1 heavy weight. Weight categories

There are a wide variety of weight categories in boxing, and athletes are required to comply with them. In many ways, preparation for a fight takes place not in the practice of fighting, but in bringing the boxer’s weight into compliance with the norms. If 100-200 grams are not enough for him, or if they are too much for him, the boxer is transferred to another category, which means he cannot take part in the fight. So athletes and their coaches take weight control very seriously. It is worth considering what weight categories exist in boxing.

Official weight categories

There are various types of boxing, and in them the differentiation of the mass of athletes varies. For example, weight categories in Muay Thai will be different from those in the classical version. We are now interested in classic boxing. There are 17 categories in total, and separate competitions are held for each of them. The lightest category is called “feather weight”, and boxers whose weight is 47.6 kilograms take part in such fights. If an athlete already weighs 49 kilograms, then he should be classified in the lightest category. In general, the weight categories in boxing at such a light level do not differ too much, mostly by 1-2 kilograms. More impressive differences begin when the weight of boxers exceeds 63 kilograms.

Weight categories in boxing after 63 kilograms start at 63.5 kilograms, and despite the seemingly considerable number, the name is still quite light - super lightweight. However, this weight is already much more popular, has many more competitive fighters than previous ones, and is much more entertaining. The next category is located at 66.7 kilograms, and it is called welterweight. Next, with a difference of about three kilograms, there are super welterweight and middleweight, but super middleweight fighters must have 76.2 kilograms of mass. The light heavy weight category means 79.4 kilograms for each fighter, and the heavy weight category means 86.2. All boxers whose weight exceeds this mark belong to the super heavyweight category.

Weight categories in boxing have their own level of popularity. Most weight classes up to 55 kilograms do not attract many spectators, however, the super heavyweight is not the most popular.

Some of the most attractive categories are those that have the word “light” in them, but still exceed 55 kilograms. For example, featherweight and lightweight attract both a large number of athletes and a huge crowd of fans. The super-middleweight also squeezed in between them, but it is still not the most sought-after. After all, this is boxing, weight categories are very important here, since with the right balance of power and agility you get a great show. If the athletes weigh too much, then the fights will be undynamic, and if they weigh too little, then the audience will not be able to enjoy the full strength of the boxers, which is why they come to watch this type of martial arts. Therefore, the ideal combination of agility and power is the welterweight division, in which fighters with a body weight of 66.7 kilograms fight.

Weight categories were introduced more than 200 years ago and at first there were two of them (light and heavy). Now “amateurs” have 12 weight categories, “professionals” have 17. The categories and weighing procedures in amateur and professional boxing are somewhat different.

In the very beginning boxing existed no weight categories, regardless of weight, age and height, the fighters entered the ring and fought until one wins. It was a very tough sport. However, at the end of the 19th century, attention was paid to the fact that, for a number of reasons, fighters who weighed more often won. Then they decided to introduce weight categories in boxing in order to balance the chances of winning.

Athletes must watch their weight so that he does not go beyond the declared weight category in the competitions that have begun. The control weigh-in takes place on the day the competition begins; the weight category for the entire period of the competition is determined by this weight, and the weigh-in is also carried out 1 hour before the fight of the participants in this match. You can use electronic scales to determine your weight. Athletes stand on the scales naked or in swimming trunks. Weighing is carried out by persons who have been given authority The main judge of the tournament, They determine the weight categories for athletes in boxing.

Application for transfer to another weight category is accepted exclusively before the start of the tournament, if he is the only one from his country. The team can nominate a reserve boxer under the same conditions - before the start of the tournament.

Consciously setting the goal of moving to higher weight categories, or for reasons of age-related biological changes, the weight of fighters varies, and their categories in boxing change accordingly.

Professionals have six more categories than amateurs.

