Editing CompuBox

{{Short description|Computerized punches scoring system}}

'''CompuBox''' is a computerized punch-tracking system widely used in professional boxing to provide statistical analysis of matches. Established in 1985, it has become an integral tool for broadcasters and analysts, offering viewers quantitative data on a boxer's performance.

== History ==
The origins of CompuBox trace back to the early 1980s when Jon Gibbs developed ''TenniSTAT'', a computer-generated statistics program for tennis utilized by major tournaments such as the US Open and Wimbledon.<ref name="fightnews">Jones, Robert. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081007142624/http://www.fightnightnews.com/compubox.html "Interview With the Owner of CompuBox: Bob Canobbio"], ''Mike Marley's FightNightNews.com'', accessed February 12, 2008.</ref> In 1984–85, while collaborating with Logan Hobson and Robert Canobbio at Sports Information Data Base (SIDB) in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Gibbs adapted his technology to boxing, resulting in the creation of ''FightStat'' (also known as ''PunchStat'').<ref name="fightreport">Perry, Kevin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110723125542/http://www.fightreport.net/?p=958 "Fight Report Exclusive-Compubox Interview"], ''Fight Report'', accessed February 12, 2008.</ref>

This system debuted during the 1985 HBO Boxing telecast of the rematch between [[Ray Mancini]] and [[Livingstone Bramble]] for the WBA world lightweight title at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum and in Reno.<ref name="fightreport" /> Following SIDB's bankruptcy in 1985, Hobson and Canobbio rebranded the program as '''CompuBox''' and established CompuBox Inc. Hobson departed the company in 2002.<ref name="compubox">[http://www.compuboxonline.com "CompuBox Online"]</ref>

== Methodology ==
CompuBox operates with two ringside operators, each assigned to monitor one fighter. Using a laptop, they input data by pressing one of four keys corresponding to jab connect, jab miss, power punch connect, and power punch miss. This data is compiled in real-time to calculate punch counts and hit percentages throughout the match.<ref name="compubox" /> The system does not evaluate punch effectiveness or damage but strictly records the number of punches thrown and landed.<ref name="fightreport" />

== Usage ==
CompuBox has been widely used by major sports networks, including HBO, NBC, and ESPN, to enhance boxing telecasts by providing viewers with statistical insights into fights.<ref name="fightnews" /> Former world champion Genaro Hernández was among those trained to operate the system.<ref name="fightreport" /> The system is also referenced during post-fight analyses and has played a role in debates over controversial fight decisions.

== Criticisms ==
While CompuBox provides real-time data, it has faced criticism regarding its accuracy and influence on public perception. Critics argue that:

* The system does not account for punch effectiveness, impact, or defensive maneuvers.<ref name="boxinginsider">[https://www.boxinginsider.com/columns/the-troubles-with-compubox/ "The Troubles with CompuBox"], ''BoxingInsider.com'', July 8, 2017.</ref>
* Human operators must make split-second judgments, which can introduce errors.<ref name="as">[https://en.as.com/other_sports/the-problem-with-compubox-why-boxing-fans-are-fooled-into-thinking-that-numbers-are-real-n/ "The Problem with CompuBox"], ''AS USA'', July 2024.</ref>
* Fighters who throw many ineffective punches may appear more dominant than those landing fewer, but more effective, punches.<ref name="techtimes">[https://www.techtimes.com/articles/57888/20150604/inner-workings-compubox-boxings-statistics-generator-30-years-counting.htm "Inner Workings of CompuBox"], ''Tech Times'', June 4, 2015.</ref>

Some analysts caution against relying solely on CompuBox data to judge fights, as it was designed to complement, not replace, official scoring criteria.<ref name="boxinginsider" />

== Technological developments ==
Over the years, CompuBox has evolved from early manual entry systems to more streamlined software. The company has explored potential enhancements, such as integrating sensors in gloves to measure punch force and speed, though these have not yet been fully implemented in professional boxing broadcasts.<ref name="techtimes" />

== See also ==
* [[Boxing scoring]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Boxing}}

[[Category:Boxing]]
[[Category:Sports software]]