The WBC Amateur and Olympic Style Boxing (OSB) Committee has officially confirmed a new structure of weight categories for amateur boxing, marking a significant step in aligning with the latest developments from World Boxing (WB) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This updated framework introduces ten weight classes each for men and women, three more than those confirmed for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).
This initiative is the result of an in-depth study led by WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and veteran boxing official Bob Yalen, who emphasized the importance of easing the transition between categories for developing athletes. “We work to help boxers make a smooth, consistent transition between weight classes as the body gets heavier,” stated Yalen. The additional categories aim to bridge the gap between early amateur development and the more limited Olympic divisions, supporting a healthier and more gradual progression for young boxers.
The WBC Amateur’s efforts come at a historic moment for the sport. In recent months, the IOC confirmed that boxing will remain on the Olympic programme for LA28, and further recognized World Boxing as the official International Federation (IF) for the sport within the Olympic Movement as of February 2025.
“This has been very good news,” said Mauricio Sulaimán. “The IOC decision and the partnership with World Boxing give us a renewed mandate to keep working for the benefit of amateur and Olympic-style boxing. We are proud to collaborate closely with WB in the development of athletes and the structure of the sport worldwide.”
| Men | Women |
| 50 kg | 48 kg |
| 55 kg | 51 kg |
| 60 kg | 54 kg |
| 65 kg | 57 kg |
| 70 kg | 60 kg |
| 75 kg | 65 kg |
| 80 kg | 70 kg |
| 85 kg | 75 kg |
| 90 kg | 80 kg |
| Over 90 kg | Over 80 kg |
These new categories are designed not only to reflect the natural evolution of athletes but also to promote fairness, safety, and competitive balance across the amateur ranks.
World Championship Announced for October 2025
To further cement these developments, the WBC Amateur and OSB Committee has also announced that the next WBC Amateur World Championship will be held in October 2025 in Tijuana, Mexico. The event is expected to attract the world’s top amateur talent and will showcase the new weight classes in action for the first time on a global stage.
With this announcement, the WBC Amateur reaffirms its commitment to building a solid, inclusive, and athlete-centered foundation for the future of boxing, from grassroots to the Olympic podium.