Professionals

1. Within 47.63 kilograms (105 pounds) – minimum;
2. At 48.9 kilograms (108 pounds) – first flyweight;
3. Within 50.8 kilograms (112 pounds) - flyweight;
4. At 52.16 kilograms (115 pounds) - second flyweight;
5. At 53.53 kilograms (118 pounds) – lightest;
6. At 55.22 kilograms (122 lbs) he is the second lightest;
7. Around 57.15 kilograms (126 lbs) – featherweight;
8. At 58.98 kilograms (130 pounds) – second featherweight;
9. Around 61.23 kilograms (135 pounds) – light;
10. Within 63.5 kilograms (140 lbs) – first welterweight;
11. Around 66.68 kilograms (147 pounds) – welterweight;
12. Within 69.85 kilograms (154 pounds) - first average;
13. Around 72.57 kilograms (160 pounds) – average;
14. Within 76.2 kilograms (168 pounds) - second average;
15. Around 79.4 kilograms (175 lbs) – light heavyweight;
16. Within 91 kilograms (200 pounds) – first heavy;
17. 91 kilograms+ (200 lbs+) – heavy.

Lovers

1. 91 kilograms + (super heavy);
2. Within 91 kilograms (heavy);
3. Within 81 kilograms (light heavy);
4. Within 75 kilograms (average);
5. Within 69 kilograms (welterweight);
6. Within 64 kilograms (first welterweight);
7. Within 60 kilograms (light);
8. Within 57 kilograms (featherweight);
9. Within 54 kilograms (lightest);
10. Within 51 kilograms (lightweight);
11. Within 48 kilograms (first flyweight);

Ranks in amateur boxing

• Newbie;
• Third category;
• Second category;
• First category;
• Candidate for Master of Sports;
• Master of sports;
• Master of Sports of international class;
• Honored Master of Sports(ZMS) – I place at the Olympic Games, at the World Championships, at the European Championships, you need to be a prize-winner at these competitions many times.

The outgoing 2015 in boxing was unlike any previous one. The world finally saw the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. But after that the planet did not stop rotating. In addition to the biggest money fight in history, we witnessed some great fights in a variety of weight classes. The heavyweight division was no exception. Of course, the main event for the heavyweights took place on November 28 in Dusseldorf. But besides the defeat of the great champion, there was something to pay attention to.

It is worth noting right away that it is impossible to create a rating that would suit everyone. Therefore, this New Year’s “hit parade” is nothing more than the author’s opinion. So, let's go.

10. Vyacheslav Glazkov (Ukraine, 31 years old)

In 2015, Glazkov fought 2 fights - in a boring confrontation he defeated Steve Cunningham by decision and knocked out Trinidadian Kertson Manswell, who had 11 defeats at that time. However, the main events in Vyacheslav’s career will happen in the new year. After Tyson Fury flushed the IBF down the toilet, the title became vacant. And at the very beginning of 2016, the Ukrainian will have the first championship fight in his career - against the American Charles Martin, for this very IBF belt. Well, let's wish Glazkov good luck.

Weak opposition, lack of championship fights.

9. Bermane Stiverne (Canada, 37 years old)

Stiverne became a household name in 2013 when he defeated Chris Arreola via unanimous decision. This was followed by a rematch, in which Stiverne had already knocked out Arreola and won the then vacant WBC title. At the beginning of 2015, Berman had the biggest fight of his career to date, losing the title he had just won in a fight against Deontay Wilder. At the end of the past year, the Canadian returned to the ring, defeating the little-known Derrick Rossi.

Unlike Glazkov, he defeated serious opponents and took part in championship fights.

8. Bryant Jennings (USA, 31 years old)

The American made his debut in the professional ring quite recently - in 2010, and already in 2012 he was awarded the title of “Prospect of the Year” according to the authoritative version of Sports Illustrared. In 2014, he had 2 fights - against the well-known Artur Shpilka and Mike Perez - he won both, and at the end of the year he had a perfect record of 19-0 (10 knockouts). The year 2015 was definitely the worst in Jennings’ career. First, the American lost to Vladimir Klitschko, and last weekend he was defeated ahead of schedule and in all respects by one Cuban puncher (more about him below). However, Bryant Jennings is relatively young for the heavyweight division and has excellent physical attributes to continue his career successfully.

Unlike Stiverne, he fought with Vladimir Klitschko and lasted the entire distance of the fight.

