Split decision

A split decision in boxing is the outcome of a boxing match (professional or amateur) in which 2 of the 3 judges score for the same boxer as the winner, while the third judge scores for the other boxer.

A split decision is different from a Majority Decision -- they are NOT the same. A majority decision occurs when 2 judges pick the same fighter as the winner, while the third judge scores a draw (evenly for both fighters). Note that the effect is the same in both split and majority decision as there is a winner and a loser with the winner taking or keeping a belt or advancing to the next stage in a tournament. The difference is that the margin of victory is greater in a majority decision while a split decision is the closest possible result in boxing where there is a winner and a loser.