The rematch between WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be used for an experiment. For the first time, an A.I. judge will score a professional  fight.

A.I. Takes Center Stage in Historic Usyk-Fury Rematch

In a groundbreaking development for professional boxing, the upcoming rematch between heavyweight titans Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will feature an artificial intelligence (A.I.) judge scoring the bout. The fight, scheduled for December 21, is already billed as one of the biggest clashes in the sport’s history, unifying the WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles. Now, it will also serve as a stage for an innovative experiment that could change the way combat sports are officiated.

A Historic First for Boxing

Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in the sport and an official of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, made the announcement via social media. He stated that this is the “first time ever an A.I.-powered judge will monitor the fight” and emphasized the technology’s ability to be “free from bias and human error.” Although the A.I. judge’s scorecard will not impact the official results, its introduction represents a significant step forward in blending technology with traditional sports.

The experiment comes at a time when controversial decisions in boxing have sparked widespread debate among fans, fighters, and analysts. Subjective judging has long been criticized, as human judges can be influenced—consciously or unconsciously—by crowd reactions, fatigue, or subconscious bias. The hope is that A.I. can eventually provide a level of objectivity and accuracy that human judgment sometimes lacks.

How A.I. Judging Works

While details of the A.I. system’s technology remain closely guarded, it is likely to involve real-time data processing through advanced machine learning and computer vision algorithms. By analyzing metrics such as punch volume, accuracy, ring control, and effective aggression, the system will score rounds without emotional or external influences. Cameras and sensors could be used to track every punch thrown, landed, or blocked, with the A.I. factoring in the fight’s flow.

This technology is being brought to the forefront by The Ring, one of boxing’s most respected authorities, ensuring its credibility. While it won’t replace human judges in the immediate future, this trial could pave the way for hybrid judging systems where A.I. works alongside humans to provide a second opinion or resolve close decisions.

The Fight of the Century

The fight itself is already poised to be historic. Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO, WBA, and IBF champion, is unbeaten in his career and known for his technical mastery, speed, and tactical brilliance. Tyson Fury, the charismatic WBC champion, brings unmatched size, power, and agility to the ring. Their rematch follows months of negotiations and represents the unification of all major heavyweight titles—a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Lennox Lewis reigned as undisputed champion over two decades ago.

With stakes this high, the introduction of an A.I. judge adds another layer of intrigue to a fight already brimming with excitement. Fans will be curious to see how the technology’s scorecard compares to the official judges’ verdict.

Boxing’s Technological Future

While purists might hesitate to embrace technology in such a tradition-rich sport, this experiment marks a step toward ensuring fairer outcomes. If successful, A.I. could help address controversies surrounding judging, particularly in closely contested fights. It could also encourage other combat sports like MMA and kickboxing to explore similar innovations.

Ultimately, the A.I.’s involvement in the Usyk-Fury rematch is about more than just scoring a fight. It represents the intersection of sport and technology, offering a glimpse into a future where precision and fairness are elevated to new heights. Whether the A.I.’s judgment aligns with the human judges or not, its presence is certain to add excitement to a fight that could define the era of heavyweight boxing.

On December 21, fans won’t just witness history inside the ring—they’ll see history being made outside of it as well.