The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is just around the corner. The high-octane event has taken the world of boxing by storm. Fans are eagerly waiting for what many consider the most significant heavyweight clash in years. However, a recent update has raised eyebrows—the introduction of an AI-powered judging system for the fight. UFC veteran Michael Bisping had some thoughts of his own on the matter and recently spoke out on the issue.

As boxing fans gear up for this thrilling showdown, Bisping’s concerns have added a layer of controversy to an already highly charged atmosphere surrounding the fight. Let’s find out why.

Michael Bisping’s cautionary take on AI in boxing

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping shared his insights about the inclusion of AI in the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2. Yesterday, in a YouTube livestream, talking about the highly anticipated fight, Michael Bisping stated that Tyson Fury is likely to be more aggressive during this fight, driven by a desire to prove his superiority after Oleksandr Usyk ended his undefeated record. Bisping suggested Fury might feel embarrassed by the loss and will be motivated to redeem himself.

Moving on, when the viewers on his livestream got curious about the new AI judge, he responded, “So apparently, for Fury vs. Usyk they’re using an AI judge. I thought they were only going to use an AI judge, but they are having actual judges of course.” Bisping then briefly touched upon the subject of innovation and added, “They’re gonna use an AI judge as an experiment, so I like it. Innovative.”

While shifting the attention to the issue of controversial scorecards in boxing, The Count stated, “Obviously there’s been some crazy crazy judging in boxing. At least they (AI) won’t be biased.” However, in the very next instant, Bisping cautioned about the possibilities of the system being misused as well. “They could program something in there. They are going to at least experiment with it,” he claimed.

Shifting his focus back to the fight, Bisping speculated that Tyson Fury might lose two fights in a row, as he believes Oleksandr Usyk is the superior boxer in terms of skills. He believes that Fury’s heavier weight probably will work against him but admits he could be wrong and would be happy if proven wrong by his compatriot.

Will AI find success in boxing: All eyes on Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2

As the Fury vs. Usyk rematch approaches, the debate over AI in boxing intensifies. Supporters argue that it could bring unparalleled accuracy and objectivity to judging, addressing controversies that have plagued the sport. Critics, however, worry about AI’s ability to grasp the subtleties of boxing or the risk of tampering.

Michael Bisping’s cautionary stance highlights the delicate balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the human elements that make boxing so captivating. With millions of fans watching worldwide, the question lingers: Can AI truly match the judgment of seasoned professionals, or does its use threaten the integrity of the sport?

What’s your take on AI judging in boxing?