Tony Myers is currently in Thailand training so will be unable to contribute to this thread in the near future. His name has been drawn into the fray, as a reference to support a view. This has been done in a very selective way, without giving the complete picture. The omission of the full explanation does not represent what Tony teaches and in many ways distorts his message.


Sandy I couldn’t completely comprehend what it is you were trying to say, as you seemed to attach sarcasm from one point to the other, confusing the real point you are trying to make. This is not meant as a slight as your point, although not clear, seems to have merit and is certainly worth discussion.

I must emphasise that although what I am about to say is based partly on discussions with Tony; the observations I make are in fact my own views and understanding of events.
I will neither answer on Tony’s behalf nor represent his view as this is best done by the man himself. However, I shall make him aware of the threads existence, so as he can respond at a later date.

Professional fights are scored are scored using what is called a "ten point 'must' system"

When discussing professional Muay Thai scoring with Tony, he uses the analogy that it is like a marathon race. (An analogy that was passed onto him, in Thailand). He explains that although one boxer may begin strongly and dominate early on in the fight, it's the finish that is important and a boxer behind in the early rounds can overtake later on. Professional fights are judged as a whole and rounds don't have equal emphasis, emphasis is given to a fighter finishing strongest over the last three rounds.
Round one is usually scored evenly; judges put a dot beside the score to make a note of who they thought edged the round. This is not a rigid criteria as if one fighter has very clearly over whelmed the other during the round by knockdown, eight count or the constant landing of good scoring techniques then he will be awarded the round.

Round two is also generally scored evenly, if it is estimated to be a close round, or if the boxer who was behind in round one wins by a small margin.
The last three rounds are the principal rounds in the fight as it is here where the rounds determine the fights result.
As I understand it, the fight is judged as a whole. If a fighter is given an eight count or is knocked down from a concussive blow they will automatically lose two points. If the knocked down fighter had overwhelmed his opponent up until the knockdown or subsequently goes on to dominate the round, he will then only have a point deducted. In fifty/fifty rounds or where the fight is going from one boxer to the next. Then the dots put beside the earlier scores in rounds one and two are taken into consideration, when determining the fights outcome.
Judges also often make notes during a fight and refer to them before scoring the fight.


Again I must emphasise that this is just my understanding and although there is more to be taken into account, which I don’t have the time to type, it is a basic representation of my grasp of this subject.
My inclination is to go with what Rob is saying, that Muay Thai in Thailand is a business and is geared towards the gambler. This is not a fact you can escape and may be a point of contention. But when it comes down to it, it is all about the money in professional fighting. This said and even with business being the main emphasis, the rules are still fairly clear. You just have to understand them.