Three of Boxing’s Four Largest Organizations to Implement use of Instant Replay

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Following annual meetings in June, it has been confirmed that instant replay will be used in world championship fights and any other affiliated championship of the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and the International Boxing Federation effective immediately.

The WBC has been utilizing video playback for the last eight years, creating pressure on the other major players to institute the same measures for bouts under its governance. The World Boxing Organization has yet to agree to instant replay, making it the lone body to not agree to the technology.

Going forward, each organization will use instant replay at its discretion and will secure an agreement with the corresponding local boxing commission where the event takes place.

The following is the protocol for how and when instant replay may be used.

1. The boxing organization, in conjunction with the local commission, will appoint a panel in charge of instant replay. The panel will consist of the supervisor, the local commission supervisor, and the specifically appointed monitor supervisor.

2. The promoter, with the support of the television network, will provide a monitor to be placed at the head table of the commission with headphones for audio commentary to receive the live feed.

3. Instant replay is limited to review (a) whether a cut or other injury to the face is the result of a punch or otherwise; or (b) whether a punch is thrown after the bell signaling the end of a round and (c) in any major situation that can change the outcome of the bout and where the replay clearly shows the actions are contradictory to the live ruling of the referee.

4. The referee may call “time out” during the bout and consult with the instant replay panel, if in doubt, as to any scenario. However, it is recommended that all reviews are done during the resting minute period.

5. The instant replay panel will review any controversial instance that may have occurred in any round. A determination of the referee may be overruled solely if the instant replay monitor clearly and conclusively reveals, according to each member of the panel, that the ruling of the action by the referee was mistaken in his original determination.

6. The referee may request to verify the action by watching the TV monitor or may choose to accept the panel’s recommendation, which is the final decision and the ruling that will be enforced.

7. Both corners and the audience will be notified of the final decision.