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{{short description|Weight class in combat sports}}
:''For the ] division of the same name, see ]. For the 1995 comedy film see ]. For wrestling see ]; for judo, see ]; for kickboxing, see ].''
{{other uses}}
]
'''Heavyweight''' is a ] in ]s and ].


==Boxing==
'''Heavyweight''' is a division, or ], in ]. Fighters who weigh over 200 pounds (14 st 4 lb/91 kg) are considered heavyweights by the major professional boxing organizations, including the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/pdf_temp/pdf2EF6.tmp.pdf |publisher=] |title=IBF Rankings posted Monday. 30th of July 2007 |quote=Heavyweight (Over 200 lb) |format=PDF |accessdate=2007-08-11}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iboboxing.com/ibo_championship_rules_and_regulations.html |work=IBO Championship Rules & Regulations |title=4. Weight Classes |quote=Heavyweight Over 200 lbs. |publisher=] |accessdate=2007-08-11}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbaonline.com/legal/LegalStatements/worldchampionships.pdf |work=World Bpxing Association World Championships Regulations |title=11. Weight Category |quote=Heavy More than 200 Lbs. |publisher=] |accessdate=2007-08-11}}</ref>, the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=94&docTipo=4&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC |title=Ratings Heavyweight (over 200-90.719) |publisher=] |accessdate=2007-08-11}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbo-int.com/revised/WBORulesReg04APR07.pdf |publisher=] |work=Regulations of World Championship Contests |title=3. Weight Classes |quote=Heavyweight Over 200lbs or 90.91 kgs.|format=pdf |accessdate=2007-08-11}}</ref>
===Professional===
Male boxers who weigh over {{convert|200|lb|kg stlb|lk=in}} are considered heavyweights by 2 of the 4 major professional boxing organizations: the ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iboboxing.com/ibo_championship_rules_and_regulations.html |work=IBO and also the sink board of control. But Championship Rules & Regulations |title=4. Weight Classes |quote= Over 200 lbs. |publisher=] |access-date=2007-08-11 |archive-date=2013-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010045417/http://www.iboboxing.com/ibo_championship_rules_and_regulations.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbo-int.com/revised/WBORulesReg04APR07.pdf |publisher=] |work=Regulations of World Championship Contests |title=3. Weight Classes |quote=Heavyweight Over 200lbs or 90.91 kg.|access-date=2007-08-11 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926061740/http://www.wbo-int.com/revised/WBORulesReg04APR07.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-26}}</ref> In 2020, the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ratings Heavyweight (over 200-90.719)|url=http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=94&docTipo=4&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810070242/http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=94&docTipo=4&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=2007-08-10|access-date=2007-08-11|publisher=]}}</ref> increased their heavyweight classification to 224 pounds (102&nbsp;kg; 16 st) to allow for their creation of the ] division. The ] (WBA) did the same in 2023.<ref name="WBA 2023 ESPN">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/39020519/wba-joins-wbc-adding-18th-weight-class-super-cruiserweight |title=WBA joins WBC in adding 18th weight class with super cruiserweight |website=ESPN |date=2023-12-01}}</ref> Female boxers who weigh over {{convert|175|lb|kg stlb|lk=in}} are considered heavyweights by 2 of the 4 major boxing organizations: the IBF and the WBC. The WBA and WBO do not have a female heavyweight world title.


====Historical development====
Because this division has no maximum weight limit, it has been historically vaguely defined. In the ], for example, many ] weighed 170 ]s (12 st 2 lb, 77 kg) or less (although others weighed 200 pounds and more). In ], the minimum weight for a heavyweight was set at 175 pounds (12 st 7 lb, 79 kg), which today is the ] division maximum. Today, for most boxing organizations, the maximum weight for a ] is 200 pounds. Thus, a fighter whose weight is over 200 lb may not fight as anything but a heavyweight
Because this division has no upper weight limit, it has historically been vaguely defined. In the 19th century, for example, many ] weighed {{convert|170|lb|kg stlb}} or less (although others weighed 200 pounds).


In 1920, the light heavyweight division was formed, with a maximum weight of {{convert|175|lb|kg stlb}}. Any fighter weighing more than 175 pounds was a heavyweight. The cruiserweight division (first for boxers in the 175–190 pound range) was established in 1979 and recognized by the various boxing organizations in the 1980s with a maximum weight of either {{convert|190|lb|kg stlb}} or {{convert|195|lb|kg stlb}}. Later these organizations increased the cruiserweight limit to 200 pounds.
It is impossible to say who the "first" heavyweight champion was, since the sport of boxing goes back as far as recorded history and there have always been large fighters. Even in the ] era, "champions" were plentiful. Some of the most notable of these included the ] ], ], ], ] and ].
The first ] under the ] was ], known as "The Boston Strong Boy." He weighed around 200 pounds when in shape and was a bare-knuckle champion. He was defeated by ] on ], ], in 21 rounds.