7. Kubrat Pulev (Bulgaria, 34 years old)

The Bulgarian spent 2015 successfully, judging by the result - two victories in two fights. However, Cobra's opponents cannot be called top-end. Suffice it to say that Kubrat won his last victory over Maurice Harris, whose record of victories and defeats is almost equal - 26 versus 21. Of course, victories over such opponents will not bring Pulev closer to championship titles. But at the same time, after losing by knockout to Vladimir Klitschko in 2014, it was quite normal to take a certain break and return to big boxing as a more confident fighter.

Unlike Jennings, he not only boxed with Klitschko, but for the first time in many years he managed to seriously shake the champion (even if he ended up losing early).

6. Anthony Joshua (Great Britain, 26 years old)

Olympic champion in London. The youngest (and therefore the most promising) boxer in our rating. The only representative of the top 10 who completed all his fights ahead of schedule. He has all the qualities of a future super-champion: strong, fast, has good dimensions (height is almost 200 cm, arm span is about 210 cm), and he is in excellent physical shape for fights. He was a sparring partner of Vladimir Klitschko and received the warmest reviews from the Ukrainian. However, the Briton’s opponents are chosen carefully, to put it mildly. In the last fight with the most serious opponent of his career, Dillian Whyte (I’m sure not everyone knows this), Joshua experienced certain problems, although he knocked out his compatriot in the 7th round.

Unlike Pulev, he is an Olympic champion and has not yet lost in the professional ring.

5. Luis Ortiz (Cuba, 36 years old)

The Cuban, nicknamed “The Real King Kong,” the interim WBA champion, is a real threat to all heavyweights of our time without exception. Ortiz has an excellent background, having fought more than 360 fights as an amateur. He turned professional quite late - at the age of 30. Of his 24 victorious fights, he completed 21 ahead of schedule. Has in his arsenal a deadly blow from the left hand. With rather large dimensions, he looks very coordinated in the ring, senses distance well, attacks and counterattacks in a timely manner. In addition, he is inconvenient for opponents, since he is left-handed. On the downside, he was disqualified for 9 months for using prohibited drugs, and also never spent all 12 rounds of the title fight in the ring.

He had a great year in 2015, knocking out 3 opponents, the last of which was the aforementioned Bryant Jennings.

Unlike Joshua, he fought with serious opponents and defeated them.

4. Deontay Wilder (USA, 30 years old)

“The Bronze Bomber” is one of the most controversial heavyweight boxers of our time. A track record of 35-0 with 34 knockouts (Iron Mike himself would be envious), a world champion belt according to the most prestigious version (WBC) - it would seem that what else is needed to be considered the best? The answer is simple - we need fights with serious boxers. Yes, Wilder destroys one opponent after another. True, these rivals - be it the American Jason Gavern or the Frenchman Joan Dupas - cannot boast of anything serious. Wilder’s strongest opponent today is No. 9 in our rankings, Bermane Stiverne. And that fight lasted the entire distance. And this despite the fact that the Canadian is far from the most formidable boxer in the division. In general, boxing fans have a fair amount of questions for Wilder. We are waiting and hoping that the American will have at least one fight with a serious opponent in 2016 (preferably with someone from this ranking from 1st to 6th place)

Unlike Ortiz, he owns a full-fledged world champion belt and also has a more impressive track record.

3. Tyson Fury (Great Britain, 27 years old)

The main troublemaker of the peace that reigned in the heavyweight division for more than 10 years. A man who created a sensation the likes of which the world has not seen since the first defeat of Mike Tyson in his career. A gypsy king who does not respect authority. Tyson Fury stormed into the boxing elite after just one fight. But what kind? The Irishman defeated Vladimir Klitschko himself. He won not by an accidental blow and not by cutting or stopping the fight. He won confidently and calmly, outboxing the champion and sending him into deep depression. For all his clumsiness and lack of coordination, Tyson Fury is an incredibly talented boxer by nature. Having impressive dimensions, he handles them very skillfully and looks flexible and relaxed in the ring. At the same time, let’s not make hasty conclusions and put the gypsy fighter at the top of the rating. We'll just wait for a rematch.

Unlike Wilder, he defeated Wladimir Klitschko.

