Boxing Decisions Explained (What Is a Split Decision FAQ)

Ever wondered how boxing matches are decided when there’s no knockout?

Understanding the different types of decisions—unanimous, split, and majority—can help shed light on the often-debated outcomes in the sport. Whether it’s a closely contested bout ending in a controversial split decision or a rare majority draw that leaves fans buzzing, boxing’s scoring system combines strategy, skill, and a touch of subjectivity.

In this post, we’ll break down these decisions, their impact on the sport, and iconic examples that have defined boxing history. Let’s jump in!

Boxing Decisions – At a Glance

• Unanimous decision, majority decision, and split decision are three types of decisions that can be declared in boxing matches by the judges.
  
  • Split decision occurs when two judges favor one boxer and the third favors the other.
  • While in a majority decision, two judges favor one boxer and the third scores it as a draw.
  • In a unanimous decision, all judges favor one boxer.
    
• A unanimous draw, majority draw, and split draw are possible outcomes if no clear winner emerges.
• Anytime a fight goes into the judges hands (such as in the decisions mentioned above) there are always going to be controversies of who really won the match

What Does a Draw Mean in Boxing?

The term “Draw” in boxing indicates one of several possible outcomes.

Specifically, it denotes an evenly scored match where neither boxer holds a significant advantage leading to a victory.

The scoring system in boxing is anchored on three judges who individually assess each round. For a fight to end in a draw, it implies all three judges or at least the majority, couldn’t distinguish a dominant performer.

However, it’s important to note there are different types of draws based on the scoring, like a majority draw, or a split draw that we will go over briefly next.

Split Draw 

Essentially, a split draw happens when each of the three judges scores the match favorably towards differing fighters, while the third avows the fight as a tie.

A split draw is probably the most divided outcome in terms of the judges interpretation.

Remember, though, that such a verdict is not common in professional boxing, often reserved for closely fought matches where picking up one victor becomes challenging.

An example of a Split (Decision) Draw is Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury in 2018. Despite Fury’s comeback performance, the match concluded with a split decision draw, leaving both fighters undefeated. A rematch was later signed where Tyson Fury won via 7th round TKO.

Majority Draw 

A majority draw is when two out of three judges score the fight as a draw, while the remaining judge’s perception favors a clear winner.

This is another rare outcome, but when it does happen is usually comes with controversy of course.

An example of a Majority draw was in 1993 with Julio Cesar Chavez vs Pernell Whitaker. Even though Whitaker appeared dominant, the bout was deemed a majority draw, sparking wide backlash and cries of “ROBBERY”.

What Is A Split Decision in Boxing?

A split decision is where two out of the three judges score in favor of one fighter, and the third judge scores in favor of the other fighter.

This usually occurs when the match is very close and it’s tougher for the judges to decide on a clear winner. The fighter who receives the majority backing of the panel is declared the triumphant.

Essentially, there’s a disagreement, or a “split,” among the judges but the majority rule is put into effect.

Famous Examples Of Split Decisions In Boxing

Some famous examples of Split Decisions in boxing are:

• The 1947 face-off between Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott resulted in one of the most memorable split decisions. Spectators favored Walcott, but the decision fell in favor of Louis. Given the wide disparity in scores, the match remains embroiled in debate till date.

• The 2012 bout between Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao brought split decisions to the forefront once again. Despite a dominant performance by Pacquiao, Bradley emerged victorious, surprising even himself.
  
• More recently in 2017 Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin I results in a a split decision with a controversial 118-110 score in favor of Canelo. The match led to a rematch where Canelo clinched a close victory.

Where split decisions truly shine is in their ability to keep fans at the edge of their seats, adding an extra layer of suspense and thrill to the already adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of a boxing ring. While controversial, they undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of boxing, pushing us to question, analyze, and celebrate the sport in all its complexity.

What Is a Majority Decision in Boxing?

In a boxing match, a majority decision happens when two of the three judges agree upon one fighter’s winning, while the third judge scores the fight as a draw.

