Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Knockout

A knockout (abbreviated as KO or K.O.) is a decisive fight-ending criterion in various full-contact combat sports, including , , , and , where one fighter renders their opponent unable to continue the bout, typically by causing unconsciousness or preventing recovery after a knockdown. This outcome emphasizes the sport's emphasis on striking power and resilience, distinguishing it from decision-based victories. In and similar disciplines, a knockout is officially declared when a downed fails to rise before the completes a mandatory ten-second count, signaling incapacity to defend themselves intelligently. This contrasts with a (TKO), where the or a 's corner halts the fight due to overwhelming dominance or injury, without a full knockdown and count. Knockouts and technical knockouts combined (KO/TKO) have historically represented about 30% of bout conclusions in major promotions like the UFC (as of 2023), though rates fluctuated to around 23% following a mid-2024 glove change before reverting, highlighting their role in producing memorable, high-impact moments while underscoring risks such as concussions and long-term neurological damage, with recent equipment changes influencing finish rates. Beyond individual fights, the term "knockout" also describes elimination-style tournament formats in sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball, where losing competitors are progressively removed until a single winner emerges, promoting efficiency in large-scale competitions. In genetics, a "knockout" refers to the targeted inactivation of specific genes in organisms for research purposes, a technique pivotal in studying gene functions since the 1980s. These diverse applications illustrate the term's versatility across athletic, scientific, and competitive contexts.

Definition and Basics

Knockout Defined

In combat sports such as , a knockout (KO) is a decisive victory condition where one fighter renders their opponent unable to continue the bout due to the effects of legal strikes, involving a mandatory 10-second administered by the if the fighter is downed. This typically occurs when the struck fighter touches the canvas with any part of their body other than their feet and fails to regain a defensive stance before the concludes. The 's begins immediately upon the downed fighter hitting the ground, with each second announced clearly, and the bout ends if the fighter cannot rise or demonstrate readiness by the 10th . Official criteria for a knockout require failure to beat the 10-count after a knockdown from legal blows. This ensures the outcome prioritizes fighter safety and fairness, distinguishing a KO from lesser incapacitations like a temporary knockdown, which may precede but does not automatically end the match. Referee intervention to halt the fight without a knockdown due to inability to defend intelligently constitutes a technical knockout (TKO), not a KO. The term "knockout" emerged in the context of 19th-century , with its first documented use around 1887 to describe stunning an opponent via a blow that required a 10-count , reflecting the era's transition toward formalized rules like those in the guidelines. For a knockout to be valid, it must stem exclusively from legal strikes—such as punches to the head or body above the waist—delivered in a sanctioned bout; outcomes from accidental fouls, like unintended low blows, do not qualify and instead prompt alternative resolutions such as no-contest rulings.

Distinction from Knockdown

A knockdown in and similar combat sports occurs when a fighter is struck by a legal and touches the with any part of the body other than the soles of their feet, yet remains conscious and capable of resuming the fight after a mandatory recovery period. In contrast, a knockout represents a more severe incapacitation where the fighter fails to recover within the full count, resulting in the immediate termination of the bout. The primary procedural distinction lies in the referee's counting mechanism and the fight's continuation. Following a knockdown, the issues a mandatory eight-, during which the downed fighter must demonstrate recovery and fitness to continue; if they rise before the count reaches ten, the fight resumes after the opponent retires to a corner. A knockout, however, is declared if the fighter cannot rise by the count of ten, ending the match without further action. This eight-count serves as a protective measure in knockdowns, allowing brief respite without halting the contest, whereas the full ten-count in knockouts enforces permanent stoppage to prevent further harm. Knockdowns do not inherently conclude the fight, serving instead as temporary interruptions that may signal vulnerability but permit continuation upon recovery. Repeated knockdowns, however, can escalate risks; for instance, in certain jurisdictions such as for elimination contests, a fighter knocked down four times in the entire bout triggers an automatic technical knockout to safeguard the fighter. Under the Association of Boxing Commissions' unified rules, adopted widely in professional bouts, no such automatic provision exists, leaving stoppage to the referee's discretion based on the fighter's condition. A single knockdown typically prompts only the mandatory eight-count for assessment, without the standing eight-count variant used in some amateur or international contexts. In essence, while a knockdown involves recoverable floor contact from a legal , a knockout escalates from such an event into or inability to proceed, marking the decisive end of the .

