In the latest boxing news, The International Boxing Association (AIBA), today announced that it's Board of Directors has voted in a fundamental change to the sport by amending the weight classes for youth and elite players at all AIBA competitions.
Men’s weight categories will rise from 10 to 13, while women’s categories will increase from 10 to 12. The decision will come into force from August 1st, 2021.
AIBA Secretary General Mr. István Kovács had presented the proposal during his report to the Board. Kovács stressed that the Association undertook a widespread consultation of stakeholders in women’s and men’s boxing before discussing and agreeing on the new weight categories during the Board meeting.
‘We believe this step will allow a greater pool of boxers to participate in the respective weight categories where they feel most strong and comfortable. We have collected all proposals from National Federations, as well as from respected AIBA Committees. Each voice was heard. This innovation will help boxing to develop from grassroots to elite,’ Mr. Kovács said.
‘We are implementing this crucial change now whilst widespread reform of AIBA’s whole competition structure is in process,’ said AIBA President Mr. Umar Kremlev. ‘I truly believe we must deliver more opportunities to our athletes; the new divisions will encourage more people from various countries to take up boxing, and allow more nations to win medals. The more medals we have, the more governments will pay attention to our sport and fund it around the globe.’
AIBA stated that the changes have been made for the safety of boxers by ensuring equal fighting and easier weight management. For men, the minimum weight was reduced from 49kg to 48kg. Between the first five categories, the spread is 3kg, between the 5th and 7th it is 3.5kg, between the 7th and 9th it is 4kg, and between the 9th and 10th is 5 kg, between 10th and 12th it is 6kg. The super heavyweight category starts from 92kg and has no limits.
For Women, the minimum weight remains the same at 48kg. However, the spread between the first four weight classes is now 2kg. Between the 4th and 8th it is 3kg, between 8th and 9th it is 4 kg, from the 9th to the 10th it is 5kg, and from the 10th to the 11th it is 6kg with the heavyweight weight class remaining the same at +81kg.
The full weight classes list is as follows-
Men's (in kg)
Minimumweight – 46-48
Flyweight – 51
Bantamweight – 54
Featherweight – 57
Lightweight – 60
Light Welterweight – 63,5
Welterweight – 67
Light Middleweight – 71
Middleweight – 75
Light Heavyweight – 80
Cruiserweight – 86
Heavyweight – 92
Super Heavyweight – +92
Women's (in kg)
Minimumweight – 45-48
Light Flyweight – 50
Flyweight – 52
Bantamweight – 54
Featherweight – 57
Lightweight – 60
Light Welterweight – 63
Welterweight – 66
Light Middleweight – 70
Middleweight – 75
Light Heavyweight – 81
Heavyweight – +81
