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Boxing is a fascinating sport with so much more to it than might meet the eye.
While it seems like it's just two dedicated athletes exchanging punches, there's a lot more beneath the surface. It's easy to overlook the sport's complexity, and that's completely understandable.
In fact, when you look into it, boxing encompasses 17 different boxing weight classes across both men's and women's categories, recognised by the four main boxing sanctioning bodies.
It's worth noting that some of these divisions might have different names depending on the sanctioning body.
You might wonder why there are so many weight classes.
Well, there's a really good reason for it. The variety in weight classes is designed to ensure fairness and safety, helping to match fighters more evenly by weight. Although some boxers move between different weight classes, most find a natural weight class where they perform their best. This setup helps to keep the competition fair and exciting, showcasing the true skill and strategy of the sport.
This article unfolds the boxing weight classes in order, elucidating the unique characteristics that distinguish each class.
Understanding Weight Classes in Boxing
In boxing, we sort fighters into different weight divisions to ensure matches are fair and competitive.
Each weight division specifies a maximum weight for boxers aiming to compete.
Bouts are typically organised within certain weight classes. Boxers need to stay under their class's weight limit at the official weigh-in, usually held the day before their match.
From the minimum weights to the powerful heavyweights, every category presents its own set of challenges and champions.
Understanding these weight classes unveils a new level of respect for the dedication and discipline these athletes demonstrate.
The Weigh-In Process
They take these weight checks serious, with a lot of care and it's crucial to meet them to avoid any issues.
It's the ultimate moment where fighters ensure they're in the right weight class, usually the day before the battle.
This isn't only about meeting weight requirements; it's also an opportunity for fighters to come face-to-face, creating an electric vibe of excitement and fellowship among them.
With the adrenaline pumping, this adds even more thrill to the build-up of the fight, amplifying the excitement tenfold.
Let's take a look into the weight divisions in boxing, offering a closer look at what sets each category apart:
The Weight Class Breakdown for Men's Boxing
Minimumweight
Weight Limit: 105 lbs / 48 kg
At the foundation of the boxing hierarchy, minimumweight competitors, or strawweights, dazzle us with their incredible speed and toughness.
This category, introduced between 1987 and 1990, is relatively recent in the world of boxing, gaining recognition from Ring Magazine only in 1997. Despite its history, it's considered one of the newer divisions.
It established a competitive arena for the sport's lightest athletes.
Fun Fact: The division made its Olympic debut in 1968, albeit under the light flyweight category.
Light Flyweight
Weight Limit: 108 lbs / 49 kg
The light flyweight division, a class filled with dynamic talents, bridges the gap between the minimumweight and flyweight categories, offering a platform for boxers who excel in combining rapid movements with skillful tactics, making every match a testament to their endurance and technical prowess.
Among its ranks, you'll find standout fighters like Kenshiro Teraji and Sivenathi Nontshinga from Japan, who, alongside a roster of equally impressive boxers, light up the ring with their performances.
Did you know? The division initially kicked off with a 99 lbs weight limit, took a brief hiatus, and was then reintroduced in the 1970s by the WBC, adding a rich layer to its storied legacy.
Flyweight
Weight Limit: 112 lbs / 51kg
Flyweights introduce a noticeable uptick in power, combined with the agility that's characteristic of the lighter classes.
This boxing weight class was created as the very last of the original 8 weight classes and was meant to be as low as the classes went, however this all change.
In the flyweight division, notable fighters such as Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez from Nicaragua and Britain's Charlie Edwards have captivated audiences worldwide with their exceptional skill, speed, and heart-stopping performances in the ring.
Super Flyweight/ Junior Bantamweight
Weight Limit: 115 lbs / 52.2 kg
Moving up to the super flyweight division, boxers keep up their speed but add a bit more power to their punches, leading to some truly thrilling matches.
Nestled between the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, this category offers boxers a perfect opportunity to find their ideal weight class where they feel most competitive.
Bantamweight
Weight Limit: 118 lbs / 53.5 kg
Bantamweight fighters begin to show a balance between speed, technique, and power, making for highly technical and some of the most exciting boxing fights.
