Who begins the count after a knockdown?

• A. The referee
• B. The timekeeper
• C. The corner
• D. The judge

Answer: (D)

When a boxer is knocked down, the count is started by the referee. The referee is the official who controls the action in the ring, determines if a boxer can continue after a knockdown, and leads the ten-count to decide whether the fighter can resume or if the fight should be stopped. The timekeeper’s job is simply to track the round time, while the corner can offer advice to their boxer but does not initiate the count. The judge scores the round and does not participate in the knockdown count. If the boxer can rise and be cleared to continue before the count reaches ten, the fight proceeds; if not, the referee stops the contest.