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Understanding a boxer's record goes beyond wins and losses. The number of victories by knockout (KO) is a key indicator of a fighter's punching power and finishing ability.
However, there's another way a fight can end decisively before the final bell: a technical knockout (TKO). While both TKOs and KOs end a fight prematurely, the cause and referee's role differ.
What is a knockout?
A knockout (KO) occurs when a boxer is unable to continue fighting due to a legal strike, typically a powerful blow to the head. The fighter might fall to the canvas, lose consciousness momentarily, or be too disoriented to rise within a ten-count administered by the referee. A fighter can also take a knee to signal they are unable to continue, prompting the referee's ten-count.
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What is a technical knockout?
A technical knockout (TKO) is declared by the referee when they deem a boxer unfit to continue safely. This can happen for several reasons:
Inability to defend: If a boxer is wobbly on their feet after a knockdown or seems unable to defend themselves from further punishment, the referee might step in to protect them from a KO.
Retirement: A fighter can choose to retire from the fight by throwing in the towel or their corner team calling off the contest.
Doctor stoppage: A ringside physician can advise the referee to halt the fight if they believe a boxer has sustained injuries that make continuing unsafe.
Three knockdowns: In some boxing matches, three knockdowns within a single round automatically trigger a TKO.
What is the difference between a TKO and a KO?
For the record keeper, there's no distinction. TKOs and KOs are victories achieved before the fight goes the full distance and are counted as such in a boxer's win column. There's no hierarchy between a KO and a TKO; they're simply different ways a fight can be stopped due to a boxer's inability to continue.
