Abstract:
A method and apparatus for predicting a winner of a fight. The method includes: selecting at least two fighters; selecting at least one of a plurality of criteria for each of at least two fighters; and calculating a winner based on the selected at least one of the plurality of criteria. The criteria can be assigned a level of importance by a user. The user can add new criteria to predetermined criteria.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/185,820 filed on Jun. 10, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Boxing is a combat sport and martial art in which two people fight using their fists. The  Marquess of Queensberry rules  have been the general rules governing modern, professional boxing since their publication in 1867. 
         [0003]    Professional boxing, or prizefighting, emerged in the early twentieth century as boxing gradually attained legitimacy and became a regulated, sanctioned sport. Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse which is divided among the fighters and promoters as determined by contract. All legal professional bouts must be approved by a state athletic commission to guarantee the fighters&#39; safety. 
         [0004]    Additionally, most high-profile bouts obtain the endorsement of a private sanctioning body, which awards championships, establishes rules, and assigns referees. Professional bouts are typically much longer than amateur bouts, and can last up to twelve rounds, though less significant fights can be as short as four rounds. 
         [0005]    Protective headgear is not permitted, and boxers are generally allowed to take substantial punishment before a fight is halted. Professional boxing has enjoyed a much higher profile than amateur boxing throughout the twentieth century and beyond. 
         [0006]    A boxing match typically consists of a determined number of three-minute rounds, a total of up to 12 rounds (formerly 15). A minute is typically spent between each round with the fighters in their assigned corners receiving advice and attention from their coach and staff. 
         [0007]    The fight is controlled by a referee who works within the ring to judge and control the conduct of the fighters, rule on their ability to fight safely, count knocked-down fighters, and rule on fouls. Up to three judges are typically present at ringside to score the bout and assign points to the boxers, based on punches that connect, defense, knockdowns, and other, more subjective, measures. 
         [0008]    Each fighter has an assigned corner of the ring, where his or her coach, as well as one or more “seconds” may administer to the fighter at the beginning of the fight and between rounds. Each boxer enters into the ring from their assigned corners at the beginning of each round and must cease fighting and return to their corner at the signaled end of each round. 
         [0009]    A bout in which the predetermined number of rounds passes is decided by the judges, and is said to “go the distance”. The fighter with the higher score at the end of the fight is ruled the winner. With three judges, unanimous and split decisions are possible, as are draws. 
         [0010]    A boxer may win the bout before a decision is reached through a knockout; such bouts are said to have ended “inside the distance”. If a fighter is knocked down during the fight, determined by whether the boxer touches the canvas floor of the ring with any part of their body other than the feet as a result of the opponent&#39;s punch and not a slip, as determined by the referee, the referee begins counting until the fighter returns to his or her feet and can continue. Should the referee count to ten, then the knocked-down boxer is ruled “knocked out” (whether unconscious or not) and the other boxer is ruled the winner by knockout (KO). 
         [0011]    A “technical knockout” (TKO) is possible as well, and is ruled by the referee, fight doctor, or a fighter&#39;s corner if a fighter is unable to safely continue to fight, based upon injuries or being judged unable to effectively defend themselves. 
         [0012]    Many jurisdictions and sanctioning agencies also have a “three-knockdown rule”, in which three knockdowns in a given round result in a TKO. A TKO is considered a knockout in a fighter&#39;s record. 
         [0013]    A “standing eight” count rule may also be in effect. This gives the referee the right to step in and administer a count of eight to a fighter that he feels may be in danger, even if no knockdown has taken place. After counting the referee will observe the fighter, and decide if he is fit to continue. For scoring purposes, a standing eight count is treated as a knockdown. 
         [0014]    Boxing betting uses the money line and odds are placed next to each boxer&#39;s name. The boxer with the negative (−) number is the favorite and the one with the positive (+) one is the underdog. 
         [0015]    On all boxing bets, your fighter must win the fight or you lose your wager. If the fight is a draw, bets on both fighters are declared losers, and only the bookmakers and anyone who bet on the draw win. 
         [0016]    Proposition bets or props, are single wagers placed on outcomes that are not directly related to who is going to win or lose the fight. 
         [0017]    The most popular boxing prop is the over/under for how long the fight will last. This wager works similar to the over/under bet in other sports, but instead of betting on the number of points scored in a game, you are betting on how many rounds the fight will last. 
