"Boxers will be weight drained if there are only 9 divisions."

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I always hear this argument from people who think the 17 division system is good. And on the surface, it is a fair point: if a boxer is less weight-drained, fights should theoretically be more action packed and entertaining.

However, in practice, fighters are draining 15–20 pounds just to compete in a division. Why? Because they know they gain a size or power advantage there, not because it is close to their “natural weight.” By natural weight, I mean the weight a fighter would realistically be at by the end of training camp.

I don’t mind small water cuts of around 5 pounds, but if you are doing massive cuts and struggling to make weight, you probably shouldn’t be competing in that division.

For example, Brian Norman Jr. fights at 147 not because that is naturally where he belongs, but because 154 is stacked. A lot of modern weight classes mainly exist to create more champions and give B-level fighters title opportunities.

If featherweight and super featherweight were combined, I seriously doubt fighters like Anthony Cacace would have much chance of winning a belt. We don’t need 17 divisions. Nine is more than enough, especially when weight cutting is already being abused this heavily.

 

3rd attempt...

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Are you serious

 

Yes, this would be the best solution for "weight bullies" or weight bull crap. However, 9 divisions would allow the best fight to happen a lot more and deal with what I like to call "division duckers" who, like I said, fight certain weight classes for lower opposition.

 

There is a good argument that the smaller weight classes should have smaller jumps between them, but yes, for example, 105, 108, and 112 should probably be one division.

I actually think that instead of creating a new class between cruiserweight and light heavyweight, the sanctioning bodies should move cruiserweight back to 190. Because are you really telling me a fighter like Opetaia isn't a heavyweight in everything but name? But yes, something absolutely should be done about massive jumps like light heavyweight to cruiserweight, because fighters like Anthony Yarde are, to me, too big for light heavyweight and too small for cruiserweight.

 

This is a good rebuttal. But, in my opinion, fighters already do these extreme weight cuts. Maybe not as much in the lower divisions, though.

 

You made a great video on the topic:

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However, I never really hated the four-belt system. I think becoming undisputed is one of the greatest achievements in boxing, and it is always special to see. The multiple belts also help lower-weight fighters gain recognition and build audiences, because winning even one title gives them legitimacy and exposure they might never receive.

There is a reason MMA champions constantly use the word "undisputed" to describe their championship. People understand how difficult it is and the weight to collect every major belt in boxing in a division.