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

The Bank of Mexico lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 6.75% in a 3-2 split decision.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

Paul has 12 wins and one loss in his professional boxing career - that defeat coming against Fury's brother Tommy by split decision in 2023.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

Fury beat Paul by split decision in 2023 in a lucrative bout and while his ambitions are to establish himself as a top contender at cruiserweight, he is not ruling out more crossover fights.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025