WBC backs Open Scoring as a transparency tool for professional boxing

The World Boxing Council is reaffirming its support for Open Scoring, presenting the system as a central part of its effort to improve transparency and fairness in professional boxing. The approach gives fighters, their corners, officials and fans access to the judges’ cards before a bout has reached its conclusion.

In WBC-sanctioned contests, the scores are normally disclosed after the fourth and eighth rounds. That timing allows the participants to see how the judges have assessed the fight during its progress, rather than receiving the cards only when the final result is announced.

The system works differently in special competitions. During the WBC Grand Prix, for example, the scores are made public after the second and fourth rounds. The tournament has been described as successful, and its scoring schedule provides an earlier view of the judges’ assessment than the standard arrangement used in other WBC-sanctioned bouts.

The council says its Open Scoring policy is intended to provide clarity and accountability throughout a contest. Publicly releasing the cards gives the boxers and their teams information about the way the fight is being scored, while also allowing spectators and media to follow the officials’ decisions as the action develops.

Open Scoring has generated debate within the international boxing community, but the WBC continues to support the principle behind it. The organisation regards the system as a measure that can contribute to the integrity of the sport and promote greater confidence in judging.

The WBC also points to wider adoption of the practice. More commissions and boxing organisations have introduced Open Scoring over the years, extending a system first promoted by the council several years ago. That growth reflects the continuing discussion around how professional boxing can make judging more visible and reinforce fairness in the ring.