These victories are commonly observed in bouts where the dominance of a winning fighter is challenged and noticeable determination is seen from the opponent. For instance, take Floyd Mayweather Jr’s match against Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 — where two judges favored Mayweather’s tactical approach, despite one judge calling it a draw.

Side note: Every punch doesn’t guarantee a point in a boxing match, but an effective aggressive approach and severe blows do shift the judges’ perspective! Intelligence within the ring is significant, as it can help to garner points to sway the match’s outcome.

Majority Decision vs Split Decision Explained

Though they seem quite similar, understanding the nuanced difference between these two isn’t too complex.

• In a Majority Decision, two judges are favoring one boxer, and the other judge scores it as a draw.
  
• A Split Decision is when the three judges are divided about the winner, with two judges scoring in favor of one fighter and the remaining judge choosing the other.

Imagine a boxing match where Judge 1 scores 115-113 for Fighter A, Judge 2 scores 116-112 for Fighter A, but Judge 3 scores 115-113 for Fighter B. This would be called a Split Decision in favor of Fighter A. Fighter A has the support of two judges, but the third judge favors Fighter B.

Remember, in a Majority Decision, the third judge’s scorecard would present a draw, whereas in a Split Decision, this judge leans decisively towards the other fighter.

This subtle, yet significant divergence is what sets apart a split decision from a majority one. This swings the baton to the fighters and their coaching staff to strategize around not just winning each round, but winning with a margin substantial enough to avoid any room for a draw on any scorecard.

What Is a Unanimous Decision?

A unanimous decision is when all three judges score in favor of one fighter.

Coined from the universally agreed definition, a unanimous decision in boxing is when all the judges are at one accord in favoring one fighter’s domination over the rounds. This implies that the scorecards read a 3:0 margin endorsing one boxer as the superior.

This usually happens when one fighter showcases unmistakable dominance, making it impossible for the judges to lean towards the other contender. Remember, boxing thrives on objectivity, and a unanimous decision signifies a clear cut win.

An example of a unanimous decision is the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1974. A unanimous decision was made in favor of Ali, helping him clinch the NABF heavyweight title.

Side note: though a unanimous decision paves a linear path to victory, it is still subject to review and potential change. Similar to all boxing decisions, it can be contested, often resulting in appeal applications if there arise any contentions about the fairness or accuracy of the scoring.

Unanimous Decision vs Majority Decision

Again, for a unanimous decision, all three judges concur on the victory of one boxer, unanimously favoring one above the other. In other words, all scorecards read the same and there’s no disagreement among the judges.

On the flip side, a majority decision showcases a scenario where at least two out of the three judges agree that one boxer has exhibited superior skills and combat performance while the third scores it as a draw. Nevertheless, the majority decision still stands its ground indicating a 2:1 score favoring one fighter.

Other Ways a Boxing Match Can End (and MMA)

1. Knockout (K.O.)

Definition: This occurs when a boxer is incapacitated, either rendered unconscious by an opponent’s blow or unable to return to a standing position during the referee’s ten-count.

Visual Indication: A fighter is on the ground, either unresponsive or struggling to get up while the referee counts.

2. Technical Knockout (T.K.O.)

Definition: Initiated when a referee believes it’s perilous for a boxer to go on, even though he hasn’t been knocked out in the traditional sense.

Visual Indication: The referee steps in, signaling the end of the bout without a complete ten-count due to safety concerns.

3. Technical Decision

Definition: Arises when an accidental headbutt stops the fight. If enough rounds have transpired, judges can determine the victor based on prior rounds.

Visual Indication: An unexpected halt due to a headbutt, with judges consulted for their scorecards.

4. Technical Draw

Definition: Echoing the prior scenario, this occurs post-headbutt when judges are indecisive on a clear victor.

Visual Indication: A premature end because of a headbutt, with no decision reached despite consulting the judges.

5. No Contest

Definition: Declared when external elements halt a bout, neither labeling it a win nor a draw. Essentially, the fight is voided.

Visual Indication: Abrupt fight cessation not attributed to any in-ring action, leaving no victor.

6. Referee Technical Decision

Definition: If between rounds a fighter declines to progress or his team opts to withdraw him, the referee concludes the bout.

