What Is a TKO In Boxing?

TKO, an abbreviation for a technical knockout, is a term used in combat sports such as boxing, karate, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and combat video games. It’s a declaration made by the referee when the fighter is unable to continue the fight safely due to factors such as injury or exhaustion.

Usually involving an injury, official attending physicians are also permitted to stop the match, enter the ring, and provide the fighter with first aid.

In the context of championship fights authorized by the World Boxing Association (WBA), a TKO is announced when a fighter is knocked down three times in a single round. This is referred to as an ‘automatic knockout’ in WBA rules. Moreover, in amateur boxing, a boxer is automatically declared the winner by TKO if his opponent is knocked down four times in an entire match.

Read Next: Who Has The Most Knockouts in Boxing History?

Featured image taken from YouTube.