weight division

boxing

Also known as: weight class

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

In boxing, weight divisions were established to ensure fair competition by preventing larger, heavier fighters from having an unfair advantage over smaller opponents. Initially, there were fewer divisions, but professional boxing now recognizes 17 weight classes, with specific upper weight limits for each.1

Some of these divisions include:
* Minimumweight: 105 pounds (48 kg)1
* Flyweight: 112 pounds (51 kg)1
* Lightweight: 135 pounds (61 kg)1
* Welterweight: 147 pounds (67 kg)1
* Middleweight: 160 pounds (72.5 kg) for professionals12
* Light heavyweight: 175 pounds (79 kg) for professionals13
* Heavyweight: Unlimited weight1

Olympic-style amateur boxing has different weight divisions for men and women. Strict adherence to weight limits is crucial for title fights, with penalties for exceeding the designated weight.1

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boxing
Weight divisions
…brought about the formation of weight divisions other than the heavyweight class to eliminate the handicap of smaller contestants’ having to concede excessive weight to their opponents. Some of these weight divisions originated in the United States, others in Great Britain.
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…brought about the formation of weight divisions other than the heavyweight class to eliminate the handicap of smaller contestants’ having to concede excessive weight to their opponents. Some of these weight divisions originated in the United States, others in Great Britain.
Read More