Types of Knockouts

Conventional Knockout

A conventional knockout, often simply referred to as a , occurs when a is downed to the by a legal and fails to rise to their feet before the completes a count of ten. The count begins once the downed 's opponent moves to a corner, and it is not strictly timed by seconds but rather by the 's deliberate pacing to assess the 's condition. If the does not beat the count, the waves off the bout, awarding victory to the opponent by knockout. During the 10-count, the downed fighter must recover unassisted, without aid from coaches, cornermen, or medical personnel, and upon rising—should they do so before ten—must demonstrate the ability to intelligently defend themselves and continue the fight. The , as the sole arbiter, evaluates whether the fighter is steady on their feet and coherent enough to proceed; if not, the bout may still be stopped even before the full count elapses, though this edges into knockout territory. No external is allowed during the count itself, emphasizing the fighter's personal . In contrast to stoppages, which prioritize through proactive referee action, conventional knockouts hinge on the completion of this traditional count without interruption. The 10-count mechanism traces its roots to the formalized in 1867, which introduced a 10-second recovery period for downed fighters, a humane reduction from the 30-second allowance in the preceding of the bare-knuckle era. Under the earlier Prize Ring rules, prevalent in the , knockouts were determined by a fighter's inability to resume after 30 seconds, often leading to grueling, multi-hour contests; an iconic example is John L. Sullivan's knockout victory over in the 75th round of their 1889 bare-knuckle heavyweight title fight in , marking the last such championship under those rules. Conventional knockouts represent a dramatic pinnacle of , accounting for approximately 18% of professional fight outcomes and about 34% of all stoppages from 2015 to 2018, with the remainder largely technical knockouts or decisions. Their appeal lies in the suspense of the count and the raw display of one fighter's dominance, as exemplified by Muhammad Ali's eighth-round knockout of in the 1974 "," where Ali's strategic tactic led to Foreman's exhaustion and downfall in , .

Technical Knockout

A technical knockout () in occurs when the stops the bout because one fighter is unable to continue intelligently defending themselves, has sustained excessive damage, or has suffered repeated knockdowns, without the need for a full 10-count as in a conventional knockout. This intervention prioritizes fighter safety by preventing further unnecessary punishment when the outcome is deemed inevitable. Unlike a standard knockout, a TKO does not require the downed fighter to be unconscious or fail to rise within the count; instead, it reflects the referee's judgment that continuing would endanger the fighter. TKOs can be categorized into several subtypes based on who initiates the stoppage. A TKO typically follows a standing eight-count where the fighter shows insufficient recovery or is absorbing unanswered blows, prompting the official to halt the fight. stoppages, another form of TKO, arise from injuries such as deep cuts, suspected fractures, or other medical concerns assessed by the ringside . Additionally, a corner TKO happens when the fighter's trainer or team throws in the towel to concede, signaling that their charge can no longer compete effectively. The concept of the was introduced in the early as a measure to curb the brutality of bare-knuckle and early gloved , becoming more standardized with the formation of athletic commissions. In jurisdictions like the , established in 1911 and regulating professional bouts since the 1920s, TKOs have been mandatory under rules emphasizing referee discretion for protective stoppages. These regulations ensure that officials intervene promptly in cases of one-sided dominance or vulnerability, reflecting broader efforts to modernize and safeguard the sport. In , TKOs represent the most common form of stoppage, accounting for approximately 32% of male bouts compared to 15% for traditional knockouts, based on an analysis of over 222,000 matches. A notable example is the 1975 "," where defeated via corner TKO after the 14th round, as Frazier's trainer halted the fight due to his fighter's exhaustion and swelling.

