Artificial intelligence will serve as a fourth judge in the highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
The groundbreaking experiment, while not affecting the official result, marks the first time AI technology will be used to score a professional boxing match.
The innovative judging system will debut during the December 21 clash in Riyadh, where Fury seeks to avenge his only professional defeat.
Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh announced the innovative judging initiative, emphasising its potential to eliminate human bias.
Boxing news: Artificial intelligence will serve as a fourth judge in the highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia
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“For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight,” Alalshikh said. “Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”
A promotional video shared by Alalshikh questioned: “For years boxing has been defined by its glory but sometimes that glory is clouded by doubt and controversy. Isn’t it time for fairness to step into the ring?”
The first encounter between the heavyweights in May saw Usyk claim victory via split decision in Saudi Arabia.
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For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight 🤖 Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring. This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century, #Usyk2Fury, on December 21 🥊… pic.twitter.com/RdslVlBLRC
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) December 17, 2024
Two judges scored the bout in Usyk’s favour, with scores of 115-112 and 114-113.
The third judge awarded the fight to Fury with a score of 114-113.
The victory made Usyk the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, handing Fury the first defeat of his professional career.
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Fury claims to have studied the first fight extensively, watching it “a hundred times” as he prepares for the rematch.
“I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating,” Fury said. “That’s how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.”
Despite the loss, Fury remained confident about his performance, stating: “It was my best performance in the last five years, probably more.”
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He admitted he hadn’t felt close to knocking out Usyk, though he had hurt him with body and head shots.
The rematch will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 21.
Three heavyweight belts will be at stake, following Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF belt.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury will be hoping to roll back the years and beat Oleksandr Usyk when they meet at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday night
PA
The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, with both fighters looking to make history.
Fury aims to hand Usyk his first professional defeat, while defending champion Usyk looks to cement his dominance in the heavyweight division after winning all 22 of his bouts so far.
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