How many weight divisions should there be?

I’d take same day weigh ins and a single world title per division over fewer weight classes any day.

But if I was shedding weight classes there would be only the following divisions:
Fly
Bantam
Feather
Super feather/junior light
Light
Super light/junior welter
Welter
Middle
Light heavy
Cruiser
Heavy

 

No less than 8 traditional categories, and IMO no more than 10 categories.
Traditional categories to be within the weight limits in which they have always been. The two additional categories (and one of those two, according to my logic, would be Cruiserweight) should be arranged logically.

 

Just restructure boxings weight divisions to what the UFC is doing. Just have weight divisions at 125, 135, 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, but instead of the 265 pound weight limit make it unlimited like how it is in boxing. I mean who really cares what happens below 125, let all the midgets from strawweight to super bantamweight duke it out in one weight class.

 

Original 8 + 154

 

We can also add 1 half pound champs as well. Not since the age of the alpha titles will there be more champs.

 

8 or 9. Also, reduce the number of belts.
In the uk, for example, keep the regional belts & British (Lonsdale) belt.
European champion belt & Commonwealth is the next natural progression.
At world level just have WBC & WBA.

 

Yes, that (Heavy-Super Heavy) is basically the idea - but don't think We want to change the name of highest division in boxing, for historical reason.

I think there are still fighters today that
A) Are too big for light heavy and small for Cruiserweight.
B) Are too big for Cruiserweight, but small for Heavyweight.

Regarding A) I remember Troy Ross for example. Very good little fighter, could've been a champion with controversial losses to Cunningham and Hernandez in title fights.
He started out as a Light Heavy, but quickly outgrew it, but didn't have the type of frame where He could put on pounds too effectively - so was always coming in around 190. Old Cruiserweight limit would've been perfect for him. Without it, He was at disadvantage.

Regarding B), Heavyweights are getting bigger and I think bumping Cruiserweight limit a bit would make sense to facilitate some of the small Heavyweights who might find it harder to compete.
I think 20 pounts is still extreme, so don't think You'd have many guys fighting in 230s lbs range trying to cut down.

Less weight-classes means fun time for the fans of course, but also puts a lot of fighters into disadvantage that I think is unfair. Some people suggest getting rid of strawweight. That would practically eliminate people under certain height from high level boxing.

 

Those nine, plus Bridgerweight, I think it's been a great addition.

 

In a perfect world we would have.....
Same number of weightclasses . 1 Champion per division, rankings made by some neutral entity or an AI, strict enforcement of mandatories. Same day weigh ins with some type of hydration testing on fight night to keep people from fighting dangerously dehydrated.
Either strict widespread drugtesting or none at all(bring back the 80s and 90s)
Judges that are kept accountable and forced to do interviews and explain themselves after dubious decisions, or an AI judging system.

 

6, separated by 15lbs with an allowable 10lb difference, unlimited over 230, with a catchweight clause for coming in a bit light

105-115, 130-140, 155-165, 180-190, 205-215, 230+

So a prime Tyson that would often be ~218 would have to make 215, a 225 guy could sign for 230+

 

Looks good to me. The real issue though is that the sport needs to find a way to better incentivize more fights between the best of the best at each division, whatever they are.

 

Hold on there pahd'ner. I suggested divisions calibrated by the OUNCE!
Why bypass my suggestion & allow mismatches such as 243 vs. 234.5?!?!?

Oh unless you meant to indicate a few Brave Souls could also seek a multi-divisional title by venturing/rounding their weight UP to the next half pound?
Sure as long as they could still keep their, say...

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title also!!!

 

Brilliant observation. The original eight weren’t always eight. Light-Heavyweight is the last member of the original eight. But humans in general have go bigger. You can’t expect a struggling to make weight Minimum Weight to suddenly compete at Flyweight. It the belts/organisations that is the problem. I still the the WBO can be relegated to one of the lesser belt providers. This era of 4 organisations still doesn’t change the WBO’s history of being nothing more than a European level organisation. No true Lineal champion of any weight held or needed to hold their title. If you was a boxer and had to decide which of the 4 organisations belt to hold who’s would be LAST?