In this post, we have a quick guide on boxing weight classes.
We tried to include it all in this one:
- boxing weight classes for men and women
- amateur boxing weight classes
- comparing how weight classes differ across different boxing organizations
- as well as how boxing weight classes compare to other combat sports.
- plus we look at boxing glove weight and sizes for each weight class
Finally, we also go over the rules and regulations around boxing weigh-ins and how much weight a boxer usually cuts.
Boxing Weight Classes for Men (Plus Traditional Eight Divisions)
The modern, current boxing weight classes for males are shown below. Starting from the lightest, the professional boxing weight classes are:
- Minimum weight/Strawweight (105 lbs)
- Light Flyweight (108 lbs)
- Flyweight (112 lbs)
- Super Flyweight (115 lbs)
- Bantamweight (118 lbs)
- Super Bantamweight (122 lbs)
- Featherweight (126 lbs)
- Super Featherweight (130 lbs)
- Lightweight (135 lbs)
- Super Lightweight (140 lbs)
- Welterweight (147 lbs)
- Super Welterweight (154 lbs)
- Middleweight (160 lbs)
- Super Middleweight (168 lbs)
- Light Heavyweight (175 lbs)
- Cruiserweight (200 lbs)
- Heavyweight (no upper weight limit)
If you’re wondering what the traditional 8 weight classes are for men’s professional boxing – they are:
- Flyweight (up to 112 lbs/50.8 kg)
- Bantamweight (112-118 lbs/ 50.8-53.5 kg)
- Featherweight (118-126 lbs/53.5-57.1 kg)
- Lightweight (126-135 lbs/57.1-61.2 kg)
- Welterweight (135-147 lbs/61.2-66.6 kg)
- Middleweight (147-160 lbs/66.6-72.6 kg)
- Light Heavyweight (160-175 lbs/72.6-79.3 kg)
- Heavyweight (175 lbs and above/79.3 kg and above)
While these traditional weight divisions are still very common and relevant, it is worth noting that modern boxing has further expanded its weight classes to accommodate more fighters, resulting in a total of 17 weight categories.
Amateur Weight Divisions for Men
Amateur boxing unsurprisingly has a unique set of weight divisions, distinct from those governing professional contests.
These classifications, devised to ensure greater safety and fairness, apply to competitions such as the Olympics and other amateur boxing tournaments.
The current amateur weight divisions for men are as follows:
- Flyweight: Up to 115 lbs (52 kg)
- Featherweight: 115-126 lbs (52-57 kg)
- Lightweight: 126-139 lbs (57-63 kg)
- Welterweight: 139-152 lbs (63-69 kg)
- Middleweight: 152-165 lbs (69-75 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: 165-179 lbs (75-81 kg)
- Heavyweight: 179-201 lbs (81-91 kg)
- Super Heavyweight: Any weight exceeding 201 lbs (91 kg)
Women’s Boxing Weight Divisions
Women’s professional boxing has gained tremendous popularity in recent years.
Keep in mind (unlike male weight divisions) there is no universally accepted set of weight classes. They generally follow similar divisions as men’s boxing with some adjustments.
- Atomweight: 102 lbs (46 kg)
- Strawweight: 105 lbs (47.6 kg)
- Junior flyweight: 108 lbs (49 kg)
- Flyweight: 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
- Super flyweight: 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
- Junior Bantamweight: 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
- Bantamweight: 118 lbs (53.5 kg)
- Junior Featherweight: 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
- Featherweight: 126 lbs (57.2 kg)
- Junior Lightweight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Lightweight: 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
- Junior Welterweight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- Welterweight: 147 lbs (66.7 kg)
- Junior Middleweight: 154 lbs (69.9 kg)
- Middleweight: 160 lbs (72.6 kg)
- Super Middleweight: 168 lbs (76.2 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: 175 lbs (79.4 kg)
- Heavyweight: 175+ lbs (79.4+ kg)
As women’s boxing continues to gain recognition and support, governing bodies will likely need to establish unified weight classes to ensure fair competition and further advance the sport.
Amateur Weight Divisions for Women
Amateur boxing, as you could have guess, has a different structure when it comes to weight classes, especially for women.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has set specific weight divisions for amateur women’s boxing, which are, again, observed in major competitions like the Olympics.
Here are the current amateur weight divisions for women, as per AIBA:
- Light flyweight: Up to 106 lbs (48 kg)
- Flyweight: 112 lbs (51 kg)
- Bantamweight: 119 lbs (54 kg)
- Featherweight: 126 lbs (57 kg)
- Lightweight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Light welterweight: 141 lbs (64 kg)
- Welterweight: 152 lbs (69 kg)
- Middleweight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Light heavyweight: 179 lbs (81 kg)
- Heavyweight: 201 lbs (91 kg)
- Super heavyweight: Any weight exceeding 201 lbs (91 kg)
Note: These weight classes are subject to change, as AIBA is in the process of continually updating the divisions periodically.
