What is a split decision in boxing?

THERE’S nothing more thrilling than seeing a boxing match settled from a KO – but fights are often settled by a split decision.

YouTuber Jake Paul survived eight rounds with Tyson Fury’s half brother Tommy before losing the Saudi showdown.

Getty Images – GettyTommy Fury beat Jake Paul by a split decision[/caption]

However, the grudge match was closer than most expected as Fury’s win came down to a split decision.

But what exactly is a split decision and what are some of the other decisions in boxing?

What is a split decision?

A split decision in boxing is when two of the three judges score one particular fighter as the winner while the third judge scores in favour of the other competitor.

This commonly leads to the loser requesting a rematch having felt as if there is not enough unanimity in the final decision.

What are some notable matches which have been won by a split decision?

Floyd Mayweather Jr beat Oscar De La Hoya – 2007
Dillian Whyte beat Derek Chisora – 2016
KSI beat Logan Paul II – 2019
Oleksandr Usyk beat Usyk – 2022
Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul – 2023

Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Uysk courtesy of a split decisionGetty

How else can a boxing match be settled?

Split decisions are often confused with a majority decision which occurs when two judges choose the same fighter as the winner but the third judge believes the contest was a tie.

Boxing matches are occasionally settled as a tie if two judges score in favour of different competitors, while the remaining judge feels as if the match was a draw.

Unanimous decisions happen when ALL three judges decided on one competitor as the winner

But prior to the decisions above, boxers can win via a knockout (KO) which is when the fighter fails to resume the bout before a ten count after being hit down to the canvas.

Or, competitors can be victorious following a technical knockout (TKO) – when the referee believes that the boxer isn’t in stable enough condition to defend themselves.