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 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

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

From Slate • Jan. 21, 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

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