WVU's Punchstat system intelligently halts boxing matches

The state of West Virginia seems to be on the "get fit" warpath, as not only did the public school system decide to expand and renew the Dance Dance Revolution program to get youngsters a-movin', but now WVU has developed a system that allows boxers to give it a go without, um, perishing. The Punchstat analysis system is a ringside computerized tool that is being honed to provide a realistic and objective method of determining when a boxing match should be halted. Researchers in Morgantown have performed a "computer-assisted video analysis" to compare a trio of professional matches where one of them led to a fighter's death; these results were further compared with over 4,000 other bouts previously scored with Punchstat, and it was stated that a "significant differences" were seen in fights that led to death. Most notably, fighters that died due to boxing faced around 23 punches per round (compared to the average of 9.4), and more "power punches" were withstood as well. But before scientists can accurately implement a "danger meter" of sorts into pay-per-view matchups, some critics insinuate that factors such as "fighter strength and the effects of the punches that connect" need to be considered before it can be entirely reliable, and it's even suggested that a tried and true accelerometer be installed on a fighter to calculate the force of a blow. Still, we're down with beating someone to a pulp for sport if everyone leaves without a life-threatening injury, but we'll probably take the pansy's way out and stick with Wii Boxing to carve our calories.

[Via Physorg]

[DEEZNUTZ @ Feb 7th 2007 11:27AM]

FLASHBACK! Man I wanna play SUPER PUNCHOUT now...

[Jeff @ Feb 7th 2007 4:00PM]

does anyone else see this leading to gladiator-style boxing matches where high danger ratings are more attractive and draw more pay-per-view dollars? anyone?

[Vince Miele @ Feb 10th 2007 3:52AM]

I don't think it will increase the danger of matches- the whole concept is to develop a upper boundary of trauma that the athlete can sustain before the match is stopped. That way, boxers who are "tough" don't increase there risk of brain injury because they can take a punch and forget about defense.The study is a work in progress and nobody knows if it will ever work. No matter, It is better to keep doing this type of research because whether or not the system works it will give us more data on deaths related to the sport. The study also took into account wt class, age, record of previous six bouts, #kos/tkos previous six bouts, and record of the fighters last six opponents during previous six bouts.

[Jose @ Feb 11th 2007 12:11AM]

Whoever was playing that punchout game sucks.