The WBC Presents the Professional Boxing Divisions

For the World Boxing Council, the physical integrity of the athlete is the fundamental pillar of our sport. Understanding that the weigh-in is often the first major rival a boxer must defeat, it is vital to spread knowledge about the current categories to avoid unnecessary physical and mental strain that could lead to serious injuries from dehydration.

Historically, boxing was governed by 8 traditional divisions: Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Flyweight. However, with the advancement of sports medicine, the WBC pioneered the creation of intermediate divisions.

This evolution has succeeded in reducing inhumane sacrifices and the physical disadvantages of those who were previously forced to gain or lose weight drastically.

The 18 Modern Professional Boxing Divisions

Below are the official weight limits that govern competitiveness and safety in the ring:

• Heavyweight: Minimum of 224 pounds (101 kg)
• Bridgerweight: Up to 224 pounds (101 kg)
• Cruiserweight: Up to 200 pounds (90.892 kg)
• Light Heavyweight: Up to 175 pounds (79.378 kg)
• Super Middleweight: Up to 168 pounds (76.203 kg)
• Middleweight: Up to 160 pounds (72.574 kg)
• Super Welterweight: Up to 154 pounds (69.853 kg)
• Welterweight: Up to 147 pounds (66.678 kg)
• Super Lightweight: Up to 140 pounds (63.503 kg)
• Lightweight: Up to 135 pounds (61.235 kg)
• Super Featherweight: Up to 130 pounds (58.967 kg)
• Featherweight: Up to 126 pounds (57.153 kg)
• Super Bantamweight: Up to 122 pounds (55.225 kg)
• Bantamweight: Up to 118 pounds (53.525 kg)
• Super Flyweight: Up to 115 pounds (52.163 kg)
• Flyweight: Up to 112 pounds (50.802 kg)
• Light Flyweight: Up to 108 pounds (48.988 kg)
• Strawweight: Up to 105 pounds (47.627 kg)

The WBC reiterates the importance of maintaining strict medical and nutritional control prior to every bout. Extreme dehydration is the boxer’s silent enemy; therefore, our preventive weigh-in rules (30, 14, and 7 days before the fight) are designed to ensure that weight gain or loss is gradual and safe.

Knowing and respecting these divisions not only guarantees a fair spectacle on a level playing field, but saves lives by ensuring that every warrior enters the ring in peak physical condition.