New boxing weight division created which could see one of most feared heavyweights move down and dominate
THE HEAVYWEIGHT division could be set for a major shake-up after plans to introduce a new weight class were ratified.
The World Boxing Council shook up the sport in 2020 by introducing a bridgerweight division, in which competitors weigh between 200 and 224lbs.
And the World Boxing Association have, somewhat belatedly, followed in the Mexican sanctioning body’s suit with the introduction of a super-cruiserweight division.
Like bridgerweight, the newly-formed division will have a minimum weight of 200lbs and a maximum of 224lbs.
An excerpt of a WBA statement read: “The WBA Executive Committee approved the creation of the super cruiserweight division in a vote called by the president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.
“This new division will be between 200 and 224 pounds. Meanwhile, it will be located between the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.”
The WBC introduced bridgerweight due to the natural growth of combatants over the last few decades and to negate the huge jump between the cruiser and heavyweight divisions.
In a statement via World Boxing News, WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman said: “The problem in most divisions was largely addressed, humanity’s natural growth has generated important changes in the major divisions
“Ten years ago, the WBC moved the cruiserweight limit from 190 to 200 pounds.
“Considering the weight of the athletes, they have grown impressively.
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“The major division, the heavyweight, means the maximum glory.
“The world heavyweight champion has traditionally been recognized as the most important athlete globally, the invincible, the gladiator.
“The heavyweight world champion initially started at 176 pounds.
“Now, in the 21st Century, we see the different weights in the heavyweight division.
“We have decided to create a new division called “Bridger” [or super cruiserweight to WBN] as it is the necessary bridge to serve the large number of boxers who are between 200 and 224 pounds.”
The super-cruiserweight division would be a perfect weight class for former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to compete in should he fancy a change of scenery.
The Bronze Bomber has weighed inside the 224lbs weight limit in seven of his last nine fights, although he was heavier in his rematch and trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.
Wilder was, however, inside the super-cruiserweight limit when he knocked out former sparring partner Robert Helenius with one punch last October, tipping the scales at 214.5lbs.