2. Alexander Povetkin (Russia, 36 years old)

Russian Knight has noticeably transformed after his only defeat two years ago (I hope everyone remembers from whom). In the four subsequent fights, Povetkin won ahead of schedule against far from the most successful boxers - Charr, Takam, Perez and Vakh. Alexander became a more calculating fighter, acting in combination and bringing his fights to early victories. We can say that Povetkin is now experiencing a second youth and is ready for new achievements. By the way, the change of coach did Alexander good. With Ivan Kirpa, Povetkin is only winning so far, and winning by knockout. We will wait for a new championship fight for our Russian Knight. One of the most likely opponents is Deontay Wilder (the one with the terrible list of knockouts). It seems that such a fight will attract the attention of fans from all over the world and will decorate the heavyweight division.

Unlike Fury, he has been in big boxing for a long time, fights with the best and has more than one significant victory over famous fighters.

1. Vladimir Klitschko (Ukraine, 39 years old)

I am sure that many (if not most) will disagree with the first number in our rating. This is everyone's right. I repeat, this rating is nothing more than the author’s opinion. There is no point in listing all the regalia of Vladimir Klitschko - everyone already knows them very well and is even tired of the Ukrainian’s constant victories. Perhaps Vladimir himself was tired. Whatever one may say, at 39 years old it’s difficult to look for motivation for another new opponent, no matter what they say about it. No matter how Klitschko Jr.’s rematch with Fury ends (they say it will take place in the UK in 2016), Wladimir and his older brother have already secured their places in the international boxing hall of fame. No, I am not an ardent fan of the Klitschko brothers and do not quite share some of the things they do (or did) in the ring. However, I urge everyone to look at things objectively, putting aside all political aspects and leaving only the sports component at the head of our rating. After all, we have a sports hit parade.

Unlike everyone else, he did not lose in the ring for more than 11 years, spending most of that time in title fights and defending his countless belts.

This is our ranking of boxing heavyweights at the turn of 2015-2016. Surely everyone will have their own comments and suggestions regarding the distribution of places, and, perhaps, the inclusion of completely different boxers on the list. Ruslan Chagaev, Dereck Chisora, Lucas Browne, Andy Ruiz, Malik Scott, or even Antonio Tarver - each of these (and perhaps not only these) heavyweights can claim a place in such a ranking. Well, this is exactly what our rating turned out to be. In the new year 2016, I would like to pay special attention to one interesting character who is still returning to big-time sports.

Bonus: David Haye (Great Britain, 35 years old)

Yes. This will finally happen in 2016. Haymaker will return to the ring. The date has already been determined - January 16, and the opponent is Australian Mark de Mori. 3.5 years have passed since David Haye's last fight, when he knocked out compatriot Chisora. All this time, Haymaker was recovering from injuries, trying to punish the gypsy king Fury in the ring and simply enjoying life. I don’t think anyone will argue that Haye definitely needs a heavyweight title right now. Haye is the person who can cause problems for any of the above boxers, regardless of the position of our rating. Haye has noticeably gained muscle mass and is in excellent condition. Adding to this refined technique, flexibility and natural reflexes, following the return of the Briton becomes even more interesting.

At the beginning of the 19th century, there were still no standard weight categories, no specific framework had been established, so boxing matches were quite dangerous for representatives who did not have outstanding anthropometry. For example, in 1823, the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue stated that the lightweight division limit was 168 pounds (76.2 kg), while another publication in the same year stated that the lightweight division limit was 154 pounds (69.8 kg). The main weight classes were developed in 1909 by the National Athletic Club of London and were part of the Walker Law, which was established by the New York State Athletic Commission in 1920. In 1910, 8 main weight categories were established:

Heavyweight -

First heavy weight (Cruiserweight) -

Middleweight -

Welterweight -

Lightweight -

Featherweight -

Bantamweight -

Flyweight -

The split of the WBC and WBA in the 1960s caused a narrowing of the weight classes, while more champions emerged. Such changes made it easier for fighters to move between weight classes.

Weighing

As a rule, a professional boxer weighs more between fights than during the fight. “Cutting down to fighting weight” is most often a necessary procedure for a boxer during preparation in a training camp. The weigh-in of boxers takes place a day before the fight. Usually, during this procedure, fighters are surrounded by television cameras and photographers, since the weigh-in is also part of the show, where boxers can have an intense battle of views and exchange barbs. This element of the show is so important that even though heavyweights do not have a limit, they are still required to go through the weigh-in procedure.

