Professional Boxing Classifications

Professional boxing has 17 recognized classifications. All boxing classifications are based on the weight of the boxers involved. Though some classifications have different names depending on the organization, all have strict weight requirements. The World Boxing Organization proclaims itself to be "the most democratically representative institution in professional boxing, and accordingly its Champions and Championships are accorded the greatest esteem in professional boxing."

  1. Flyweight Classifications

    • The World Boxing Organization has three Flyweight classifications. These are the lowest weight class in professional boxing. Mini Flyweight covers all weights to 105 pounds (47.63 kgs.), Junior Flyweight goes from 105.1 pounds to 108 pounds (48.99 kgs.) and Flyweight is for 108.01 pounds to 112 pounds (50.80 kgs.).

    Bantamweight Classifications

    • The Junior Bantamweight classification, also called Super Flyweight by the World Boxing Association, another boxing organization that governs matches weight classification, allows boxers to weigh in under 115 pounds (52.16 kgs.). Bantamweight has no other names across different organizations and boxers in this category weigh between 115.01 pounds and up to 118 pounds (53.52 kgs.).

    Featherweight Classifications

    • Featherweight also has 2 categories. Junior Featherweight, also known as Super Bantamweight, includes boxers who weigh up to 122 pounds (55.3 kgs). Featherweight includes weights up to 126 pounds (57.15 kgs.).

    Lightweight Classifications

    • Junior Lightweight includes all boxers whose weight is less than 130 pounds (58.97 kgs.). Lightweight covers boxers up to 135 pounds (61.24 kgs.).

    Welterweight Classifications

    • The Welterweight classification was one of the original eight weight classifications developed in the United States and United Kingdom to classify boxers up to 147 pounds (66.67 kgs.). Junior Welterweight was added later to accommodate boxers from 135.01 pounds to 140 pounds (63.5 kgs.).

    Middleweight Classifications

    • The Middleweight category has three classifications within the whole. The Junior Middleweight covers professional boxers up to 154 pounds (69.85 kgs.). Middleweight covers boxers who weigh in between 154.01 and 160 pounds (72.58 kgs.) and Super Middleweight covers boxers up to 168 pounds (76.36 kgs.).

    Light Heavyweight

    • Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight are often considered the "Heavyweight" classifications. Boxing matches in the "heavyweight" classifications are often high exposure fights with a larger "bid purse" or prize money. Light Heavyweight goes from 168 pounds to 175 pounds (kgs.).

    Cruiserweight

    • Cruiserweight, once called Junior Heavyweight by the World Boxing Organization, covers boxers weighing between 175.01 pounds and goes up to 200 pounds (90.91 kgs).

    Heavyweight

    • Probably the most known boxing classification is Heavyweight. This does not have an upper limit but involves all boxers over 200 pounds (90.91 kgs.). Heavyweight is the final classification and there are no other names for the Heavyweight classification across any organization that governs boxing.