What some people don't understand is that the current form of TKD, as practiced in most places today, has veered away from the basics that rooted it as "martial art." Taekwondo in it's current "sport" form puts great emphasis on SPEED KICKS...you rarely use hand strikes which also are taught in traditional tkd. Worst still...almost all competitors have the horrible habit of fighting with their hands completely down. So when you watch tkd matches...there is a lot of bouncing and checking...usually followed by flurries of kicks. Sure...there are certainly moments of spectacular headshot knockouts...but almost the MAJORITY of the fights are for point scoring largely around the chest and stomach area using your legs. Can you use some of the basic skills and kicks in tkd and incorporate them effectively in a street fight...sure you can. But most current competitors in tkd would have habits and weaknesses that could easily be exploited by a skilled fighter who can use his/her hands. As some people have mentioned...this isn't really a case of what martial art is better than another or better than boxing. Ideally...in my opinion....someone who can incorporate various skills well...using hands, legs, grappling, etc.....will generally have an advantage over someone who can only do one thing. I know there are exceptions...and factors such as height, weight, and strength also play a role...but i am speaking in general.