Double Knockout

A double knockout in is an exceptionally rare event in which both fighters become incapacitated simultaneously, typically rendering them unable to rise before the referee's of ten or to continue the bout safely. This differs from a standard knockout, where only one fighter is affected, and instead involves bilateral effects from concurrent actions, such as traded punches that cause both to . Such occurrences highlight the unpredictable in exchanges and are governed by the same foundational counting procedures as unilateral knockdowns, with the referee initiating a single for both downed combatants. The primary causes of double knockouts stem from accidental in striking or movement, most commonly when fighters launch counterpunches at precisely the same instant, each landing with sufficient force to disrupt balance and . Less frequently, slips, clashes of heads, or environmental factors like ring ropes can contribute to both falling and sustaining comparable damage, though intentional targeting for mutual incapacitation is impossible in the sport's structure. These incidents underscore the inherent risks of close-range exchanges in bouts, where split-second timing can lead to mirrored outcomes without premeditation. Historically, one of the most cited examples is the July 4, 1912, title fight between champion Wolgast and challenger Joe Rivers in . In the 13th round, under grueling heat, both exchanged heavy right hands, crumpling to the together from the impacts; neither fully recovered within the count, yet Jack controversially halted the bout after focusing the count on Rivers, declaring Wolgast the winner by technical knockout amid widespread protests from the crowd and observers who viewed it as a double knockout. While true mutual incapacitations remain unverified in records due to their scarcity—occurring in fewer than 1% of all stoppages—no other bout has matched this level of notoriety, though double knockdowns leading to one-sided finishes, like the 1985 Lee Roy Murphy-Chisanda Mutti clash, echo similar drama without resulting in a . Resolution protocols for double knockouts in emphasize referee assessment of both fighters' conditions post-count. The referee counts both downed fighters, and the outcome depends on who recovers first to continue intelligently and safely; if both fail to do so, the referee may stop the bout, with the final decision at the discretion of the referee and overseeing athletic commission, potentially leading to a no-contest in extreme cases, though no such precedent exists in major professional bouts. Sanctioning bodies like the or IBF handle such anomalies through general referee authority rather than specific clauses for draws.

Physiological and Medical Aspects

Mechanism of Unconsciousness

A knockout occurs primarily due to a concussive applied to the head, which induces rapid and deceleration of the within the , resulting in temporary cerebral dysfunction. This biomechanical event, often triggered by a direct impact from a , causes the to collide with the inner surfaces of the cranium, leading to shearing and compressive s that disrupt normal neural activity. Neurologically, the loss of consciousness stems from the interruption of the reticular activating system (), a brainstem network responsible for maintaining and . The concussive impact generates both linear and rotational forces; the rotational components are particularly damaging as they cause twisting motions that shear axons across the brain, resulting in (). This shearing impairs the transmission of signals within the and between hemispheres, effectively halting the brain's ability to sustain . From a physics perspective, the energy transfer during a knockout punch follows the kinetic energy formula E = \frac{1}{2} mv^2, where m represents the effective mass of the striking fist (typically 0.5–2 kg including arm momentum) and v is the velocity (often 5–15 m/s for professional punches). Punches such as hooks and uppercuts are especially effective because they maximize rotational torque around the head's axis, amplifying angular acceleration and thus the risk of DAI compared to straight jabs. The duration of unconsciousness in a typical knockout lasts 10–60 seconds, during which cerebral blood flow may be transiently reduced, potentially leading to if the episode extends beyond this window and requires medical intervention. In milder cases, such as a knockdown, the force may cause disorientation without full disruption, allowing quicker recovery.

Immediate Effects

Upon experiencing a knockout, the body exhibits an immediate loss of , often described as the "ragdoll effect," where the fighter collapses limply due to the sudden interruption of neural signals controlling posture and movement. This loss is severe and transient, typically lasting only seconds to minutes as the begins to recover. In some cases, involuntary convulsions or seizure-like activity may occur immediately after the impact, resulting from disrupted function and temporary hyperexcitability in the . These physical manifestations stem briefly from the trauma mechanisms involving rotational forces during the strike. As returns, fighters often display disorientation, manifesting as unsteady posture, , or inability to respond coherently to their surroundings. Cognitively, this phase includes short-term , where the individual may have no of events seconds to minutes before or after the knockout, alongside confusion and slowed reflexes that impair decision-making and coordination. These symptoms are systematically assessed using the (GCS) by ringside medical personnel, which evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response to score consciousness levels from 3 to 15, with scores below 13 indicating potential moderate impairment. Such evaluations help differentiate transient effects from more serious injuries like prolonged . Ringside protocols mandate immediate medical evaluation for any knockout, with the summoning the doctor to the ring for a comprehensive check including , neurological tests, and GCS administration to rule out fractures or bleeding. To mitigate initial swelling and support recovery, interventions often include applying ice packs for cooling and ensuring hydration through oral fluids or monitoring status, as these measures reduce secondary . Most fighters regain full awareness within a few minutes, with typically returning spontaneously and post-knockout disorientation resolving shortly thereafter in the majority of cases observed in professional bouts. For instance, ringside reports from major events like title fights note rapid stabilization in over 90% of knockouts without extended intervention.

