There are currently 17 weight categories in professional boxing. Originally there were 8 ‘Traditional Divisions’ but additional categories have since been introduced.
To complicate matters, the names are not consistent for each of the 4 major sanctioning bodies, however 3 out of 4 (not WBO) have aligned.
Are There Too Many Weight Divisions?
Whether having so many divisions is good or bad for the sport, is hotly debated. Some fans believe having so many divisions causes confusion and a dilution in the title of champion. Others would argue that it allows a boxer to be a champion at multiple weights, gaining more titles as they move up and down the weight ladder.
Having multiple sanctioning / regulatory bodies adds to the mix, as it leads to the possibly for many champions at the same weight and a large number of overall champions.
On top of this, each regulatory body may have additional titles such as the WBC’s ‘Franchise Champion’, so it is easy to see how newcomers to boxing may be confused by the structure.
Current Weight Divisions
| Division | Weight in Pounds |
|---|---|
| Heavyweight | > 200 lbs |
| Cruiserweight AKA Jr Heavyweight | 200 lbs |
| Light Heavyweight | 175 lbs |
| Super Middleweight | 168 lbs |
| Middleweight | 160 lbs |
| Super Welterweight AKA Jr Middleweight | 154 lbs |
| Welterweight | 147 lbs |
| Super Lightweight AKA Jr Welterweight | 140 lbs |
| Lightweight | 135 lbs |
| Super Featherweight AKA Jr Lightweight | 130 lbs |
| Featherweight | 126 lbs |
| Super Bantamweight AKA Jr Featherweight | 122 lbs |
| Bantamweight | 118 lbs |
| Super Flyweight AKA Jr Bantamweight | 115 lbs |
| Flyweight | 112 lbs |
| Light Flyweight AKA Junior Flyweight | 108 lbs |
| Minimumweight AKA Mini Flyweight | 105 lbs |
Boxing Unboxed 