24.01.04 – By Adam “Dr.” Zee: I believe the all of the original eight weight classes were institutionalized into the game in the early 1900’s. They are: Heavyweight, Light-heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweigh, Flyweight. Ah, now that felt good to write. I thought for a moment, how were these weight classes decided? Logically, it must have been divided up to suit the population of the times. Upon further review, it appears the initial median weight is between Welter ( 147 ) and Lightweight ( 130 ), which is 138.5 pounds.
Does that mean the average man weighed 138.5 pounds in 1905? Probably. Internet searches reveal the average man stood 5’7″ at the turn of the century. So, when the divisions came about, the slotting of the weights made perfect sense.
Lets fast forward to 2004. The average American female weight can be found between light weight and welter weight. This is 2004, and I for one suggest its time for boxing to reorganize its own weight classes.
I am for a consolidation of the weight classes. The talent is spread too thin to support 17 weight classes, excluding the ludicrous super’s and Junior’s hybrids. Although its unlike for an alphabet organization to voluntary close shop on their champions, they can streamline their own weight classes, which would insure better competition. Better competition defines champions. Better champions sell tickets.
Here’s what I propose.
Combine:
Straw with junior flyweights with flyweights 110 pounds = new Flyweight
junior bantamweights with bantamweights, and junior feather weights 118 pounds = New bantam weight
featherweights with junior lightweights 128 pounds = New feather weight
lightweights with junior welterweights 138 pounds = New light weight
welterweights with junior middle weights 150 pounds = New Welter weights
middleweights with super middleweights 165 pounds = New Middle weight
light heavyweights with crusiers 183 pounds = New Light heavy weight
heavyweights Over 199+ = New Heavyweight
This would bring you closer in line (although not perfectly) with the original 8 weight classes concept, while at the same time more accurately reflecting the weights of the worlds population. Toadies weight classes are but paper barriers. More often than not, fighters dry themselves out to make weight, then enter the ring one, two or sometimes three weight classes above the belts they are fighting for. Under my proposed systems, you see less shenanigans on the scales, and more competitive weight classes. Just one man’s opinion.