Long-term Health Risks

Repeated knockouts in and similar combat sports contribute to the development of () and dementia pugilistica, neurodegenerative conditions characterized by progressive brain damage from cumulative head trauma. These risks are particularly elevated with 20 or more knockouts over a career, as evidenced by studies linking higher exposure to repetitive concussive impacts with increased likelihood of pathology. Research by Jordan et al. indicates that approximately 20% of professional boxers develop (CTBI), with dementia pugilistica manifesting as slurred speech, memory loss, and motor impairments in those with extensive knockout histories. Autopsy findings in deceased boxers have revealed accumulation and neuronal loss consistent with , often correlating with career-long knockout counts. For instance, Muhammad Ali's symptoms, emerging post-retirement, have been associated with his repeated head trauma from over 50 professional bouts, though definitive causation remains debated among neurologists. Incidence rates of neurological decline range from 30% to 50% among retired professional boxers with high knockout totals, based on systematic reviews of cognitive and neuropathological data. To mitigate these long-term risks, modern athletic commissions enforce mandatory medical suspensions, such as 90-day prohibitions following a knockout with loss of , allowing time for neurological . Advancements in since the 2000s, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and volumetric MRI, have enabled earlier detection of microstructural brain changes in active fighters, facilitating proactive interventions like reduced training intensity. Beyond , repeated knockouts lead to broader impacts such as cognitive decline, including impaired executive function and processing speed, as well as heightened rates among affected retirees. Parallels exist with , where subconcussive hits mirror boxing's repetitive trauma, yielding similar prevalence in autopsied players with extensive exposure.

Rules in Combat Sports

Boxing Regulations

In , the referee must begin a mandatory 10- immediately upon a knockdown, defined as any part of the 's body other than the feet touching the as a result of a legal blow. The count starts the moment the downed boxer hits the floor and must be delivered audibly and at a deliberate pace of approximately one second per number, ensuring clarity for the boxer, opponent, and officials. This procedure is standardized under the Unified Rules of Boxing adopted by major sanctioning bodies. The fight concludes in a if the fails to rise unaided by the count of 10, but the may intervene earlier if the downed cannot demonstrate intelligent or appears unable to continue safely. A mandatory 8-count is required after any knockdown, during which the opponent must remain in a neutral corner and cannot resume until the signals; failure to intelligently respond after this point often leads to stoppage. In some U.S. jurisdictions, a three-knockdown rule applies, mandating automatic termination after three knockdowns in a single to mitigate cumulative damage, a safeguard with roots in early 20th-century regulations. Oversight of these rules falls to sanctioning organizations like the World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF), which enforce the Association of Boxing Commissions' (ABC) unified standards for professional bouts. In amateur boxing, the International Boxing Association (IBA, formerly AIBA) governs with similar protocols but emphasizes an 8-count standing assessment for hurt boxers and a 10-count for full knockouts, prioritizing safety in non-professional contexts. Enforcement controversies, such as referee errors in counting during the 2025 Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. bout, are reviewed by athletic commissions like the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which acknowledged procedural lapses but upheld the result after investigation.

Variations in Other Sports

In (MMA), particularly under Unified Rules of as used by the (UFC), a knockout is declared when a fighter is unable to intelligently defend themselves or continue fighting due to strikes, often involving ground-and-pound techniques where an opponent delivers repeated blows while the other is on the ground. Unlike traditional , there is no mandatory 10-count for standing knockouts, but referees may issue a standing eight-count if a fighter appears dazed; technical knockouts (TKOs) are common via doctor stoppages or referee intervention to prevent further , with an emphasis on and submissions that can end fights without strikes. The absence of a three-knockdown rule allows bouts to continue despite multiple stuns, prioritizing the referee's assessment of fighter safety over rigid counts. In and , knockout rules adapt to the inclusion of leg kicks, knees, and elbows, permitting finishes from a wider array of strikes that can cause rapid unconsciousness. Under (IFMA) rules, a mandatory eight-count is administered after a knockdown to allow recovery, with the count extending to ten for a knockout if the fighter cannot continue; a standing eight-count may be used at the referee's discretion for dazed but undowned fighters. These procedures are similar to but account for the sports' higher striking volume and diverse techniques like powerful kicks or knees to the head, with referees empowered to stop fights immediately if safety is compromised. Professional wrestling employs scripted knockouts primarily for dramatic effect in entertainment, where "knockouts" are predetermined outcomes without genuine counts or risks, as matches follow choreographed narratives rather than competitive rules. In contrast, strictly prohibits knockouts, focusing instead on pins, submissions, and points, with any loss of treated as an leading to immediate and disqualification of strikes that could cause them. Key differences across these sports include variations in scripted count-outs for pro wrestling (such as 20-counts for ring-outs) and a generally higher tolerance for striking-induced injuries in stand-up arts like compared to grappling-heavy disciplines.