This weight class was launched in 1980, aiming to bridge the gap between weight divisions more closely.
Super Bantamweight
Weight Limit: 122 lbs / 55 kg
Ascending to the next tier of boxing weight classes brings us to the super bantamweights, also referred to as junior featherweight.
On December 26, 2023, Naoya Inoue made history by becoming the division's inaugural undisputed champion.
Featherweight
Weight Limit: 126 lbs / 57.2 kg
Featherweights mark the midpoint of the weight class journey, where speed meets increasing knockout power.
The latest standout in the featherweight division, whose name has been making waves in the boxing world, is none other than the supremely talented and fiercely determined Shakur Stevenson.
Another fantastic boxer representing this weight class hails from none other than Leeds, West Yorkshire – it's Josh Warrington, a true superstar of the UK boxing scene.
Super Featherweight
Weight Limit: 130 lbs / 59 kg
so what talent is found in the super featherweight division?
There is a lot to love in some of the sport's biggest names: from lightning-fast combinations to jaw-dropping footwork, these fighters never fail to amaze.
Lightweight
Weight Limit: 135 lbs / 61.2 kg
Lightweight is one of the 8 oldest divisions in boxing, and today it undoubtedly does its history proud, being one of the most entertaining and only trailing the heavyweights.
The division is rich in history, and its territory has harbored such greats of the sport like Roberto Duran, Floyd Mayweather, and so many others up to the modern-day Vasiliy Lomachenko, Devin Haney, and Gervonta Davis.
Super Lightweight
Weight Limit: 140 lbs / 63.5 kg
The Super Lightweight boxing division, also known as Junior Welterweight, is a vibrant and competitive class filled with talented fighters.
It has become a stage for some of the most thrilling matches in boxing. Notable athletes in this division include Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis.
Welterweight
Weight Limit: 147 lbs / 66.7 kg
The welterweight division was introduced in 1909 by the NSC in a move geared towards power. Such a division of fighters is earmarked for its ability to dish out and take in great punches.
The welterweight division is one of the most talked about divisions in boxing currently. Great champions from Welterweight boxing, including great Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Errol Spence Jr., have continued to write history in the numerous championship belts that get glorified by their great talent and efforts towards the sport.
Super Welterweight
Weight Limit: 154 lbs / 69.9 kg
The Super Welterweight division in boxing, also known as Junior Middleweight, stands out for its blend of speed, power, and technical skill, offering some of the most thrilling matches in the sport.
Fans of boxing cherish the Super Welterweight division for its ability to produce memorable, edge-of-your-seat encounters that showcase the very best of what boxing has to offer.
Middleweight
Weight Limit: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Recognised by many as the Middleweight division in boxing, fighters tip the scales at up to 160 pounds. It is famous for depicting outstanding divisions that showcase a great balance between strength, speed, and technical finesse.
The middleweight division falls in a weight range that allows boxers with 154 lbs and 160 lbs. This category is one of the oldest in the sport and has continued to produce phenomenal world champions such as Sugar Ray Robinson.
Still to this day, the division is producing the best champions and the best fights.
Super Middleweight
Weight Limit: 168 lbs / 76.2 kg
This brings a further division that scales down the combination of speed and power, with super middleweights also known for packing huge muscle sizes.
Interest in a division for the middleweight and light heavyweight arose at some time in the late 1960s, mid-1970s, and early 1980s. A few states at some time recognised a "Junior Light Heavyweight" division.
On November 6, 2021, Canelo Álvarez became the first undisputed champion of the division in the four belt era.
Light Heavyweight
Weight Limit: 175 lbs / 79.4 kg
Light heavyweights up the ante with their significant power, and full of dangerous and talented boxers.
The light-heavyweight class has indeed had some of boxing's greatest champions in Bernard Hopkins, Michael Spinks, Ann Wolfe, Michael Spinks, Roy Jones Jr., Sergey Kovalev, among others.
Fun Fact: It was until Michael Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight championship that many light heavyweight champions had unsuccessfully challenged for the heavyweight crown.
