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

Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored it 115–112 to Chisora.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

It was a split decision with two judges in the majority and one judge in the dissent.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026

The first lawsuit yielded a split decision this year, with the government winning some legal points and the company largely prevailing on tax calculations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

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

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025