World Boxing Eyes AI and New Rankings to Fix Scoring Woes and Boost Indian Talent

One of the most persistent controversies in the world of combat sports has always been the judging. Too often, fans and athletes alike are left baffled when the wrong fighter has their hand raised. In a bid to secure full recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and clean up the sport ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games, World Boxing is looking toward a futuristic solution: Artificial Intelligence.

Outgoing president Boris van der Vorst has revealed that the body is currently assessing how World Boxing AI tools could be utilized to review fights. The primary goal is to eliminate human error and bias from the scoring process. Van der Vorst admitted that the integrity of competition is a major "pain point" for the organization. By integrating modern technology to review bouts, the governing body hopes to rebuild the eroding trust among boxing enthusiasts and the athletes themselves.

A New Era of Rankings

Beyond technology, structural changes are also underway to protect top-tier talent. In previous tournaments, including the Olympics, elite boxers often eliminated each other in the opening rounds due to a lack of seeding. A prime example occurred with Indian star Nikhat Zareen, who faced a tough draw against China’s Wu Yu early in the Paris Olympics because she was unseeded.

To prevent this, World Boxing has rolled out a performance-based ranking system. This mechanism will ensure that the best fighters are seeded, keeping high-profile clashes reserved for the deeper stages of major tournaments.

India’s Rising Power

Van der Vorst, a frequent visitor to India, expressed immense confidence in the country's potential to dominate the ring. He noted the robust infrastructure and the hunger visible in young athletes across Indian gyms. While praising the consistent performance of the women's team, he emphasized that the men's squad possesses equal talent but needs to deliver more consistently on the big stage.

regarding the road to the LA Olympics, the qualification criteria are still being fine-tuned. For now, a mix of continental and global qualifiers will likely determine who makes the cut, with a final decision expected next year.