Cruiserweight
Weight Limit: 200 lbs / 90.7 kg
Of the heavyweight class, just a level below, cruiserweights combine the agility of the lighter fighters with near-heavyweight power. It does present an odd and explosive division, and often contains some very large fighters, as you may have seen!
It is not uncommon to see cruiserweight fighters move up to heavyweight after succeeding in the division.
Several fighters ascended to the heavyweight category following their global championship victories at cruiserweight. In 1988, Evander Holyfield became an absolute champion by unification of the titles WBA, WBC, and IBF. O'Neil Bell repeated this deed only in 2006 when he became an indisputable champion but, after the battle, he was taken away by the IBF title.
Heavyweight
Weight Limit: 200+ lbs / 90.7 kg+
Finally, but definitely not least, we have the Heavyweights, the ultimate level. Unmatched power in the ring with no limit to weight, entering some of the most legendary knockouts seen in the sport. With some of the largest fighters, this is for sure some of the most watched fights.
A heavyweight, or an individual above 200 pounds, in professional male boxing is ranked by three of the four major professional boxing organisations.
As of 2023, Wladimir Klitschko holds the record of most boxers beaten for the world heavyweight title.
The Weight Class Breakdown for Women's Boxing
Women have the same divisions as men just slight different weights. Women's Olympic boxing is limited to five weight classes (in the 2020 Tokyo Games):
- flyweight, 112 pounds (51 kg)
- featherweight, 126 pounds (57 kg)
- lightweight, 132 pounds (60 kg)
- welterweight, 152 pounds (69 kg)
- middleweight, 165 pounds (75 kg)
Tweener Divisions vs Main Divisions
There are clear points at which the boxers can emphasise in the match between the Tweener Divisions and the Main Divisions.
This gives a clear indication that Tweener Divisions are very important to the up-and-coming fighters because it provides them with a platform to show off and at the same time sharpen their skills. This is the stage where they gain confidence to perfect their moves before continuing.
Main Divisions, on the other hand, are where the spotlight shines the brightest. This is the arena at which experienced boxers compete at high levels, most often for lucrative titles and notoriety.
The journey from a Tweener to a Main Division is not just physical strength but mental preparedness, strategy, and heart to stand amidst the best.
Rounding Up
The sport is strategy-based and paced with speed and endurance—all while every weight class adds their own flavour to the mix.
From the professional boxing divisions all the way down to the burgeoning women's boxing division, the playing field is both ripe and diverse. The boxing weight class chart is very vital for the fighters towards strategy and health, as it borders each division in respect to the limits set for each boxer.
Explore our selection of gear tailored for every class, from boxing weight classes for men to boxing weight classes for women, at made4fighters.
Whether you are looking for boxing gloves, mitts, or boots, our selection includes such popular brands as Nike, Adidas, Rival, Ringside, Twins, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many weight divisions are there in Men's Boxing Association?
Professional men's boxing typically recognises 17 major weight divisions, starting from minimum weight (105 lbs) and going up to heavyweight (over 200 lbs). These divisions ensure that boxers compete in a fair and safe environment.
What weight class is Tyson Fury?
Tyson Fury competes in the heavyweight division. Known for his remarkable size and agility, Fury has become one of the most recognised names in heavyweight boxing.
What weight class was Mike Tyson?
Mike Tyson, also known as "Iron Mike," was a heavyweight fighter. Despite being shorter than many of his opponents, Tyson's incredible power and speed made him one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in the history of boxing.
Can a lightweight become a heavyweight?
While it's uncommon, there have been instances where fighters have moved up multiple weight classes over their careers. This requires significant changes in body composition and training to compete effectively at a higher weight class. However, jumping from lightweight directly to heavyweight is particularly challenging due to the vast difference in size and power.
Why is it called cruiserweight?
The cruiserweight division was introduced to bridge the gap between the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Its name suggests a class that "cruises" between the two, providing a competitive space for fighters who are too heavy for light heavyweight but may not have the size to compete with the largest heavyweights. The division allows for more nuanced and fair competition among boxers in this weight range.