By Andy Marston, Sports Pundit
A new combat sports format called STRIKR is looking to shake up the world of boxing by raising $50 million to bring data-driven scoring to the ring.
STRIKR uses sensors in mouthguards and AI-powered tech from Hawk-Eye to track the speed, force, and accuracy of punches—generating over 3,000 data points per bout.
The aim? Replace subjective judging with real-time, objective scoring while opening new opportunities for in-play betting and fan engagement.
The venture is backed by major sports industry figures including Greg Nugent (London 2012), Michael Sutherland (ex-Real Madrid), and Stephen Duval (23Capital), with Oakwell Advisory leading the funding round.
STRIKR’s first tech demo took place in London on Monday, with official launch events set for the UK and U.S. in 2025. All fights will be free to watch online, supported by interactive features like loyalty rewards and shoppable content.
Why It Matters:
Boxing has long been plagued by controversial decisions and inconsistent judging. STRIKR addresses that issue head-on with a format that prioritises transparency, tech, and entertainment.
By fusing AI, fan interactivity, and free streaming, STRIKR mirrors trends seen in F1, cricket, and other sports that have successfully modernised their formats to appeal to a younger, data-hungry audience.
This is less about who lands the knockout punch and more about turning boxing into a digitally native, gamified, and commercially scalable experience.