Usually, if a boxer slightly exceeds the limit of his division, he is forced to take off all his underwear; if this is not enough, then the fighter goes on to try to reduce weight. In the event that a fighter is unable to keep within the limits, then, most often, the boxer is fined, and either the fight is canceled or held in an intermediate weight category, where the world title will not be at stake.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has a unique weigh-in policy for title fights. In addition to the fact that a fighter must meet his weight class limit at the official weigh-in the day before the fight, he must also undergo a check weigh-in the next morning, on the day of the fight itself, where he must not exceed more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of the limit division. If a boxer refuses to step on the scale or does not make the weight, the IBF will not sanction the fight.

Intermediate weight

In professional boxing, there are so-called intermediate weight categories (catchweight). To hold a certain fight in the intermediate weight category, the boxers must agree on the weight limits and come to an agreement, but not everything is so simple. Sometimes catchweight is used in championship fights, but the belt is awarded to the winner within the standard weight category. An example is the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito, which took place at a catchweight of 150 pounds. The World Boxing Council (WBC) sanctioned the event as a junior middleweight bout with a limit of 154 pounds (69.85 kg).

There are currently 17 weight categories in professional boxing. The weight category names and limits presented below are approved by the four main sanctioning bodies - WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO.

Weight in kg (lbs)	Category name	WBC	W.B.A.	IBF	WBO
Over 90.72 (200)	Heavy weight	Heavyweight	Heavyweight	Heavyweight	Heavyweight
Up to 90.72 (200)	First heavyweight	Cruiserweight	Cruiserweight	Cruiserweight	Junior heavyweight
Up to 79.38 (175)	Light Heavyweight	Light heavyweight	Light heavyweight	Light heavyweight	Light heavyweight
Up to 76.2 (168)	Second middle weight	Super middleweight	Super middleweight	Super middleweight	Super middleweight
Up to 72.57 (160)	Average weight	Middleweight	Middleweight	Middleweight	Middleweight
Up to 69.85 (154)	First middleweight	Super welterweight	Super welterweight	Junior middleweight	Junior middleweight
Up to 66.68 (147)	Welterweight	Welterweight	Welterweight	Welterweight	Welterweight
Up to 63.5 (140)	Welterweight	Superlightweight	Superlightweight	Junior welterweight	Junior welterweight
Up to 61.23 (135)	Light weight	Lightweight	Lightweight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Up to 58.97 (130)	Second featherweight	Super featherweight	Super featherweight	Junior lightweight	Junior lightweight
Up to 57.15 (126)	Feather-weight	Featherweight	Featherweight	Featherweight	Featherweight
Up to 55.34 (122)	Second Bantamweight	Super bantamweight	Super bantamweight	Junior featherweight	Junior featherweight
Up to 53.52 (118)	Bantamweight	Bantamweight	Bantamweight	Bantamweight	Bantamweight
Up to 52.16 (115)	Second flyweight	Super flyweight	Super flyweight	Junior bantamweight	Junior bantamweight
Up to 50.8 (112)	Flyweight	Flyweight	Flyweight	Flyweight	Flyweight
Up to 48.99 (108)	First flyweight	Light flyweight	Light flyweight	Junior flyweight	Junior flyweight
Up to 47.63 (105)	Minimum weight	Mini-flyweight	Minimum weight	Strawweight	Minimum weight

We will consider three areas of weight divisions - amateur boxing, professional boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). Each of these sports has its own weight categories.

In order for the fights to be competitive, and the athletes did not have an advantage due to size, they introduced, if we consider in particular boxing, weight categories. Men must face roughly comparable opponents in terms of weight.

Initially there were only two weight categories in boxing, but subsequently the number of divisions grew. Boxing has evolved and, accordingly, more and more

At the moment, if you count the weight categories in amateur boxing, there are now ten of them. There are nine divisions in mixed martial arts. At the same time, the weight categories in professional boxing divided as many as 17 divisions.