How Many Boxing Divisions Are There?
In professional men’s boxing, there are 17 acknowledged weight categories, starting from strawweight (105 lbs) to heavyweight (200+ lbs).
The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) which supervises amateur boxing follows a different weight class configuration with a fewer number of divisions – 13 total:
46–48 kg (Minimumweight)
48–51 kg (Flyweight)
51–54 kg (Bantamweight)
54–57 kg (Featherweight)
57–60 kg (Lightweight)
60–63.5 kg (Light welterweight)
63.5–67 kg (Welterweight)
67–71 kg (Light middleweight)
71–75 kg (Middleweight)
75–80 kg (Light heavyweight)
80–86 kg (Cruiserweight)
86–92 kg (Heavyweight)
+92 kg (Super heavyweight)
Professional boxing has seen several adaptations and growth since its early days, with the inclusion of numerous weight categories beyond the initial eight.
This expansion aimed to standardize the competition across all participants by reducing dangerous mismatches and facilitating more competitive fights.
Each regulatory body all have slight differences in their official weight class limits, but the overall structure stays consistent. The below are the four acknowledged professional boxing organizations:
- World Boxing Association (WBA)
- World Boxing Council (WBC)
- International Boxing Federation (IBF)
- World Boxing Organization (WBO)
As for women’s pro boxing, again, there is no global consensus on weight classes for professionals.
However, in amateur boxing, the weight categories are more systematized, ensuring a safe and fair competition among female athletes. Both men’s and women’s Olympic boxing events adhere to a streamlined set of weight divisions to maintain consistency and reduce intricacy.
What’s the Weigh-In Process in Boxing?
Usually, the boxing weigh-in process occurs a day prior to the fight when both combatants step onto scales to have their weights checked by officials.
To meet the necessary weight, some fighters might resort to extreme tactics like shedding weight swiftly through water loss, typically regained before the actual fight (we strongly recommend against severe water cutting)
In some instances, fighters may even weigh in nude to make sure they meet the requisite weight limit.
Some boxing regulatory bodies, such as the International Boxing Federation (IBF), have rules to hinder excessive weight gain after weigh-ins.
- For instance, fighters may have to do a second weigh-in on the fight day to verify they haven’t exceeded their weight class limit by more than 10 lbs.
In amateur boxing, competitors are, generally, subjected to stricter weigh-in rules and only get one opportunity to meet the required weight, usually within 24 hours before a match.
What’s the Significance of Rehydration Clauses?
Rehydration clauses are implemented in boxing to limit the disparities in fighters’ weights between the weigh-in and the commencement of the match as well as offering precautions against extreme weight cutting.
Basically, these provisions aim to stop boxers from gaining an unfair advantage by losing weight through dehydration and then regaining it before stepping into the ring.
These clauses restrict fighters from gaining too much weight, typically determined by a fixed threshold, in the period between the weigh-in and the actual fight.
Quick weight loss through dehydration can also pose long-term health hazards to a fighter and lead to weakening before the fight, negatively impacting their performance and potentially endangering them.
Even if a boxer manages to rehydrate and recover the lost weight healthily, their opponents or regulatory bodies might perceive the weight gain as an unfair advantage.
What Are the Boxing Ring Standards and Gear?
To uphold fairness and safety, the sport follows specific rules, ring standards, and demands certain equipment.
Some key standards when it comes to the ring and boxing gear are:
- A professional boxing ring usually measures between 18 and 22 feet, bounded by four ropes.
- It’s vital for boxers to wear appropriate gloves, weighing between 8 to 10 ounces depending on the weight class, to protect their hands and prevent injury to their opponents.
- Protective mouth guards and suitable footwear are also required when entering the ring.
- The fighters’ hand wraps provide essential wrist and knuckle support, helping to avoid hand fractures.
- Both amateur and professional boxing matches are supervised by a referee inside the ring.
- Finally, each boxer is usually outfitted in shorts and assigned cornermen, responsible for ensuring their fighter remains safe and properly equipped between rounds.
Quick Note: In amateur boxing, rounds are typically shorter, and boxers wear protective headgear to minimize injury risks (professional fights can range from 4 to 12 rounds, each lasting three minutes.)
History of Weight Divisions in Boxing
Weight divisions have been an integral part of boxing since the late 1800s.
These divisions were established to promote competitive fairness and safety by avoiding substantial mismatches between fighters of drastically different sizes.
