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The world of boxing is set to witness a groundbreaking moment as technology takes center stage in the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this clash of titans is not just about fists and footwork; it’s about innovation that could reshape the sport's future.
On Tuesday, Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Fund, unveiled a revolutionary addition to the fight—AI-powered scoring. While this cutting-edge technology won’t influence the official outcome, its introduction marks a significant leap forward in ensuring transparency and minimizing human error in boxing.
“For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight,” Al-Sheikh announced via Twitter. “Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”
This experiment, he emphasized, is designed to enhance the viewing experience while preserving the traditional scoring system.
"This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century," Al-Sheikh added.
The first Usyk vs. Fury encounter left fans divided, ending in a controversial split decision. While Usyk dominated several rounds and nearly secured a stoppage in the later stages, Fury’s resilience and the referee’s intervention kept the fight alive. Two judges awarded the win to Usyk, but one sided with Fury, sparking debates about subjectivity in scoring.
With AI-powered judging, such controversies could potentially be mitigated in future bouts. The technology, designed to eliminate bias and analyze fights with precision, will debut in this heavyweight showdown, promising fans an added layer of transparency.
Although the AI system won’t impact the official results, its performance will be closely observed, especially by those advocating for its broader adoption in professional boxing. For fans, this fight is more than just a rematch; it’s a glimpse into how technology could reshape the sport.
As Usyk and Fury prepare to step into the ring again, history is being made outside of it. Don’t miss the action and the innovation that comes with it.
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