Visual Indication: A fighter remaining in his corner post-round or his corner indicating his inability to continue.

7. Disqualification

Definition: When a boxer (or both) deliberately and recurrently breaches the rules, the bout is terminated. One offender means victory for the other, but if both are guilty, it results in a no contest.

Visual Indication: Referee stopping the bout due to blatant rule violations, pointing or signaling the offender(s).

In Terms of MMA / UFC Events:

1. Submission

Definition: When a fighter voluntarily concedes, accepting defeat.

Visual Indication: A fighter taps out or verbally communicates his desire to stop.

2. Technical Submission

Definition: Mirroring a technical knockout, it is invoked when a referee or medic deems a fighter unfit to proceed after an attempted in-bout submission.

Visual Indication: The fight is halted post submission attempt, signaling the fighter’s inability to go on safely.

Knockout Decision

A knockout (K.O.) is decided when a boxer is unable to defend themselves after falling down in the ring from a punch and is unable to rise from the canvas within a specified period, generally quoted as the ’10 count’.

From Muhammad Ali’s legendary knockout of Sonny Liston in their 1965 rematch to Mike Tyson’s explosive first-round K.O. of Michael Spinks in 1988, knockout victories have provided some of boxing’s most indelible moments.

Bear in mind, a knockout doesn’t necessarily interpret the opponent’s incompetence. Sometimes, it’s just one lucky veering punch.

What’s a Technical Knockout (TKO) ?

Basically, a TKO or Technical Knockout means the stoppage of a fight. It does not mean that a fighter was knocked unconscious – it means that a fighter is deemed incapable of properly defending themselves.

Read More Here: What’s the Difference Between a Technical Knockout and a Knockout

A TKO revolves around a referee’s judgement or physician’s and not solely on the fighter’s physical state alone.

Again, a referee would usually announce a TKO when he feels a boxer to be incapable of shielding against determined and relentless onslaughts from the opponent.

In boxing, a TKO also refers to cases where the ringside physician pronounces a fighter unfit to continue due to a physical injury endured during the fight.

Technical Draw / Technical Decision Boxing

A technical decision relates to an unexpected halt of a boxing match owing to certain unforeseen circumstances. Fights can be stopped due to various reasons such as an accidental headbutt or an injury incurred by a fighter that doesn’t allow them to continue further.

For example, one happened during the 2009 fight between Vitali Klitschko and Kevin Johnson. An accidental headbutt in the third round caused a deep cut near Klitschko’s eye. The referee deemed the fight unsafe to proceed with the injury Klitschko sustained, and a technical decision was made based on the scores up till the third round.

While technical decisions are generally followed by criticism and controversies, they are there to ensure the safety and well-being of the fighters, which should take precedence over all else.

No Decision (No Contest)

The term “No Decision” or “No Contest” comes from such unforeseen incidences that doesn’t necessarily relate to the boxers themselves. This is associated with a match that cannot continue as scheduled. In such a scenario, neither of the boxers is declared a winner.

This kind of unexpected end to a bout is rare, but it’s part and parcel of the unpredictability of the sport. One famous example includes the infamous ‘Fan Man’ rematch between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield in 1993. The match was suspended for 21 minutes following a bizarre intrusion by a paragliding fan, which resulted in a “No Contest” after Bowe was physically unable to continue fighting.

What’s the Difference Between a Draw and a No Contest in Boxing?

A draw happens when there is no defined winner after the bout has ended based on the judge’s scoring.

While a No Contest occurs when a fight is stopped due to circumstances out of the fighter’s hands. This happens when a fight is cut short and doesn’t go the distance.

Disqualification 

Generally, the infringement must be severe or repeated to warrant such a severe sanction. Consider that while boxing is a combative sport, there are guidelines in place to ensure a fair fight and, most importantly, to protect the boxers’ health and well being. A flagrant violation of these regulations, such as a low blow, hitting the opponent while they’re down, or unsportsmanlike conduct, results in the referee disqualifying the offending party. Quite frequently, a disqualification occurs when a boxer continues to commit these outlawed moves, even after several warnings from the referee. A historic example of disqualification in boxing includes the match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in 1997, where Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield’s ear.