Historical and Notable Instances

Evolution of Knockout Rules

In the 18th and 19th centuries, matches typically proceeded without formal counts or timed recoveries, continuing until one fighter was completely incapacitated or unable to continue, often leading to prolonged and brutal encounters. The London Prize Ring rules, established in 1838 and revised in 1853, marked a significant advancement by introducing a structured 30-second rest period after a knockdown, during which the downed fighter's seconds could provide assistance, followed by an additional 8 seconds for the fighter to return unaided to the central "scratch" line; failure to do so resulted in defeat. A pivotal shift occurred with the , drafted in 1865 and published in 1867, which mandated padded gloves to reduce hand injuries and standardized a 10-second count for knockouts, replacing the longer recovery intervals and emphasizing quicker resolutions while promoting safer conditions. In the , U.S. state athletic commissions, empowered by legislation like New York's Walker Law of 1920, formalized the to halt bouts when a fighter could no longer intelligently defend themselves, even without a full knockdown, in response to growing concerns over excessive punishment and fatalities. The late 20th century saw further evolution driven by medical insights, particularly after Muhammad Ali's 1984 Parkinson's syndrome diagnosis, which highlighted cumulative brain trauma from . Mandatory medical suspensions—typically 30 to 90 days for knockouts—had become standard by commissions in the mid-20th century and were widely enforced by the and to allow recovery and prevent immediate re-injury. Into the 21st century, awareness of (CTE) has informed ongoing updates to protocols worldwide, including improved management and extended recovery periods for repeated . These developments facilitated the global standardization of knockout rules, with incorporating them at the 1904 Olympics—boxing's debut as an sport—and professional circuits adopting similar frameworks through international bodies like the by the mid-20th century.

Boxers with 50 or More Knockouts

The "50 knockout club" refers to professional boxers who have achieved at least 50 knockouts in their careers, a rare feat highlighting exceptional punching power and longevity in the ring. This group is dominated by fighters from earlier eras when bouts were more frequent and records were meticulously tracked by databases like . Notable members include , who retired in 1963 with 132 knockouts in 220 professional fights, and , who amassed 68 knockouts across 81 bouts from 1969 to 1997. Among the top achievers, holds the all-time record with 138 knockouts in a career spanning hundreds of fights primarily in the and , followed closely by at 132 and Young Stribling with 129. Earnie Shavers recorded 68 knockouts in 91 fights from 1969 to 1995, tying for fourth place in . As of 2025, no active professional has reached the 50-knockout threshold; , with 43 knockouts in 49 bouts, is the closest contender but falls short of the cutoff. Power-puncher styles characterize most members of this club, with an average knockout percentage exceeding 80% of their wins, emphasizing devastating one-punch power over technical decision victories. However, such high knockout totals correlate with elevated health risks, including () and dementia pugilistica, as repetitive head trauma from delivering and absorbing impacts contributes to long-term cognitive decline; studies show boxers with extensive knockout histories exhibit greater damage and a higher incidence of early-onset . Records for this club are verified through , which distinguishes pure knockouts from technical knockouts (TKOs) unless combined in overall statistics.

Notable Knockout Moments

Several knockouts stand out in boxing history for their drama and impact. Muhammad Ali's third-round knockout of in 1966 showcased his speed and power, ending with a devastating right hand. Mike Tyson's second-round stoppage of in 1986 made him the youngest champion at age 20. More recently, Deontay Wilder's one-punch knockout of Luis Ortiz in 2019 highlighted modern power.

