Boxing weight classes: How many weight classes are there in boxing?

The four global boxing federations recognize boxing weight classes that govern contests worldwide. These divisions are based on the boxers' body weights, creating fair ground for players and making the game more competitive. How many classes exist today? Keep reading to find out.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, boxing had only two categories; heavier and lighter weights. As the sport continued to evolve, the Marquess of Queensberry Rules became the standard of the weight divisions, with eight categories. Today, the federations have 17 categories, refining each player's weight range and limit. What are the different boxing weight classes?

Boxing weight classes

In 2020, the four boxing federations officially adopted the 17 updated categories. Their objective is to prevent mismatches between opponents, making the ring safer for them. These boxing weight classes and weights differ slightly in the different countries depending on the unit of measure they use. In addition, there are minimal variations between men's and women's boxing. Here are all boxing weight classes:

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17. Strawweight (Below 105kgs)

The category was first introduced in 1968 at the Mexico Summer Olympics as a light flyweight. Strawweight comes from the term 'straw,' which means the least possible thing. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) sanctioned the first world minimum title fight in June 1987 between Kyung-Yun Lee and Masaharu Kawakami.

16. Light flyweight (108 pounds)

Boxers fighting in this category weigh 108 pounds and below. The light flyweight is among the junior boxing weight classes and is named after the fly. It was established in 1909 for lighter fighters.

15. Flyweight (112 pounds)

Fighters in this class weigh between 108 and 112 pounds, which translates to 49 to 51 kg. It was the last of the eight divisions previously used to classify professional boxers.

14. Super flyweight (115 pounds)

The super flyweight is also known as the junior bantamweight. Contestants in this class weigh up to 115 pounds. The category gained popularity in 1980 when the first title match occurred between Rafael Orono and Seung-Hoon Lee.

13. Bantamweight (118 pounds)

Bantamweight is among the Olympic boxing weight classes where fighters weigh between 115 and 118 pounds. The word 'bantam' comes from bantam chickens which are miniature versions of chickens. The first bantamweight title match took place in 1988.

12. Super bantamweight (122 pounds)

This division is also known as the junior featherweight and has a higher limit of 122 pounds (55 kg). It was established in the 1920s but became popular in the 70s. Some famous boxers under this category include Stephen Fulton and Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

11. Featherweight (126 pounds)

Per the USA boxing weight classes, the featherweight category is for fighters weighing between 122 and 126 pounds. Previously, the limit was 114 pounds. The world's first featherweight champion was Ike Weir in 1890.

10. Super featherweight (130 pounds)

In the boxing weight classes chart, contestants in the super featherweight category weigh between 126 and 130 pounds, translating to 59kg.

9. Lightweight (135 pounds)

The lightweight is among the amateur boxing weight classes with a limit of 135 pounds. Jack Broughton, the father of English boxing, introduced the category.

8. Super lightweight (140 pounds)

This class is also known as the light welterweight and has a limit of 140 pounds (64kg). It is an offshoot of three categories; featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.

7. Welterweight (147 pounds)

The name welterweight is taken from horse riding and describes a heavyweight horseback rider. Boxing professionals in this division weigh between 140 and 147 pounds.

6. Super welterweight (154 pounds)

Netizens have asked, ''What weight is 70kg in men's boxing?'' Athletes who weigh between 67 and 70 kg compete under this category. It is also known as the light middleweight or junior middleweight division.

5. Middleweight (160 pounds)

This class dates back to the 1840s for athletes weighing between 154 and 160 pounds. (70-73kg). Jack Dempsey was the inaugural world middleweight champion. Other boxing weight classes champions in this division include Billy Joe Saunders and Janibek Alimkhanuly.

4. Super middleweight (168 pounds)

The super middleweight is one of the early boxing weight classes rankings established in the 1960s. Athletes fighting under this class must weigh 160 to 168 pounds. Some of the reigning champions in this class include Canelo Alvarez, Jesse Hart, and Demetrius Andrade.

3. Light heavyweight (175 pounds)

Light heavyweight category competitors weigh a maximum of 175 pounds. The division is also known as the junior or light cruiserweight. Athletes like Floyd Patterson, who passed away in 2006, and Ezzard Charles started their careers in this division.

2. Cruiserweight (200 pounds)

You might wonder, ''How many pounds is cruiserweight?'' The second-highest of the boxing weight classes accommodates boxers between 172 and 200 pounds. It is sometimes referred to as the junior heavyweight division.

1. Heavyweight (Unlimited)

Boxers who weigh 200 pounds and above compete under this category. This final class has the highest prestige and popularity. Most renowned fighters compete at this level, including Anthony Joshua, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. Floyd Patterson was the youngest player in history to win a heavyweight title.

These boxing weight classes and champions represent the order and organization that governs boxing. Most athletes start in the lower categories and work their way up as they build their skills and body mass. As thousands of fans continue to be entertained, the emergence of new talent will definitely be something to look out for.

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Check out the above article for details on all the techniques and when they come in handy.