A TKO by definition means the fighter was not counted out. A KO would be certified with a ten count.
A TKO as here occurs when the fighter is no longer able to defend himself. Short of backpedaling into the ropes, Conor had not thrown a punch in a minute or so.
He also could not raise his hands and protect himself. The ref made the right decision to do so.
Thanks for the clarification on TKO vs KO.
However, I seem to remember seeing a boxer or two take a knee after a big punch and they were given a ten count to continue. Scored as a 10-8 round? In any case, could Conor have taken a knee after one of the big shots and received a ten count or was that just an option for Floyd?
To be honest, I stopped watching boxing after I realized boxing experts lose in the Octagon. They lose so fast that it will make your head spin.