Initially, there were only eight weight divisions:
- flyweight
- bantamweight
- featherweight
- lightweight
- welterweight
- middleweight
- junior middleweight
- heavyweight
Over time, more divisions were added, and now 17 weight classes are recognized by professional boxing organizations.
The introduction of the famous Marquess of Queensberry rules in the 1860s laid the groundwork for the formation of weight classes by regulating glove size, round length, and resting time between rounds.
Prior to this, fights were bare-knuckle, and there was little control over the size discrepancies between boxers.
In the early 20th century, the establishment of governing bodies such as the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the World Boxing Association (WBA), and the World Boxing Council (WBC) played a significant role in the development and recognition of weight divisions.
Over the years, the differentiation between amateur and professional boxing led to minor variations in weight class limits between the two.
Weight divisions continue to evolve (with the introduction of the Bridgerweight division in 2020 as an example) as boxing authorities strive to ensure fairness and safety for all contenders.
Do Boxing Weight Classes Vary Across Different Boxing Organizations?
Again, the four primary professional boxing organizations – the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) – each have their specific weight classes, though many overlap.
In total, professional boxing organizations recognize 17 weight classes.
In amateur boxing, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) governs weight classes and regulations. The AIBA follows a structure different from professional boxing, featuring fewer weight divisions (13 total for both men/women – see section above)
In men’s Olympic-style amateur boxing, there are eight weight classes, while for women, there are five divisions.
The difference in weight classes also extends to other combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and wrestling, each having their distinct weight divisions which we’ll go over in the next section. As fighters from different combat sports often participate in crossover bouts, understanding the weight classes of each discipline may be helpful.
Boxing Divisions and Weight Classes – Last Words
I hope this post has broken boxing weight classes down in some simple quick to grab sections and offered some further info on boxing weight cutting and other combat sports’ weight classes.
Thanks for reading and see you in the next one – Zack
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Boxing Weight Classes
What Are the Traditional 8 Boxing Weight Classes?
Before the expansion to the current 17 weight classes in professional boxing, there were eight traditional weight divisions. These iconic divisions have produced some of the most legendary fights and champions in boxing history. The traditional eight boxing weight classes are as follows:
- Heavyweight: No upper weight limit.
- Light Heavyweight: 175 pounds (79 kg).
- Middleweight: 160 pounds (72.5 kg).
- Welterweight: 147 pounds (67 kg).
- Lightweight: 135 pounds (61 kg).
- Featherweight: 126 pounds (57 kg).
- Bantamweight: 118 pounds (53.5 kg).
- Flyweight: 112 pounds (51 kg).
Each of these weight classes has produced iconic fights and legendary champions, contributing to the rich history of boxing. It is important to note that these traditional weight divisions still exist today, but they have been joined by additional divisions to accommodate fighters of varying sizes, ensuring more fair and competitive matches.
What Are Catchweights?
In boxing, catchweights are non-standard weight limits that are agreed upon by both boxers during the negotiation phase before their bout. While most fights follow the predefined limits of the seventeen boxing weight classes, certain circumstances may require a catchweight to be set.
This could happen in cases where two fighters from different weight classes are matched up, or if a title is not on the line.
How do weight classes differ between men’s and women’s boxing?
In men’s professional boxing, there are 17 weight classes, while in women’s professional boxing, there is currently no standardized classification system, with different organizations recognizing different weight classes.
In amateur boxing, men’s Olympic-style competitions have eight weight classes, while women’s competitions have five weight classes.
Can a boxer compete in multiple weight classes?
Yes, boxers can compete in multiple weight classes throughout their careers. However, they must still make the required weight limit for each respective class during official weigh-ins.
How does the weigh-in process work?
The weigh-in process typically takes place the day before a fight.
Both fighters step onto scales to have their weights verified by officials to ensure neither fighter exceeds the pre-agreed weight limit for their weight class or catchweight.
If a fighter fails to make the required weight, they may be granted extra time to lose weight or face penalties, such as fines, forfeiture of titles, or bout cancellation.
In some cases, if agreed upon, bouts are changed to catchweight non-title fights if a fighter cannot make the required weight.
What Happens if a Boxer Doesn’t Make Weight?
When a boxer doesn’t make weight during the official weigh-in, several potential consequences can follow.
First, the fighter may be given a short window of time, often around two hours, to lose the excess weight and attempt the weigh-in again. If the deadline passes and the boxer still fails to make weight, the bout could either proceed as a non-title fight, cathweight fight, or be canceled.
Whichever decision is made, the overweight fighter is typically penalized in some way, such as a reduction in the fight purse or even a fine. If the bout turns into a non-title fight, the overweight boxer becomes ineligible to win the title should they emerge victorious in the match.