Side note: Disqualification is usually a last resort and tends to happen on rare occasions in professional matches. Fights tend to be too high-stakes, with fighters having undergone rigorous training, to end on such a note.

How Are Boxing Matches Scored

When it comes to determining a winner in boxing matches (unless punctuated by a knockout, technical knockout or a disqualification – as we discussed above), the scoring system is employed—often referred to as the “10-point must system”.

• At the end of each round, the boxer perceived to have prevailed by the judges is awarded 10 points,
  • while the opponent generally receives fewer, commonly as low as nine points depending on the decided loser’s performance. In cases of knockdowns or penalized fouls, these points might be shaved down further.

To expand a bit, if Boxer A outperforms Boxer B in a particular round without knocking them down, A would receive 10 points and B would be assigned 9.

However, if A knocks down B in that round, then A would still get the standard 10 points, but B would walk away with 8.

Keep in mind that the scoring often boils down to the judges’ subjective interpretation of the round, which can sometimes lead to controversy in close bouts when judges disagree.

Again, if a fight goes the distance, the judges’ scorecards determine the outcome:

• Unanimous Decision: All judges agree on the winner.
• Split Decision: Two judges favor one fighter, and the third favors the opponent.
• Majority Decision: Two judges favor one fighter, while the third scores a draw.
• Draw: A tie based on scorecards, with variations like split, majority, or unanimous draws.

While the boxing scoring system is pretty straight forward it does have its drawbacks – the main one being the subjectivity of the judges. The lack of specific criteria for scoring, and the potential for different interpretations by different judges.

Last Note: Points can be deducted for various reasons, such as foul or illegal moves, not following the referee’s instructions, or being knocked down (as we mentioned). For instance, if a boxer is knocked down during a round, they typically lose a point.

Top Ten Worst Decisions in Boxing History

Here are ten of the most controversial decisions in boxing history that left fans and analysts stunned:

1. Roy Jones Jr. vs. Park Si-Hun (1988 Olympics)
   Despite Jones’ dominance in the ring, Park was declared the winner in what many view as blatant corruption during the Seoul Games.
2. Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio César Chávez (1993)
   Whitaker seemed to control the fight, yet the bout ended in a questionable draw, igniting debates about fairness.
3. Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis I (1999)
   Most observers believed Lewis had clearly outboxed Holyfield, but the fight was controversially scored a draw, delaying the heavyweight unification.
4. Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley I (2012)
   Pacquiao appeared to dominate the match, but Bradley took a split decision victory, leaving fans in disbelief.
5. Oscar De La Hoya vs. Félix Trinidad (1999)
   De La Hoya’s early dominance seemed enough for a win, but Trinidad was awarded the decision, sparking widespread criticism of the judging.
6. José Luis Ramírez vs. Pernell Whitaker (1988)
   Whitaker’s skillful performance wasn’t enough to sway the judges, who controversially handed the victory to Ramírez, leading to allegations of bias.
7. Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield II (1999)
   Although Lewis won their rematch, the unanimous decision was seen by some as not fully reflecting the competitive nature of the fight.
8. George Foreman vs. Shannon Briggs (1997)
   Foreman seemed to control the action, but Briggs received a disputed majority decision, leaving many questioning the scorecards.
9. Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Álvarez I (2017)
   Golovkin was widely believed to have done enough to win, but the match ended in a controversial draw, with one judge’s scoring heavily criticized.
10. Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall (2022)
    Catterall appeared to have outboxed Taylor, yet Taylor retained his belts in a contentious split decision that sparked outrage among fans and analysts.
11. Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko (2023)
    Haney won by split decision, but many fans believed Lomachenko had done enough to win. This decision led to widespread discussions about scoring in modern boxing.
12. Ryan Garcia vs. Luke Campbell (2021)
    While not a split decision, Garcia’s performance highlighted the challenges of scoring. Had the fight gone the distance, a split decision could have been possible given Campbell’s early knockdown.
13. Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin I (2017)
    This match ended in a controversial draw, with one judge scoring heavily for Canelo. Many in the boxing community felt Golovkin had won, leading to an immediate rematch.

