Everybody knows that boxing has too many champions (4 ABC-belts) and too many weightclasses (17). The current state worries me because It's obvious that this makes it harder for boxing to get new fans when we have 17x4=68 boxers who call themselves world champions! My suggestion for cutting some weightclasses is somethin like this.. Heavyweight.................- Unlimited Cruiserweight................- 200lb /90,7kg Light Heavyweight.........- 182lb /83,0kg Super Middleweight........- 170lb /77,1kg Middleweight.................- 160lb /72,6kg Junior/Light Middleweight.- 151lb /68,5kg Welterweight.................- 143lb /64,9kg Lightweight...................- 136lb /61,7kg Junior Lightweight..........- 130lb /59,0kg Featherweight...............- 124lb /56,2kg Bantamweight................- 119lb /54,0kg Flyweight......................- 114lb /51,7kg Straw/Minimumweight......- 110lb /49,9kg In this scenario we would have 13 weightclasses instead of 17. I think this model would be pretty fare for a fighter whatever the natural weight and would increase the respect of a champion especially in the lower weightclasses. Names of the classes are just suggestions. So what do you guys think? What would be your "dream" weightclass model?
I'd be pretty content if fighters just stuck to there respectable weight classes and did away with all the catchweight BS.
The weight classes have come about partly due to safety concerns. I have no issues with them staying as they are. It's the multitude of belts available at each weight which is the issue. One world title. Continental title. National title. (Possibly area/regional titles depending on the strength in depth). That should be it. At each of the 17 weights.
Eight weight classes. Thats all. Why are there now 10 weight classes at 140 lbs. and below? Because the sanctioning organizations want the fees. 118 and below 126 135 147 160 175 200 unlimited
Personally I'd get rid of the Jr. Welterweight and combine Light Heavy/Cruiserweight. Jr. Welterweight is such a silly class, there's no real history with it and the only big names you have are Hatton and Tszyu. Just fight at either Welterweight or Lightweight for **** sake, you dominate a division of nothingness.
:deal although there could always be some sort of debate for more than 1 category above 200lbs... Overall, fewer classes means more talent in less divisions, equals to more meaningful good fights being made and possibly more money because of more interest from fans.
i've always hated the cruiserweight division. I say get rid of it and create a Super Heavyweight division.
I totally agree with your belt assessment but in regards to safety issues with weight...I know its the main stream consensus but I disagree.. Certain procedures could be implemented to make sure fighters are never weight drained to enter a fight. More weigh-ins with specific weight requirements prior to the official one. The maximum drop in weight allowed from start to end could be permanently determined. The height, body frame, fat percentage, etc. could initially determine in which weight class a boxer can and cannot perform in.. Many other things could be implemented to keep fighters safe. The problem is MONEY !!! You cut as much weight as possible to be as big as possible in a weight class, so that you can dominate there in order to become a popular figure on the boxing scene and cash in because of that.
