split decision

American  

noun

Boxing.

1. a decision of a bout on whose outcome the referee and judges did not unanimously agree.

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split decision British  

noun

1. boxing the award of a fight on a majority verdict of the judges as opposed to a unanimous decision

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Etymology

Origin of split decision

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Deontay Wilder beats Derek Chisora with a split decision win after a dramatic heavyweight contest in what is expected to be Chisora's final professional bout.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The decision to increase interest rates was a split decision, with five of the nine board members voting for an increase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

In a split decision, the appeals panel upheld his nullification of leases to Brentwood and Safety Park Corp. but reversed his ruling on UCLA, which was based on a different law.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

On the key question of whether contribution and spending limits violated the First Amendment rights of free speech and association, Buckley issued a split decision.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

Lewis Crocker claimed the vacant IBF welterweight title with a split decision win against Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025