Other notable controversial fight decisions:

2012 Olympic Final – Anthony Joshua vs. Roberto Cammarelle
In the super heavyweight gold medal match in London, Joshua faced Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle. The fight ended with a tied score of 18-18, but Joshua was awarded the win based on a count-back system. Many questioned whether this method was the right way to decide such a high-stakes bout.

2011 Bout – Erislandy Lara vs Paul Williams
Lara faced Paul Williams in a bout where most observers believed Lara clearly outperformed his opponent. However, Williams was awarded a majority decision victory, leading to widespread backlash. The controversy was so significant that the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board took the rare step of suspending all three ringside judges involved in the fight.

1987 Bout – Sugar Ray Leonard vs Marvin Hagler
Leonard faced Marvin Hagler in a classic middleweight showdown on April 6, 1987. Leonard won by split decision, a result that has fueled debates for decades. Many felt Hagler’s aggressive style and effective shots should have earned him the victory, while others praised Leonard’s tactical approach

2005 Bout – Bernard Hopkins vs Jermain Taylor
Hopkins lost his middleweight title to Jermain Taylor in their first fight on July 16, 2005, via split decision, ending a reign that had lasted over a decade. Many felt Hopkins’ strong finish to the fight should have earned him the win. The rematch on December 3 resulted in a unanimous decision for Taylor, but critics again argued that Hopkins had outperformed his opponent.

How Boxing Styles Affect Judges’ Scoring

A fighter’s boxing style can greatly impact how a boxing judge scores a fight. Different judges may favor different aspects of a fighter’s approach:

• Counterpunching and Defense (e.g., Floyd Mayweather Jr.)
  Judges who appreciate technical boxing may favor defensive fighters who land cleaner punches while avoiding damage.
• Aggression and Pressure (e.g., Ryan Garcia, Manny Pacquiao)
  Some judges favor fighters who constantly press forward and throw high volumes of punches.
• Power Punching vs. Volume Striking
  Fighters with knockout power may not land as many punches but can score higher if their strikes appear more damaging.

The Impact of Split Decisions on the Boxing Community

When a split decision is announced in a boxing event, reactions from the boxing community can be intense. Fans, commentators, and analysts often debate whether the result was fair, leading to:

• Increased demand for rematches – Fighters on the losing end of a split decision often push for a second fight.
• Debates on judging standards – A controversial result can lead to discussions on how fights should be scored.
• Changes in fighters’ strategies – Fighters may adjust their boxing style to win rounds more convincingly in future fights.

The aftermath of a split decision can define a fighter’s career. Some fighters, like Devin Haney, have used close decisions to fuel their motivation, while others, like Ryan Garcia, have worked to refine their skills to leave no doubt in the judges’ minds.

How Boxing Mixed with Other Combat Sports Influences Judging

As boxing evolves, its scoring system has been compared to MMA and kickboxing. In boxing mixed with these other sports, different judging criteria apply. MMA judges, for instance, consider grappling and cage control in addition to striking.

Some argue that boxing could benefit from revised scoring, such as open scoring, where fighters see their scores after each round. Others propose increasing the number of judges to reduce controversial decisions.

While boxing remains a sport rooted in tradition, its scoring methods continue to evolve, influenced by changes in combat sports and fan expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Different Boxing Decisions?

There are three types of different boxing decisions, and they are:

• Split decision when two judges favor one boxer and the third favors the other.
• Majority decision when two judges favor one boxer and the third scores it as a draw.
• Unanimous decision, all judges favor one boxer.

What Does a Draw Mean in Boxing?

A draw means that the match was evenly scored where neither boxer holds a significant advantage leading to a victory. There are three different types of draws in boxing:

Split draw means each of the three ringside judges scores the match favorably towards differing fighters, while the third avows the fight as a tie.

Majority draw means two out of three judges score the fight as a draw, while the remaining single judge favors a clear winner.

Technical draw means that the fight is stopped due to certain unforeseen circumstances like an accidental injury.

