British boxing authorities considering introduction of new weight class

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) is considering introducing a new division to bridge the largest gap between weight classes in the sport.

The BBBofC’s proposed new division, men’s light cruiserweight, would carry an 185-pound weight limit, meaning it would sit between the 175-pound light heavyweight division and the 200-pound cruiserweight division.

The proposal is still in the early stages of consideration. The BBBofC’s General Secretary, Robert W. Smith, sent an email to license holders recently asking for their thoughts.

“One of the reasons is the present 25 lbs between 12 st 7 lbs [light heavyweight] and 14 st 4 lbs [cruiserweight] which is the largest of all divisions. The fact that “modern-day” athletes are larger, stronger, etc., the Stewards feel this would be a significant change in relation to health and safety.”

“One of the reasons is the present 25 lbs between 12 st 7 lbs [light heavyweight] and 14 st 4 lbs [cruiserweight] which is the largest of all divisions. The fact that “modern-day” athletes are larger, stronger, etc., the Stewards feel this would be a significant change in relation to health and safety.”

The BBBofC is one of the premier governing bodies in the sport of boxing. Its directives, particularly those pertaining to health and safety, have historically been influential beyond the UK.

Recently, attempts have been made to establish a weight class between cruiserweight and heavyweight. The WBC created the bridgerweight division in 2020, which carries a 224-pound weight limit. The WBA also recognized this weight class under the name “super cruiserweight.”

That division, however, has struggled to entice major names and marquee matchups, and earlier this year, the WBA decided to discontinue its existence. The WBC still operates bridgerweight, but the number of fighters competing in the division is scant.