contingent on the breakaway body receiving official recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The current boxing scoring system has been criticized for its subjectivity and complexity, often leading to controversial and disputed decisions.
Recent debates were fueled by the Paris Olympics, where India's Nishant Dev lost in the men's 71kg quarterfinals despite appearing to dominate the bout.
Van der Vorst, in an exclusive interview to PTI at the 44th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly, shared his vision for using AI to enhance the transparency of judging.
“We are exploring modern technology like AI to make judging more objective,” he told PTI. “There are promising projects underway to address the trust deficit in the system.”
Elected as World Boxing chief in November, van der Vorst is optimistic about achieving official recognition by the end of the year.
The IOC had previously removed the International Boxing Association's (IBA) Olympic status due to issues with financial transparency and governance.
The IOC has warned that boxing might be excluded from the 2028 Olympics if national federations continue to support the suspended IBA.
To secure provisional recognition and ensure boxing's place in the Los Angeles Games, World Boxing must gain support from 50 national federations by year-end.