         [0018]    The other main proposition wager in boxing is betting on which fighter will win by a knockout or stoppage. 
         [0019]    However, there is no efficient, simple, and effective way for prospective betters to utilize all of the different criteria of different boxers as a basis to predict a winner of a boxing match. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0020]    The present invention can help individuals who make wages on boxing matches as well as aficionados, fans, and the like, who simply want to successfully predict the outcome of a boxing match. 
         [0021]    The present invention is directed to at least a method, system, and apparatus for predicting fights based on selected criteria. 
         [0022]    Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment provides a method of predicting a fight winner, the method including: selecting at least two fighters; selecting at least one of a plurality of criteria for each of at least two fighters; and calculating a winner based on the selected at least one of the plurality of criteria. 
         [0023]    Each of the plurality of criteria can be assigned a level of importance by a user. 
         [0024]    The selection of the two fighters and the selection of the plurality of criteria can saved as a fight match-up file. The fight match-up file can be edited, viewed, and/or deleted by a user after being initially saved. 
         [0025]    Yet another exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for predicting a winner in a fight. The apparatus includes: an input unit which receives input of a user; a processor which calculates the winner based on the input of the user. The input of the user can include the user selecting at least one of a plurality of criteria for each of at least two fighters. 
         [0026]    Each of the plurality of criteria can be assigned a level of importance by a user. 
         [0027]    A user can add new criteria via the apparatus to the predetermined plurality of criteria for each of at least two fighters. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  reflects a process of purchasing a fight predictor application according to an exemplary embodiment and logging into it via an Internet connection on a computer, handheld device or any peripheral that can display a Web page; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  reflects the process of inputting fighter criteria and calculating a winner based on certain criteria. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and tool to evaluate and analyze key criteria/factors in a boxing match in order to predict the outcome of that particular boxing match. 
       FIG. 1, and Related Elements 
       [0032]    Element  3 . 1  indicates the step at which a potential user can purchase the application via the PayPal payment system—this is the “purchase point;” 
         [0033]    The PayPal confirmation page is rendered after an individual purchases the fight predictor as indicated in element  3 . 2 ; 
         [0034]    In element  4 . 1  a new user profile can be created for the person who has purchased the fight predictor; 
         [0035]    After the user profile has been created, the new user can be sent his/her log-in credentials to the application via email (element  4 . 2 ); 
         [0036]    After receiving his/her log-in credentials, the new user visits the application site (e.g, www.FightInsight.com/fight-predictor) ( 5 . 1 ); 
         [0037]    Here ( 5 . 2 ), the new user logs-in to the fight predictor application; 
       FIG. 2, and Related Elements 
       [0038]    The user enters Fighter A (name) into the application ( 5 . 3 . 1 ); 
         [0039]    The user enters Fighter B (name) into the application ( 5 . 3 . 2 ); 
         [0040]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 1 ), the user input for the Chin criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0041]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 1 ), the user input for the Chin criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0042]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 2 ), the user input for the Competition criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0043]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 2 ), the user input for the Competition criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0044]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 3 ), the user input for the Conditioning criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0045]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 3 ), the user input for the Conditioning criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0046]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 4 ), the user input for the Defense criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0047]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 4 ), the user input for the Defense criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0048]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 5 ), the user input for the Footwork criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0049]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 5 ), the user input for the Footwork criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0050]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 6 ), the user input for the Hand Speed criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0051]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 6 ), the user input for the Hand Speed criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0052]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 7 ), the user input for the Locale criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0053]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 7 ), the user input for the Locale criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0054]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 8 ), the user input for the Power criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0055]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 8 ), the user input for the Power criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0056]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 9 ), the user input for the Ring Generalship criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0057]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 9 ), the user input for the Ring Generalship criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0058]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 1 . 10 ), the user input for the Size/Strength criterion is entered for Fighter A; 
         [0059]    Here ( 5 . 3 . 2 . 10 ), the user input for the Size/Strength criterion is entered for Fighter B; 
         [0060]    The user also has the ability to create a new criterion/factor or delete and existing criterion/factor (e.g. Defense), as indicated in element  6 . 1 ; 
         [0061]    Further, the user can also adjust the weight of an existing criterion/factor (e.g. Defense), as indicated in element  6 . 2 ; 
         [0062]    Once all factors have been selected for each fighter, the user selects ‘Run Report’ ( 7 . 1 ), which spawns the calculation of all fight criteria/factors that lead to the prediction output; 
         [0063]    After the report is run, the prediction output/displays ( 8 . 1 ); 
         [0064]    As shown in element  8 . 1 . 1 , a user can view current and previous prediction outputs that she has generated, and 
         [0065]    The user can also delete prediction outputs that have been generated ( 8 . 1 . 2 ). 
         [0066]    The definitions of the key criteria/factors can be as follows: 
         [0067]    Locale (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 7 ). The location (city, state, country) where the fight takes place. 
         [0068]    Hand Speed (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 6 ). The speed at which a boxer throws his/her punches. 
         [0069]    Ring Generalship (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 9 ). A boxer&#39;s ability to dictate the pace of the fight. 
         [0070]    Competition (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 2 ). The quality of opposition that a boxer has faced in the ring to-date. 
         [0071]    Power (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 8 ). The force at which a boxer throws his/her punches. A boxer&#39;s knockout ratio (the amount of times that his/her opponent has not lasted the allotted distance of a fight) is often a good indicator of this criterion. 
         [0072]    Conditioning (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 3 ). Often referred to as stamina, this is a boxer&#39;s ability to maintain his/her energy level over the duration of a boxing match. 
         [0073]    Chin (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 1 ). A boxer&#39;s ability to take his/her opponent&#39;s punch without being knocked down/out. 
         [0074]    Footwork (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 5 ). A boxer&#39;s ability to effectively use his/her legs to move around the ring and avoid his/her opponent&#39;s punches, corner his/her opponent in order to connect with punches and/or maintain his/her balance in the center of the ring. 
         [0075]    Size/Strength (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 10 ). A combination of a boxer&#39;s height, reach, weight and overall body size. 
         [0076]    Defense (FIG.  5 . 3 . 1 . 4 ). A boxer&#39;s ability to avoid his opponent&#39;s punches. 
         [0077]    An embodiment described herein facilitates the prediction of the outcome of an upcoming boxing match ( FIG. 8.1 ). In one embodiment, two boxers are evaluated against ten pre-weighted criteria. These criteria can also be modified by the user ( FIG. 6.2 ). 
         [0078]    For each criterion, one boxer is selected and that input marks an advantage for that boxer against that particular criterion. 
         [0079]    After all criteria are selected, each boxer is given a score for their particular boxing match. The two score totals/outputs are produced, including a written summary of who should win the fight based on, for example, ten (10) criteria ( FIG. 8.1 ). Based on the pre-weighted criteria, the maximum score is 55 for any fight. 
         [0080]    The written summaries, also referred to as “Tips,” include ( FIG. 8.1 ): 
         [0081]    Score margin for this prediction is XX. This is the difference between the scores tabulated for each boxer based on the ten criteria. 
         [0082]    &lt;5Score Margin=Toss-up 
         [0083]    5-10 Score Margin=Slight favorite 
         [0084]    10-20 Score Margin=Favorite 
         [0085]    &gt;20 Score Margin=Strong Favorite 
         [0086]    The prediction calculation can be performed at a special purpose computer specifically programmed with an algorithm for utilizing the various criteria described above to predict a winner of a fight. For example, if a user selects certain criteria or adjusts the importance of existing or new criteria, a score is then tallied for each fighter based on the aforementioned inputs. In short, these totals predicting the outcome of the match are based on a comparative score between Fighter A and Fighter B. The specific algorithm for tallying the score is programmed into the computer to calculate scores based on certain criteria, such that a winner of a fight can be predicted. The algorithms can vary and can change based on the preference of the programmer. 
         [0087]    The above-described process can be implemented in a system in which a user enters data via a client interface, the data is transmitted to a separate server, and the server calculates a fight prediction based on the data transmitted thereto. The process can also be implemented in a stand-alone apparatus, where the data is entered, analyzed, and used to calculate the predicted winner of a fight match-up. For example, the process can be implemented in a handheld device, smart phone, laptop, or similar device. 
         [0088]    Furthermore, the process described above can be implemented as part and parcel of a video game. 
         [0089]    The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Also, the description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.