References

  1. [1]
    KNOCKOUT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
    1. a : the act of knocking out : the condition of being knocked out b (1) : the termination of a boxing match when one boxer has been knocked down.
  2. [2]
    KNOCKOUT | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
    in boxing, the act of hitting the other fighter so that they fall to the ground and are unable to get up again within ten seconds.
  3. [3]
    What is the difference between a knockout and a technical knockout?
    Jun 13, 2021 · A knockout occurs when the referee is able to administer a ten count to a fallen or woozy fighter who cannot get back to his or her feet within ...
  4. [4]
    (PDF) Comprehensive analysis of 'knockouts' in Mixed Martial Arts ...
    Aug 5, 2025 · Objective To quantify and identify potential risk factors for knockouts (KOs) and technical KOs (TKOs) in Mixed Martial Arts fighters.<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Knock-out tournament in physical education - Unacademy
    In a single knockout tournament, players that lose are eliminated from the game and are not given another chance to compete.
  6. [6]
    Knockout - National Human Genome Research Institute
    A knockout, as related to genomics, refers to the use of genetic engineering to inactivate or remove one or more specific genes from an organism.
  7. [7]
    [PDF] ring official´s basic guidelines - World Boxing Council
    A knockout (KO) takes place when one of the boxers receives a legal punch that makes him touch the canvas with his knee(s), hand(s), or his whole body, and ...
  8. [8]
    Knockout - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
    Knock-out, from 1887, originates from boxing meaning "to stun by a blow for a 10-count," from knock (v.) + out (adv.); also slang for "excellent" or ...
  9. [9]
    Unified Boxing Rules - Association of Boxing Commissions
    8. There is NO Three (3) Knockdown Rule. 9. A boxer shall receive a twenty (20) second count if the boxer is knocked out of the ring.
  10. [10]
    18VAC120-40-385. Rules for elimination boxing contest only.
    The three knockdown in any round rule will be in effect. If a fighter is knocked down four times in the bout, it shall be ruled as a technical knockout. No ...
  11. [11]
    Boxing Rules & Pro Boxing Decisions Explained
    Oct 20, 2021 · A boxer will be declared to have been “Knocked out” if he receives 3 Knockdowns one round. However, the four major global commissions – WBC, WBA ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    ABC Regulatory Guidelines - Association of Boxing Commissions
    In the event of a knockdown, the downed boxer will be allowed a ten count in which to rise unassisted.
  13. [13]
    All About the History and Origins of Boxing - Legends Boxing
    Uncover the thrilling boxing history from ancient origins to modern legends. Learn about rules, champions, and its enduring legacy.
  14. [14]
    Sullivan-Kilrain Fight - Mississippi Encyclopedia
    Jun 13, 2022 · The fight took place on 8 July 1889 and lasted seventy-five sweaty, blood-soaked rounds. Because of the brutal nature of bare-knuckle boxing, it ...
  15. [15]
    Retrospective Analysis of Professional Boxing Fight Outcomes in the ...
    Sep 30, 2019 · 46.5% (n = 786) of fights ended in a judges' decision outcome, 35.1% (n = 594) ended in TKO, 18.1% (n = 306) ended in KO, 0.2% (n = 4) ended in ...
  16. [16]
    What is the difference between a KO and a TKO? - FanSided MMA
    Mar 12, 2023 · A technical knockout (TKO) occurs when one fighter is overwhelmed by the attack of his or her opponent and is “unintelligently defending himself or herself.”
  17. [17]
    Boxing 101: Olympic rules, regulations and scoring
    Mar 26, 2024 · Once a boxer is knocked down, the referee will count to 10. If the knocked-down boxer fails to stand up and resume fighting, their opponent ...
  18. [18]
    What Is a TKO in Boxing? Definition & Rules Explained - SportSurge
    Oct 21, 2025 · TKO stands for Technical Knockout, which occurs when a fight is stopped by the referee, doctor, or a fighter's corner because one boxer cannot ...
  19. [19]
    What is a TKO? The Technical Knockout Explained - PredictEm
    Jun 21, 2013 · TKOs were rare in the early days of boxing, but are now much more commonplace than regular KOs. The general rule in boxing, to varying degrees, ...
  20. [20]
    Nevada Athletic Commission
    The Nevada Athletic Commission provides licensing for various roles, handles professional and amateur events, and offers an online licensing portal.Events Schedule · The Commissioners and the... · Licensing · Contact Us
