Ford Scoring is a method of assigning a round score. It is used in the training and assessment of professional judges and was devised by the eponymous Duane Ford. It is used in the training of officials in North America and Asia.
Close
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a narrow margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing scoring punches a couple effective punches scored could swing the bout in either direction.
Moderate
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a clear margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing Scoring punches the winner of the round was ahead by more than a couple effective punches scored and winner of the round could not have changed without a significant impact.
Decisive
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a large margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing Scoring punches the winner of the round convincingly won the round.
Extremely Decisive
(10-8) When one boxer has won the round by total domination and significantly outscored their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). The winning boxer dominated and/or staggered the other boxer.â
Close
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a narrow margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing scoring punches a couple effective punches scored could swing the bout in either direction.
Moderate
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a clear margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing Scoring punches the winner of the round was ahead by more than a couple effective punches scored and winner of the round could not have changed without a significant impact.
Decisive
(10-9) When one boxer has won the round by a large margin of victory over their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). When comparing Scoring punches the winner of the round convincingly won the round.
Extremely Decisive
(10-8) When one boxer has won the round by total domination and significantly outscored their opponent by utilizing a combination of the scoring criteria, Scoring Punches, Effective Aggression, and/or Ring Generalship (Control). The winning boxer dominated and/or staggered the other boxer.â
I wanted to put this up here because I think this is a great way to think about the fight when scoring. Notice too that "effective punches" is mentioned and not necessarily "clean punches." Punches that are more effective will be given more weight. I remember in the past arguing with people about simply "clean punches" rather than "effective, clean punches." The effect is always considered.
Also, pay attention to how a 10-9 round and a 10-8 round is determined. Based on this criteria, we should be seeing more 10-8 rounds, IMO.)
(The Ford Scoring system is for professional judges or those who want to become professional judges.)