However, it’s important to note that these consequences may vary depending on the specific boxing organization overseeing the bout, as rules are not universally standardized across the sport.
How Much Weight Does a Boxer Usually Cut for a Fight?
On average, it is common for professional boxers to cut between 10 to 20 pounds leading up to a fight.
This weight cutting process usually involves reducing water weight through a combination of dieting, dehydration, and increased exercise leading up to the weigh-in. After the weigh-in, boxers typically rehydrate and consume nutrient-dense foods to regain some of the lost weight.
Why Are There So Many Boxing Weight Classes?
One primary reason for the numerous divisions is to provide a safer and fairer competitive environment for boxers.
By grouping fighters according to their body weight, the chance of having dangerous mismatches between opponents of different sizes is significantly reduced.
As boxing has evolved over the years, more classes were added to further accommodate those athletes who found themselves on the borderline between existing divisions.
Another advantage of having multiple weight classes is that it helps create a more diversified range of boxing styles and techniques.
As size and strength do play a considerable role in determining a boxer’s approach, several specific strategies have emerged within each division that are tailored to different physical attributes.
Can a Boxer Fight in a Heavier Weight Class?
Yes, a boxer can fight in a heavier weight class, but doing so, of course, comes with certain risks and considerations.
It’s not a common occurrence, but moving up in weight has the potential for some fighters to compete more effectively and achieve greater success. The main reason a boxer would choose to fight in a heavier weight class is to challenge themselves against different opponents or to reach for multiple championships in different divisions or if they are struggling to continue to make weight in a smaller division.
There are advantages and disadvantages to fighting in a heavier weight class. One advantage is that a boxer may maintain more of their strength and power by not having to cut weight to compete in a lower weight class. This can also lead to improved endurance and stamina, as the boxer won’t need to deplete the body through rapid weight loss.
On the other hand, fighting in a heavier weight class can pose significant risks. The main concern is the size and strength disparity between the contender and their opponents, leading to potentially dangerous mismatches. Safety should be the top priority for both fighters and promoters when considering such matches.
What is a flyweight?
Flyweight is a boxing weight class designed for fighters who have a comparatively smaller physique and lower weight. This category caters to boxers who weigh 112 pounds (51 kg) or less. A flyweight bout exhibits the tactical prowess, speed, and agility of these fighters, who rely on their quick reflexes and high stamina to overcome their adversaries. Keep in mind that flyweight may not showcase the knockout power typically associated with higher weight classes. Famous flyweight fighters include Pancho Villa, Jimmy Wilde, and more recently, Daigo Higa and Kazuto Ioka.
How many pounds is featherweight?
The featherweight division in boxing comprises fighters weighing up to 126 pounds (57 kg).
Featherweight fighters are known for their agility, quickness, and impressive hand speed, allowing them to gracefully execute rapid combinations and evade incoming strikes. Just like the flyweight division, featherweight may not have the same knockout intensity often seen in heavier weight classes, but the athletes in this category exhibit exceptional technical skills, footwork, and tactical acumen.
Notable featherweight champions from history include Willie Pep, who is celebrated for his sublime defensive prowess, and Salvador Sanchez, regarded for his impressive power and precision. Currently, fighters making their mark in this division include Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton, both of whom have showcased skill and determination in their respective careers.
Middleweight Boxing Weight
The middleweight boxing division is one that consistently attracts great fighters and compelling rivalries. The weight limit for this division is set at 160 pounds (72.5 kg), which means fighters in this category possess a balance of power, speed, and endurance.
Historically, the division has been home to some of the most iconic fighters in boxing history, such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Marvin Hagler, and Carlos Monzon.
In recent years, the middleweight division has continued to produce exceptional talent, with fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, and Daniel Jacobs occupying the spotlight.
Welterweight Boxing Weight
The welterweight boxing division is a highly competitive weight class, with a weight limit of 147 pounds (67 kg). As with all weight classes, welterweight fighters aim to balance speed and power, but they typically possess greater speed, agility, and technical skill than their heavier counterparts.
Famous fighters such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, and Manny Pacquiao have carved their names into welterweight history with memorable bouts and championship reigns. Today, the division is home to emerging talents, including Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, and Shawn Porter, who have all showcased exceptional prowess in the ring.
Lightweight Boxing Weight
The Lightweight Boxing Weight class is designed for boxers weighing between 130 and 135 pounds (59 to 61 kg).
This weight class has produced many remarkable fighters throughout history, showcasing both power and speed in their matches. One of the most famous lightweight boxers is Roberto Duran, who is considered one of the best lightweights ever due to his exceptional skills and ferocity in the ring. Lightweight boxers often focus on speed, agility, and technique to overcome their opponents.
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.
