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

See Examples For:

split decision

His final bout was a split decision loss to Mitch Raposo at UFC Fight Night 279 in Las Vegas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

The week in Australia will be dominated by Tuesday’s release of minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest policy meeting, which resulted in a split decision on interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 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

Fury claimed a controversial victory by split decision in October 2023 before Joshua cruised to a second-round knockout win over Ngannou in March 2024.

From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2025