  21. [21]
    NAC: CHAPTER 467 - UNARMED COMBAT
    A program of unarmed combat begins with the commencement of the first bout and ends when the last unarmed combatant leaves the site of the program.Missing: 1920s | Show results with:1920s
  22. [22]
    Male and Female Boxers Suffer Almost Identical Concussion Rates
    Apr 10, 2025 · Of 14,555 matches in females, 5% ended in KO and 24% in TKO (total 29% KO/TKO). Of 222,683 matches in males, 15% ended in KO and 32% in TKO ( ...
  23. [23]
    Title Retained After Ugly End to the 'Thrilla in Manila'
    Jun 10, 2016 · Muhammad Ali retained the world heavyweight boxing championship today when Joe Frazier's manager, Eddie Futch, surrendered from the corner moments before the ...
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
    Wolgast, Rivers And The Double Knockout Drama - East Side Boxing
    Feb 7, 2015 · By Mike Dunn: One of the most controversial title fights took place on the Fourth of July, 1912, in Vernon, Calif., near Los Angeles.
  26. [26]
    RIVERS, WOLGAST & THE “DOUBLE KNOCKOUT” - by Lou Eisen
    Sep 2, 2024 · Wolgast won the fight. However, more importantly, Rivers most definitely did not lose the fight. Rivers was in fact, pulling away to a dominant, ...
  27. [27]
    40 Years On, Lee Roy Murphy Recalls His Astonishing Double ...
    Oct 18, 2025 · The two traded power shots from the get-go, and by the middle rounds, the savagery of the fight was staggering. Then, in round 12, both men went ...
  28. [28]
    Has there ever been a double knockout in boxing like there was at ...
    Jan 5, 2019 · In 1912, lightweights Joe Rivers and Ad Wolgast simultaneously knocked each other down. Neither could beat the ten count.Is it possible for two boxers to knock themselves out at the same time ...How are boxing or MMA bets handled in a double knockout? - QuoraMore results from www.quora.comMissing: definition famous resolution
  29. [29]
    Knockouts are Accompanied by an Immediate Loss of Muscle Tone
    Jun 26, 2023 · We observed an immediate and severe loss of muscle tone following a knockout. This impact-induced loss of muscle tone was typically transient, ...Missing: physical cognitive
  30. [30]
    How Can a Punch Knock You Out? - PMC - PubMed Central - NIH
    The Biomechanics of a Knockout​​ For a punch to damage the brain, the force from the impact must somehow be transferred through the skull and into the brain ...
  31. [31]
    What Happens When You're Knocked Unconscious? - BrainFacts
    Nov 20, 2018 · Concussions typically cause vision problems, disorientation, memory loss, headaches, balance issues, and a host of other ailments as the ...
  32. [32]
    Individualizing medical suspension after knockout in boxing-no two ...
    May 27, 2022 · Most boxers after a KO exhibit transient loss of consciousness with varying duration of anterograde and retrograde amnesia. Neurological ...
  33. [33]
    Concussion management in combat sports: consensus statement ...
    If a combat sports athlete is experiencing concussion signs and symptoms 30 min after his or her bout, or lost his or her bout by KO via strikes to the head, it ...
  34. [34]
    [PDF] WORLD BOXING Medical Handbook 2025
    Jun 18, 2025 · • Glasgow Coma Scale. • Examining for cranial fractures, deformities, binocular hematomas, Battles sign,. CSF leakage. • Otoscopy for blood (or ...
  35. [35]
    The Knockout in Boxing - World Boxing Association
    Jan 8, 2010 · The first modern studies of head injury were by an English physicist Holbourne in 1943. He looked at the anatomical nature of the skull and the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating Head Trauma ...
    Utilization of headguards significantly increased the risk for stoppages in amateur bouts, compared with boxers not wearing a headguard (OR: 1.75 vs 0.53, P < ...
  37. [37]
    the Professional Fighters' Brain Health Study
    Conclusions Greater exposure to repetitive head trauma is associated with lower brain volumes and lower processing speed in active professional fighters.
  38. [38]
    Chronic traumatic brain injury associated with boxing - PubMed
    Chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI) in boxing affects about 20% of boxers, with risk factors including increased exposure and poor performance. It can cause ...Missing: paper | Show results with:paper
  39. [39]
    Neurochemical Profile of Dementia Pugilistica - PMC
    Traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for dementia development, and our findings are consistent with permanent structural and functional damage in the ...Missing: repeated knockouts
