A boxing exhibition match will not count on a boxer’s record and is not a real fight. Fighters usually don’t attend any full training camp for exhibition fights and they are not even sanctioned by any boxing organization.
A few of the differences between a boxing match and an exhibition match are that an exhibition fight does not count on the boxer’s record, there are no official judges, and they are usually 3 to 8 rounds.
As a long-time fan and fighting enthusiast, I was always curious about these exhibition matches. After doing quite a bit of research, I can now confirm several differences between an Exhibition boxing Fight and a Real Fight. The following are some frequently asked questions regarding the similarities between exhibition fights and real fights.
Summary table comparing exhibition match vs regular match below:
| Exhibition Match | Regular Match | |
| Sanctioned | No | Yes |
| Count on record? | No | Yes |
| Judges | No | Yes |
| Scored | No | Yes |
| Potential KO | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Limit | No | Yes |
Table of Contents
Do Exhibition Matches Count On Your Record?
An exhibition match will not count on either boxer’s record, as there is no official winner or loser of the boxing match. There are no official judges in an exhibition fight to observe it and assign each boxer points depending upon how they perform during the fight.
Is an Exhibition Fight a Real Fight?
While the exhibition fight involves real boxers, it is not a real fight in that it is primarily done for charity or general entertainment. It is also not considered an actual boxing match since there are no official judges to score an exhibition boxing match.
While an exhibition fight is not scripted, there is still a danger of one or both fighters getting knocked down. While there is no official winner in an exhibition match, it is still highly recommended that boxers still take protecting themselves during the fight very seriously.
There is no official winner in an exhibition fight, so it does not count on the boxer’s record should they win or lose. However, fans of the exhibition match will almost certainly form an opinion on which fighter ‘won’ the fight.
Exhibition Fight vs Real Fight: The Differences
Professional boxing matches (even exhibitions) are not scripted.
An exhibition fight is often less intense than an actual boxing match. It is usually done for boxers to show their skill set, for charity purposes, or just to promote the sport of boxing.
The participants are still required to get a boxing license and pass the necessary physical exam in most states in the United States. This requires medical tests such as an EKG exam, various blood tests, neurological exams, and passing an exam confirming no trace of steroid use.
Passing a drug test is also a requirement. These are the exact requirements for boxers taking place in sanctioned fights. Many boxers who agree to do exhibition fights do so because they want to prepare for upcoming professional fights and not have it hurt their record.
As boxing is a potentially dangerous sport, it is highly recommended to train hard and not take their opponent for granted, even in an exhibition match. A boxer getting knocked down or knocked out is still a real possibility.
Costs for a ticket for an exhibition fight can vary depending upon what the promotor of the fight thinks they can charge. Exhibition fights can showcase the skills of two new upcoming boxers that the general public are not yet familiar with. They can also showcase other high-profile fights, such as a professional boxer against an MMA fighter. Ticket prices for these exhibition fights are determined by supply and demand.
There are no weight limits in an exhibition boxing match, which means there are no official weight limits. Anyone who wants to attempt to box in one can do so no matter their current size or weight, or experience level. An exhibition fight will typically go from 3 to 8 rounds.
Also Read: Weight Limit For Heavyweights: Whats Too Heavy? (Boxing, MMA)
What Is the Point of an Exhibition Match?
The point of an exhibition match is for two boxers to show off their skill set. It can be done for charity or to introduce boxing to the general public.
An exhibition match can also be used by boxers who want to prepare for upcoming legitimate fights that would appear on their records. They can also be used by fighters to test themselves to see how they are likely to do in an actual boxing match with higher prize money.
Exhibition matches will allow other fighters of different disciplines besides boxing to compete, such as a match between a regular boxer and a mixed martial arts fighter.
Are Exhibition Matches Sanctioned?
Exhibition boxing matches are not sanctioned. They are not run by any regulated boxing organization either. While they are not sanctioned or run by any regulated boxing organization, there is still a referee that will instruct the boxers during the exhibition match.
What Are the Rules of an Exhibition Boxing Match?
Rules of the exhibition match are similar to those of a regular boxing match, such as no elbows, no low blows, no headbutts, boxers getting instructed to go to a neutral corner in case of a knockdown, etc.
Additionally, in an exhibition fight, there can often be additional rules, such as requiring headgear and larger-than-normal gloves. A mouthpiece is usually required as well. In case of a knockdown, it is up to the referee to determine if the fighter who was knocked down can continue the match.
Exhibition fights are usually composed of three to eight rounds, with rounds being three minutes long. As there is no predetermined winner, prize money is distributed evenly between the two fighters.
Also Read: Boxing Posture: Why Do Boxers Bend, Hunch & Lean Forward?
Can You Knock Someone Out in an Exhibition Match?
You can knocked out the fighters easily (even in exhibition fights)
Someone can be knocked out in an exhibition match. Should this happen, a referee will step in and count as normal. The fight is stopped if the boxer is knocked out or can not continue the fight.
However, since there is no ‘winner’ in an exhibition match, the person who was knocked out would not be considered a loser. The boxer who knocked their opponent down is not considered an official winner either, as it is an exhibition match.
Conclusion
Exhibition fights have no official winner or loser. However, they can still be very entertaining to watch to observe the skills of the boxers. Although there is no official winner, fans will certainly form an opinion on who would have ‘won’ the fight if it were a sanctioned fight.