Wha Does a Split Decision Mean in Boxing?

A split decision means there are two out of the three judges scoring in favor of one fighter, and the third judge scores in favor of the other fighter. Often in this case the victor may often feel pressured to do a rematch especially if it is a title fight or high profile bout.

Who Scores a Boxing Match? (Judges or Referee)

Typically, three judges preside ringside to monitor the match and their primary role is to assign points to each boxer’s performance in each round using score cards. (Keep in mind, scoring is done independently, without significant interaction or influence, maintaining overall impartiality.)

The referee, on the other hand, is the authority in the ring managing the fight, ensuring the boxers adhere to the rules, safety protocols and intervening in case of violations or unsafe conditions. They contribute to point deductions and can indeed influence the judges indirectly, but they do not assign points to boxers or have any role in scoring the match.

How and When Are Points Used in Boxing

1. Full Rounds Completed Without a Knockout

• If neither fighter is knocked out or disqualified, the decision goes to the judges’ scorecards to determine the winner based on points.

2. Technical Decision

• If a fight is stopped early due to an injury caused by an accidental clash (e.g., headbutt) after a certain number of rounds (typically 4), the scorecards determine the winner.

3. Non-Title Bouts in the UK

• In the UK, non-title bouts often rely on points judging, with the referee scoring the fight instead of a panel of judges. This simplifies scoring for lower-profile fights and domestic contests.

4. Majority or Split Decision Outcomes

• Judges award points round by round based on effective punching, defense, ring generalship, and aggression. This system is used to decide majority or split decisions.

5. Olympic and Amateur Boxing

• In amateur boxing, judges use a points-based system to score clean, effective punches landed on target areas.

How Points Are Scored:

• Clean Punches: Landing effective punches in the scoring areas.
• Defense: Avoiding opponent’s punches through blocking, dodging, or slipping.
• Ring Generalship: Controlling the pace and positioning in the ring.
• Effective Aggression: Applying pressure while landing meaningful punches.

Are Points Deducted for Breaking the Rules in Boxing Matches (low blows, headbutts, etc)

Violations of these rules, such as low blows, intentional headbutts, hitting an opponent after the bell has rung, or hitting an opponent who is down, can definitely result in points being deducted by the referee.

This decision is, however, at the discretion of the referee, who can also issue warnings before resorting to point deductions.

Can a Boxing Decision Ever Be Overturned?

You might ask, “Can a boxing decision ever be reversed?” The answer is yes, but it’s rare and involves a complex appeal process.

Regulatory commissions overseeing the match have the authority to review controversial decisions, particularly if there’s proof of unscrupulous activity. For instance, suspicions or clear evidence about corruption, proven incompetence of the judges, or scoring errors can lead to an appeal.

The appealing party has to provide conclusive evidence supporting their claim, though, for there to be any chance of a decision being overturned.

A prominent example of a boxing decision being reversed happened in 1983 when referee José Guerra errantly scored a match between Luis Resto and Billy Collins, Jr. In the fight, it was later discovered that Resto’s trainer had removed some padding from his gloves, leading to severe injuries for Collins and Resto initially being declared the winner.

However, upon investigation, Resto was disqualified and Collins declared the posthumous victor.

Are 10-10 rounds allowed in boxing?

Yes, 10-10 rounds are indeed allowed in boxing, but they are relatively infrequent.

As we discussed, the basic principle of the 10-point scoring system in boxing directs that in each round, the boxer who performs better is given 10 points while the other fighter receives fewer points. Most commonly, this is a score of 9, but in cases of knockdowns or severe dominance, could be as low as 8 or 7.

However, if a judge perceives both boxers to have performed equivalently well, exhibiting more or less equal expertise in the ring, he may award both a score of 10. So while 10-10 rounds are technically allowed, they are rare and often indicative of a round where no clear dominance was demonstrated by either boxer.

Lastly, it should be noted, however, that while a 10-10 scoring is permitted, it is generally discouraged. Judges are encouraged to identify a winner in every round. Even the slightest edge to one competitor over the other should be reflected in the score, thus giving a 10-9 round.

Zack Nicholas

Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.