Amateur boxing

For boys under 15 years old there is no division into weight categories, but certain rules apply there too. Often, organizers try to ensure that the difference in weight between athletes does not exceed more than two kilograms.

There are already clear restrictions for men. What are the weight categories in boxing? Over time, almost every division has changed its weight limit. For example, at the beginning of the century, boxers competed in the heavy weight division; their weight exceeded 71 kilograms. Now this is a middleweight, and an amateur heavyweight is a boxer who weighs from 81 to 91 kilograms. And if initially the heavy weight was not limited, then since 1984 a super heavy weight has appeared in amateur boxing, in which athletes weighing 91 kilograms or more compete.

Andreas Rentz/Gettyimages.ru

It is worth noting that there is no super heavyweight in professional boxing. And it is incorrect to apply the term “super heavyweight” to such boxers as Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Anthony Joshua or Alexander Povetkin. You just need to look into the relevant literature and check: what are the weight categories in boxing, after which it will become clear that all of the above are heavyweights.

It should also be added that after the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, competitions in the junior middleweight (67-71 kg) ceased, and after the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the featherweight division was closed, in which the Russians were champions Alexey Tishchenko and Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko.

Professional boxing

It is immediately worth noting that if for weight categories in amateur boxing the metric system was initially used and, accordingly, kilograms, in professional boxing the division of weight divisions is carried out in pounds. This is due to the fact that professional boxing originated in the USA, and all championship organizations (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO) are focused on working with the American market. And this difference in the number of weight categories is explained by the fact that professional boxing is a commercial product. For each championship belt, the organization receives a percentage of the boxer's income. In fact, the proportions and income are equal to the number of weight categories in boxing.

The difference in weight in the junior divisions is insignificant, so the Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao managed to become a world champion in eight weight categories, winning the title for the first time in the second flyweight division.

How Foo Yeen/Gettyimages.ru

From the first days there were eight divisions, but over the years nine more were created. In 2018, there was discussion about the possibility of creating a super heavyweight division for boxers whose weight exceeds 250 pounds (113 kg). But it was decided to abandon this idea, since the weight of the current champions and other leading heavyweight boxers did not exceed 110 kilograms. As a result, today the heavy weight category in boxing is a kind of maximum.

Mixed martial arts is a professional sport. There are no amateur or Olympic competitions for them. But at the moment there are significantly fewer weight categories in MMA than in boxing.

This is primarily due to the fact that the mixed martial arts market is just beginning to grow, and the structure of fights is significantly different from that in boxing.

The fighters are united into one company (promotion), which organizes fights. The UFC is now leading the world. In Russia, in recent years, the ACB organization has grown significantly, which is the third largest in the world.

There are a lot of similar companies around the world. And not all nine weight categories are active in each of them. To do this, you need to have contracts with a huge number of fighters, which requires large financial investments. For example, the UFC does not hold fights in the heavyweight division (from 120 kg).

There are also specific promotions like Invicta, which organize only fights between women. Until 2017, the UFC had only one women's division - bantamweight. But later three more appeared: featherweight, flyweight and minimum (up to 52 kg).

Weighing

Before any fight, boxers and fighters undergo an official weigh-in procedure, which is usually held a day before the fight.

Moreover, in amateur boxing, a fighter is required to undergo weigh-in before the start of the tournament, and subsequently before each fight. The weigh-in on the first day determines the weight category in which the athlete will compete. If a boxer exceeds the limit, he can be entered into another weight category if his team has a quota there. But a boxer has no right to change weight category during the tournament.

Ed Mulholland/Gettyimages.ru

Weigh-ins in professional boxing and MMA take place a day before the fight. According to the statutes of different organizations, weigh-ins can take place in the morning or afternoon. Morning weigh-ins give fighters who lift a lot of pounds a head start.

But even if a boxer or fighter does not meet the limit, it is not necessary that the fight will be canceled. First, the athlete will be given one hour or two, depending on the regulations, to meet the limit on the second attempt.

If it turns out to be unsuccessful, the boxer or fighter loses part of the fee and cannot claim the title, as well as promotion in the ratings. Therefore, weight categories can be considered rules that are needed so that rivals of comparable sizes meet each other, and the viewer has the opportunity to see a competitive fight.