How AI can help be a knockout in boxing

‘Fight or Byte: Can AI transform the boxing world?’ will see a panel of boxers, trainers and academics discuss how AI could have helped with judging some of the sport’s past controversial bouts and how it could shape its future. 

The panellists will debate inside a boxing ring at the Unique Fitness sports centre, Great Horton Road, Bradford, on Tuesday 8 April from 18:00 to 20:00.

Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme Leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics at the University of Bradford and one of the event’s panellists, said: “The event is about opening the conversation on AI in boxing.

“We are looking at AI in a different way and how it can be utilised in the future. AI is everywhere in life now. Does it have a future in a multi-billion-pound sport? 

“We’re not saying that AI will replace judging but better manage those controversial decisions. On the night, the audience will have their say by voting on topics and can get involved by letting us know what else they would like AI to be used for.”

How AI could be used in boxing

Dr Mahroof says sensors and AI could track punch accuracy, power and placement to assist judges’ scoring in fights. 

Algorithms trained on historical data could suggest scores based on patterns and metrics, acting as a guide for judges.

Key moments in bouts, like knockdowns or potential fouls, could be reviewed quickly. AI may be used in boxers’ training before bouts, using data to analyse their previous fights. 

But importantly, AI can be used to potentially help overcome injuries, which often go undetected because symptoms like swelling, bruising, or changes in behaviour may not appear immediately. Traditional methods may miss subtle signs, leaving athletes at risk. 

The ‘Fight or Byte’ panellists

Jawaid Khaliq MBE became the first British Asian World Champion, winning the IBO Welterweight title in 2001. Three years later he received an MBE in recognition of his contributions to the community.

Tasif Khan is a Bradford-born former Superflyweight World Champion in both the World Boxing Union and Global Boxing Union promotions. He set up the ‘Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy’ to inspire and engage young people through sport and physical activity.

He was awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of Bradford in 2021 in recognition of his career and dedication to the community.

Oleksandr Pohodin is a former amateur boxer and Ukrainian coach, now based in Sheffield. In 2022, following the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr and his family came to the UK and founded the Pohodin Boxing Academy. Mark Baxendale, a solicitor and boxing trainer, and Akeelha Wooding Foster, a teenage female boxer, complete the panel. 

The event is part of the University’s Bradford 2025 programme, that will see research from the University come to life and celebrate the things that are important to our communities and city.

Different is what we do 

UNIDENTIFIED - Creating new opportunities

Exploring the potential of AI in boxing is one of the ways the University of Bradford is using technology to create new opportunities.

Other ways include Professor Hassan Ugail, Director of the Centre for Visual Computing and Intelligent Systems, who is part of OrQA (Organ Quality Assessment), which is using AI to speed up organ transplants in a bid to save lives and money.

OrQA has been awarded £1.6m by the National Institute of Health Research to begin clinical trials in May, with a view to making the technology available to the NHS within two years.