Why do boxing matches need judges?

You can't have just shots landed as you get what happened in amateur boxing - the style (or strategy) evolved into the best way to win - which was lots of fast, but light, punches.

Its the nuances of pro boxing that gives so many different styles and tactics.

I do agree with the call for instant replays but as that recent fight demonstrated (the headbutt vs thumb in the eye) its only useful if you use it correctly. 5 judges would be better but 3 is enough. A close fight will be scored close, a wide fight will be scored wide. Judges should be certified but, more importantly, not corrupt.

 

Judges are needed because someone has to collect the payoffs.