Boxers

There are literally thousands of boxers across the world so becoming an international world champion goes to the top 0.1 percent. These “boxers are the stars of the sport and, to some extent, have control of the events.

There are four (five) championships in the 35 weight classes – 18 in men’s and 17 in women’s – from the four major sanctioning bodies: the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO with The Ring magazine offering a fifth title.

Before folks bet on boxers odds, it’s best to check what is happening in the division. Championships can change hands as frequently as boxers move divisions. Keeping tabs on all the champions – as many as 140 potentially – can be a challenge though it is fun.

MAIN WEIGHT CLASSES (Men’s / Women’s)

These weight classes are known as the “glamour divisions” and were boxing’s eight main divisions. Most of the greatest boxers have won championships in these divisions with some having won multiple titles in different divisions.

Heavyweight (200+ lbs. / 175+ lbs.)

The most iconic division in boxing is also its oldest. It started out at 160+ lbs. way back in the eighteenth century and after more divisions came, settled at 200+ lbs. in 1979. Some of boxing’s biggest stars like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali fought in this division.

Light Heavyweight (175 lbs.)

The light heavyweight division was recognized in 1909 and is one of the youngest glamour divisions. While not as famous as its heavyweight counterpart, stars like Roy Jones Jr., Michael Spinks, and Ann Wolfe brought plenty of attention to the division.

Middleweight (160 lbs.)

One of the older glamour divisions, middleweight was established in the 1840s and has arguably been boxing’s most entertaining. Find plenty of all-time greats like Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Bernard Hopkins here along with Claressa Shields on the women’s side.

Welterweights (147 lbs.)

Welterweight became an official class in 1888 when Paddy Duffy won the first title in the gloved era. Since then, legends like Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Sugar Ray Robinson have mainly fought here. Cecilia Braekhus also dominated this women’s division.

Lightweights (135 lbs.)

Originally established at 140 lbs in 1889, lightweight became official at 135 lbs. by the NSC in 1909. As one of the most competitive divisions, numerous stars have fought and won titles in this division. The list includes Oscar De La Hoya, Roberto Duran, and Katie Taylor.

Featherweight (126 lbs.)

First established in 1860 at 118 lbs. by London Prize Ring Rules, it became official at 126 lbs. in 1909. Since the 2000s, the division has become one of the most active with the likes of Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Amanda Serrano all enjoying title reigns here

Bantamweights (118 lbs.)

Originally set at 105 lbs. in 1860, it moved up to 116 lbs. and finally to 118 lbs. in 1909. The name is derived from bantam chickens, a smaller-sized variety. Great bantamweights include Serrano and Naoya Inoue of the modern era and Eder Jofre.

Flyweights (112 lbs.)

The smallest glamour division in boxing became official in 1909 and standardized in 1920. Jimmy Wilde was recognized as the first flyweight champion. Several modern flyweight champs include Nonito Donaire, Roman Gonzalez, and Marlen Esparza.

TWEENER WEIGHT CLASSES (Men’s / Women’s)

It took some time before boxing started to recognize the “tweener” divisions. These are ten extra divisions that go between the original eight. Many were established in 1920 by the Walker Law with Bridgerweight being the newest addition by the WBC in 2020.Several boxing stars like Pacquiao, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and Julio Cesar Chavez made their careers by winning multiple titles across these, and the glamour divisions.

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  Bridgerweight (224 lbs.)

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  Cruiserweight (200 lbs.)

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  Super middleweight (168 lbs.)

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  Light middleweight (154 lbs.)

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  Light welterweight (140 lbs.)

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  Super featherweight (130 lbs.)

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  Super bantamweight (122 lbs.)

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  Super flyweight (115 lbs.)

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  Light flyweight (108 lbs.)

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  Strawweight (105 lbs.)

TIPS FOR BETTING ON A BOXER

Betting on boxers odds can be a high-risk reward proposition, especially when only betting the stars. Boxing has a top-heavy approach usually with highly touted prospects getting overmatched opponents. Thus, using parlays or props can help give betting more bang for your buck.

“Superfights” occasionally arrive with two of the best boxers being pitted against each other. When these happen, the boxing odds tend to be lined more tightly. Research each boxer’s styles and pay attention to their stances and reach as these can make a difference.