  40. [40]
    Muhammad Ali and Parkinson's disease: Was boxing to blame?
    Jun 4, 2016 · Neurologists cannot definitively say whether Ali's symptoms were a result of his boxing career. But they said head trauma does increase the risk.
  41. [41]
    A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating Head Trauma ...
    Repeated head trauma is associated with smaller thalamic volumes and slower processing speed: the Professional Fighters' Brain Health Study. Br J Sports Med ...
  42. [42]
    Chronic Effects of Boxing: Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Cognitive ...
    We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate the effects of boxing on brain structure and cognition in 10 boxers.
  43. [43]
    Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Potential Late Effect of Sport ...
    In some sports, such as boxing and American football, it may be impossible to prevent repetitive head injuries, especially the repeated subconcussive blows that ...Missing: parallels | Show results with:parallels
  44. [44]
    [PDF] Referee Manual of Professional Boxing
    If the fallen boxer arises any time before the count of (10), the referee, after giving the full (8) count, shall wipe the fallen boxer's gloves of any debris ...
  45. [45]
    [PDF] Unified Rules of Boxing
    The Mandatory Eight (8) Count after knockdowns will be standard procedure in all bouts. 6. All professional boxers are required to wear a mouthpiece during ...Missing: WBC | Show results with:WBC
  46. [46]
    [PDF] IBA TECHNICAL & COMPETITION RULES
    If one Boxer is knocked out as a result of a head blow after “break” or “stop” and is counted up to “ten” (10), the. Page 21. IBA Technical and Competition ...
  47. [47]
    NYSAC blames 'technical issue' for Davis knee no-call, says ... - ESPN
    Mar 3, 2025 · Referee Steve Willis correctly started to count, but when he reached three, he stopped and didn't rule it a knockdown. If Willis followed the ...<|separator|>
  48. [48]
    The History of Boxing
    Boxing started in ancient Greece and Rome, was revived in 18th century London, and the Queensberry Rules in 1857 emphasized skill, changing the sport.<|control11|><|separator|>
  49. [49]
    London Prize Ring Rules of Boxing - FISTIANA
    Apr 4, 2018 · The London Prize Ring Rules – 1838, 1853 · 1. The 'scratch' replaced Broughton's 'square of a yard' chalked in the middle of the stage. · 2. After ...Missing: text | Show results with:text
  50. [50]
    [PDF] JIM CROW & THE REGULATION OF BOXING IN NEW YORK STATE
    Mar 30, 2024 · Boxing was reinstated in New York in 1920 by the. Walker Law. 1920 N.Y. Laws 2333. That law initially created a “boxing commis- sion” to govern ...
  51. [51]
    Doctor Says Ali's Brain Injuries Due to Boxing - Los Angeles Times
    Jul 16, 1987 · Muhammad Ali suffers from Parkinson's syndrome because of injuries to the brain he sustained during his 22-year boxing career, his doctor said Wednesday.
  52. [52]
    Boxing has 'cookie-cutter' approach to concussion and lacks CTE ...
    Jul 27, 2023 · The new head of Victoria's professional boxing regulator has embraced criticism the sport has a “cookie-cutter” approach to concussion and lacks CTE prevention ...
  53. [53]
    Archie Moore - BoxRec
    Archie Moore ; status, inactive ; bouts, 220 ; rounds, 1472 ; KOs, 70.97% ; career, 1935-1963.
  54. [54]
    George Foreman - BoxRec
    George Foreman ; status, inactive ; bouts, 81 ; rounds, 349 ; KOs, 89.47% ; career, 1969-1997.All Bouts · IBHoF Logo · Box-am · CN
  55. [55]
    15 Boxers With Most Knockouts: All-Time KO Leaders - FightMMA.org
    Sep 23, 2023 · The undisputed KO leader of all time is Billy Bird, with 138 boxing knockouts. His record will likely never be broken.
  56. [56]
    Earnie Shavers - BoxRec
    Earnie Shavers ; bouts, 91 ; rounds, 374 ; KOs, 92.11% ; career, 1969-1995 ; debut, 1969-11-06 ...Earnie ShaversRandall Cobb
  57. [57]
    Diffusion Measures Indicate Fight Exposure–Related Damage to ...
    This finding suggests that the number of knockouts experienced by boxers can predict microstructural damage in the brain, as represented by increased LD and TD.
  58. [58]
    Boxers at greater risk of early onset dementia, study finds - BBC
    Nov 25, 2021 · Men who boxed as amateurs in early life are at greater risk of early onset dementia, according to a new study.
  59. [59]
    BoxRec
    Oleksandr Usyk · Gilberto Ramirez · Dmitrii Bivol · Terence Crawford · Zhanibek Alimkhanuly* · Jaron Ennis · Devin Haney* · Teofimo Lopez.Schedule · Search · Ratings · Results