split decision

noun

Boxing.

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

split decision

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of split decision¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

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.

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The Ukrainian won their first encounter in May 2024 by split decision to become the heavyweight division's first undisputed four-belt champion.

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The split decision is at least a partial victory for Combs, whose attorneys had argued that prosecutors overcharged him and did not prove their case.

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The split decision leaves the mogul facing up to 10 years in prison.

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While Thursday’s split decision is a major setback for religious rights advocates, it does not finally settle the issue of religious charter schools.

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