What is the origin of the word cruiserweight

Tommy Loughran's bout here is referred to as a 'Cruiserweight' bout.

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Yes, it's a naval term coined in the UK in the early 20th century. So-called because a cruiser was smaller than a battleship (or "Dreadnought"). Interestngly, it referred to the LHW division as LHW was the next weight down from HW at the time. Heavyweights of the time were often referred to as "dreadnoughts" by the media, so it didn't take much imagination to call LHWs "cruisers".

As HWs got bigger and there was a need for a division between 175 & HW, the in-between division was formed (by the WBC if I remember correctly) & called Cruiser.

 

The forum comes together to uncover some great information.

FeelsGoodMan

 

Ya but like Jel said, it's very plausible. It makes a helluva lot of sense. Even if it's not the case nicely done.

 

It is naval,as in a diminutive battleship.

 

Great. Thank you Fast Hands

 

Thank you Solomon

 

You were right all along. Great job

 

Yes , I will repeat what Salsanchezfan answered correctly and hopefully get rewarded with "Likes" for the same answer.

 

I knew all those hours of watching McHale's Navy in syndication would pay off one day.

 

Weight class was inspire by the late 1800's Cruiser warship class one step below the Dreadnought "heavy" warship.
Thank you

 

I'm sorry, but this is a tired subject now.

 

As others have said, it is a naval term.

Battle ships or capital ships, were the largest vessels, that stood in the line of battle.

That is to say there was nothing bigger than them that they ran away from.

A cruiser was a ship that was smaller than a battleship, but bigger than a destroyer.

It could fight anything that could catch it, and escape from anything that it couldn't fight.

Hence when the new division was formed, the term cruiserweight made sense.

 

I still say it's a naval reference of some kind.

 

Lol. Perfect! That was a great show btw