Is There a Draw in Boxing? Can Rounds Be Draws?


Draw

Today, boxing is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has countless fans, following each and every fight along the way. Some will say that’s the case because of its simplicity, and I have to agree. Sometimes, however, the match ends in a draw, and we don’t understand why. Let’s see whether it’s even possible.

Rounds in boxing can end up being a draw in two similar situations; first, if all the judges vote the round to be a tie, this is named a unanimous draw. Or, if one of the judges votes for boxer A, the other of boxer B, and the third votes a draw; this is known as a split draw. A match can also end up being a tie.

So, yea, as you can see, boxing matches can easily end up being a draw. Of course, you must understand that such a case shouldn’t occur, unless both boxers are really on the same level. It doesn’t even mean that they’re equally skilled.

Rather, when a fight end up as a tie, it means the judges didn’t want to favor neither boxer A nor B. That’s may happen for either positive or negative reasoning. This means that the fight can be extremely boring, with neither side taking the offensive party.

However, it can also mean that the fight is filled with action, from both sides. The number of clean hits, for instance, might be the same. Likewise, both boxers may still have fuel in their tank, so you’ll see both moving in a similar pace.

This article will examine draws in boxing and why they occur. Before we dive in, however, if you want to read about the scoring system of boxing, follow the link to read an article of mine on the topic.

How rare are draws in boxing?

When the judges score a match a tie, many fans will call the fight fixed. Likewise, the fans usually think that the judges’ judging ability—isn’t as good. As such, they referred to the easy way out, which is scoring a match a tie.

In boxing, draw rounds are rare, as they happen less than 5% of the time; since judges strive to use it as infrequently as possible. Unless the round is filled with actions from both boxers, and it’s even, there’s always a clear winner for the round. Indeed, scoring a boxing match a draw—happens as last resort.

Boxer
Photo by Xuan Nguyen on Unsplash

Some fans will claim that each match has a winner, even if you have to dig deep to find him. As a result, scoring a boxing fight a tie—is done when the judges don’t want to mistake their call. As a result, they end up not giving the win to either boxer.

Concluding, boxing draws are rare. Usually, they happen in 1 out of 20 fights, which is rather uncommon. As a result, if you think a boxing match is going to end up in a draw and want to bet on it, you might make a minimum of 20x on your money, a fantastic return.

Of course, some popular matches have ended up being a draw, as we’ll see in one of the following sections. Keep reading this article to find out more.

How does a draw happen in boxing?

If a fight ends up being a draw, there are two distinct options that can occur. Having either of these options happen—is rarer than you think. As a result, I encourage you to never bet on a match being a draw, as you’re more than likely to lose your bet.

There are two options for having a round scored a draw; the first is when all judges vote for the round being a draw, hence 10-10. In that case, it’ll be a unanimous call. Likewise, if one of the judges votes for boxer A, while the other for fighter B, the third can intervene and score it a tie. In that case, it’ll be a split draw.

A boxing round is often one-sided. Even if it’s not, there’s almost a clear winner for the round itself. For that reason, it’s uncommon to see a judge scoring a round 10-10. Regardless, it’s more uncommon to see one judge score in favor of boxer A, and the other for boxer B; the last judge will have to score the round a tie for it to be a draw.

The second scenario won’t typically happen as much as the first one. That’s because the judges are more likely to all call it a 10-10, hence, a tie. That’s why they’re so rare in boxing.

If you want to pair yourself with the best boxing shoes that will help you be more stable and slip less, follow the link to see the list of the best ones.

Boxing matches that ended in a draw

Although draws in boxing are rare, they sometimes do occur. As I’ve previously mentioned, there’s about a 5% chance of one happening. For that reason, they will happen in some boxing matches, and they’ll be highly controversial.

  • Sugar Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns II
  • Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield
  • John Ruiz vs Evander Holyfield III
  • Ben Villaflor vs Victor Echegaray
  • Koichi Wajima vs Miguel de Oliveira
  • Ben Villaflor vs Sammy Serrano
  • Eusebio Pedroza vs Bernard Taylor

In the YouTube video, you’ll see the outcome of one of the first YouTuber fights between KSI and Logan Paul. It ended up being a draw, and you can see how the two boxers are confused and uncertain of what that means.

Eventually, if a fight ends up being a draw, like in this fight, there’s no way of knowing whether it’s fixed or not. Some may argue that they have set it up to ensure a rematch, where they’ll make overall more money for their so-called “beef”.

Before we move on to the following section, if you want to learn about the training routine of professional boxers just before a big fight, follow the link to learn more about it.

Is a draw considered a loss in boxing?

If a draw occurs, something is off in the fight. Either both boxers were too defensive or too offensive. For the most part, there’ll be a distinct winner out of the two fighters. Even if not, you can compare stats in the fight itself to see who has the upper hand.

For the boxers, a draw isn’t considered a loss, but a tie. If you win the match, it’s likely that you’ll make more money from the deal. Nonetheless, if you end up drawing, the deal is likely to include you getting more money than if you were to lose. In betting, if you bet on one of the fighters, and it’s a draw, you lose.

Boxing match
Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash

If you bet on a fight ending as a draw, you’re assuming there won’t be a knockout. Likewise, you’re hoping for both fighters to be more defensive than offensive, as it’s much more likely to end in a draw that way.

Final words

A draw in boxing—is rare. In soccer, for instance, the match can end up being a draw if the score is equal. Such a scenario is more plausible than in martial arts. And still, it happens, even in the sport of punching.

When a match ends up as a tie, the fans always call it fixed and controversial, as there’s almost always a clear winner. For that reason, the judges can look at the stats and determine a winner, even if it seems to be a tie.

And still, such cases do occur, even in big fights, such as in Sugar Ray Leonard vs Tommy Hearns II.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about the complete guide of boxing clothing and protective gear. If you want to know what boxers wear in a real professional fight, follow the link.

Levi

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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