Boxing: WBA Seeks to Change Scoring, Reduce Number of Controversial Decisions

In the wake of the firestorm of criticism received by the sport of boxing after Timothy Bradley's highly disputed decision win over Manny Pacquiao in June, the World Boxing Association is seeking to stop this from happening in the future.

According to a report from Gabriel F. Cordero of Fightnews.com, the WBA will seek to modify the existing scoring system that governs boxing. Under the current "10-point must" system the fighter who is judged to win a round gains ten points, while the loser receives 9. This system is also subject to point deductions and knockdowns.

With many close and controversial rounds, the WBA no longer feels this system is sufficient for judging close fights. Under their new proposal, a fighter would receive a 10-9 advantage if he clearly wins a round. If the round is close, it would be scored 10-9.5.  

This is in an effort to reduce controversy in scoring that has been made all too apparent by a rash of bad decisions this year including Pacquiao-Bradley and also Brandon Rios stunning decision win over Richard Abril.

According to the report, the WBA currently employs the half point system in its Fedlatin and Fedebol regions. It was used for the first time in a WBA-sanctioned light flyweight interim world title fight between Alberto Rossell and Karluis Diaz. Rossel won the fight by unanimous decision and scores of 117.5-113.5, and 117.5-111.5 twice.

The new system has been widely praised by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, and is expected to be taken up by the organization's convention later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia.