KO is an acronym for knockout. TKO is an acronym for technical knockout. Both KO and TKO are terms widely used and referred to in boxing and mixed martial arts. You would also find these terms used in wrestling but not in the format that is featured in Olympics and other major national, international or global sporting events. You may find the use of these terms in wrestling as organized by private companies or when wrestling is presented as a form of entertainment and not sport in the strictest sense.
Difference Between KO and TKO
Since both the terms imply knockout, it may be perceived that they mean the same thing. In fact, many people use the terms interchangeably. There have been instances when referees and commentators have gotten confused or have mistakenly used the terms interchangeably. There is substantial difference between KO and TKO.
KO or knockout is a scenario when one fighter or boxer is knocked out. He or she gets knocked down to the ground, at the ropes or out of the ring and is unable to get up. The knocked out player may be conscious, semiconscious or unconscious. He or she may be bleeding, severely injured or not so seriously injured from the looks of it but is unable to stand up nevertheless. If the fighter is incapable of getting up and posing a challenge to the opponent in ten seconds, or whatever is the time allotted for the countdown, then the referee declares a knockout or KO.
TKO is a technical knockout wherein one fighter is not knocked out in the truest sense but is incapable of fighting back. The fighter being charged at may be injured or may not be so seriously injured but there is a possibility of grave injuries. The fighter for some reason may not be able to launch an offensive and is constantly getting hammered by the opponent. In such cases, when after a substantial period of time, the referee realizes that the fight must be stopped to protect the fighter under attack. When the referee stops a fight at such a stage, it is known as a technical knockout.
Both KO and TKO are knockouts and signal the end of the fight. The one taking the hits loses and the one attacking wins the game. Both KO and TKO try to prevent injuries from turning graver and to avert further injuries. However, KO requires a fighter to be unable to get up and fight. In TKO, the fighter may have the consciousness or the capability to fight back but doesn’t manage to do so.
