Development of an automated scoring system for amateur boxing

Abstract

The scoring process in amateur boxing is subjective, and this has caused a litany of problems for the sport. We have developed an automated scoring system that offers complete objectivity. Equipment worn by boxers during competition is instrumented to enable impact detection. Information on impact events is transmitted via Bluetooth to a ringside computer, where customised software applies temporal criteria to identify valid scores. The system has undergone multiple iterations over time based on outcomes of laboratory and field trials, and its potential to enhance amateur boxing is now worthy of attention.