Below is a list of boxing phrases and terminology commonly used in the sport.
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Technical Decision (TD) -
If a fight is scheduled for more than four rounds and an accidental foul occurs causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the fight after four rounds have occurred the fight will result in a technical decision or TD awarded to the boxer who is ahead on the score cards at the time the fight is stopped. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the fight being stopped in a latter round, the injured boxer will win by Technical Decision if they are ahead on the score cards.
Technical Draw -
If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the fight being stopped in a latter round, the fight will result in a Technical Draw if the injured boxer is behind or even on the score cards.
Technical Knockout (TKO) -
A boxer loses by technical knockout or TKO if the referee intercedes and stops the fight declaring them unable to continue because of bad cuts or bruises, they cannot go on or cannot defend themselves.
The Sweet Science -
A collection of boxing articles written by A.J. Liebling that appeared in The New Yorker from 1951 through 1963. Liebling was a devotee of boxing writer. Pierce Egan who published Boxiana, a chronicle of bare-knuckle fighting in the early 19th century. Egan described boxing as "the sweet science" and "the sweet science of bruising". Liebling cited Egan frequently and named his collection The Sweet Science in honor of Egan.
Third Man in the Ring -
The referee.
Throw in the Towel -
To give up, acknowledge defeat. When a boxer's second (their trainer or corner man) feels their boxer is taking a beating and doesn't think they can or should continue the fight, they throw a towel or sponge into the ring to stop the carnage, to end the fight by TKO. Also known as: "To throw in the towel", "To throw in the sponge" to end the fight.
Throwback Fighter -
The term defines a boxer with any or all of the following characteristics and attributes: 1 - may have some old school training routines that he/she employs in his/her training camps; 2 - may be highly active, fighting more than the average three times a year; 3 - may be lesser skilled than his/her opponents, but make up for that lack with some kind of intangible: heart, chin, workrate, attitude, etc.
Titlist -
Fighter who holds one of the many available "world" title belts, but is not recognized as the true or linear champion.
Toe-to-Toe -
When both fighters stand in front of each other and engage.
Tomato Can -
A lousy fighter who usually loses in 4 or 5 rounds to boxers just starting out in their careers or to experienced boxers taking a bout just to stay in shape. Tomato Cans are known for bleeding, losing and taking a beating.
Trialhorse -
Capable but largely unsuccessful opponent used to gauge if other fighters are ready to make a jump in class.