Since 1975, the ] and the Soviet Sports Committee established a new concept in international boxing, called "Heavy Duals," an all-heavyweight team contest between the United States and the Soviet Union.<ref>'Heavy' Date, ''AAU News'', 1975, v. 45, p. 10.</ref>
It should also be noted that in recent years, the heavyweight title has become fractured amongst various sanctioning organizations, and so what was once known as the single "Heavyweight Champion," is now referred to as the "]" as the one fighter that has defeated all the other titlists.


As of 2024, ] holds records of beating the most boxers for the world heavyweight title, with 23, and the ] of all time, with 4,382 days as world heavyweight champion.{{refn|group=nb|Attributed to multiple sources: <ref name=guinness-world-records-most-days-as-hw-ch>{{cite web |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/496533-most-days-as-a-heavyweight-boxing-champion|title=Most days as a heavyweight boxing champion|work=]|access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref><ref name=business-insider-sg>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/wladimir-klitschko-plotting-boxing-comeback-2019-10 |title=Wladimir Klitschko is plotting a spectacular boxing comeback, and he wants to break an old heavyweight record |publisher=Business Insider Singapore |website=businessinsider.sg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110192101/https://www.businessinsider.sg/wladimir-klitschko-plotting-boxing-comeback-2019-10/ |archive-date=10 November 2019 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all |access-date=26 July 2023}}</ref><ref name=boxing-records>{{cite web |url=https://sport.24tv.ua/volodimiru_klichku__44_naykrashhi_nokauti_boksera_n1303940 |title=Володимиру Кличку – 44: найкращі нокаути боксера|date=25 March 2020 |access-date=5 February 2021 |language=Ukrainian}}</ref><ref name=klitschko-rekord>{{cite web |url=https://sport.segodnya.ua/sport/boxing/ukraina-sdelala-svoy-vybor-nazvan-luchshiy-bokser-v-istorii-1580204.html|title=Украина сделала свой выбор! Назван лучший боксер в истории страны|access-date=28 April 2022|language=ru}}</ref><ref name=klitschko-rekord2>{{cite web |url=https://www.polsatsport.pl/wiadomosc/2022-04-25/wladimir-kliczko-wroci-na-ring-jesli-wojna-sie-skonczy/|title=Władimir Kliczko wróci na ring? "Jeśli wojna się skończy..."|date=25 April 2022 |publisher=]|access-date=30 April 2022 |language=pl}}</ref><ref name=klitschko-reuters>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxing-heavyweight-fury-idUSKBN22W0OR |title=Fury 'mentally happy' to be in ring, eyes Klitschko-like reign |work=Reuters |date=20 May 2020|access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.croatiaweek.com/klitschko-believes-hrgovic-will-become-world-boxing-champ/ |title=Klitschko believes Hrgović will become world boxing champ |work=croatiaweek.com |date=6 April 2019|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kreschatic.kiev.ua/ua/5361/news/1573133479.html |title=Володимир Кличко виступив на Web Summit-2019 в Лісабоні |work=kreschatic.kiev.ua |access-date=17 April 2021 |language=uk |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417170436/http://kreschatic.kiev.ua/ua/5361/news/1573133479.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kremenchug.org.ua/2020/12/15/volodymyr-klychko-uvijshov-do-mizhnarodnogo-zalu-bokserskoyi-slavy/ |title=Володимир Кличко увійшов до Міжнародного залу боксерської слави |work=kremenchug.org.ua |date=15 December 2020|access-date=17 April 2021 |language=uk}}</ref>}} ] has won the most world heavyweight title bouts, with 27,<ref name=boxing-records/> and had the most consecutive title defenses, with 26.{{refn|group=nb|According to ] and ], Louis' fight against Johnny Davis in 1944, viewed by many as an exhibition fight, was for the NYSAC heavyweight title, which would lift Louis' title defenses to 26|exhibition according to some sources; other sources including IBHOF consider it a legitimate title fight, which would bring Louis' defenses to 26.}} This is also the record for most consecutive title defenses in boxing history.<ref></ref>
==Olympic champions==
The weight limit for the heavyweight class has varied over the years. Currently the division weight paramaters encompass anyone above 81 kg to 91 kg (179 pounds to 201 pounds) . Formerly, this division allowed anyone above 178 pounds to fight as a heavyweight. However, in 1984, the ] class was introduced as the unlimited category. That division is for fighters who weigh over 91 kg.


Four boxers have regained the heavyweight title in an immediate rematch: ] in 1960, ] in 1978, ] in 2001, and ] in 2019. ] holds the record for being the oldest heavyweight to ever achieve championship status, becoming champion at the age of 45, while ] possesses the record for youngest heavyweight champion at 20. Tyson also became the first heavyweight to own all three major belts – WBA, WBC, and IBF as well as The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles at the same time.
{{seealso|Super heavyweight}}


====Current world champions====
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1904 Summer}}
{{main|List of world heavyweight boxing champions}}
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|GBR|1908 Summer}}
{| class="wikitable"
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|GBR|1920 Summer}}
!Sanctioning Body
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|NOR|1924 Summer}}
!Reign Began
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|ARG|1928 Summer}}
!Champion
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|ARG|1932 Summer}}
!Record
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|GER|1936 Summer}}
!Defenses
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|ARG|1948 Summer}}
|-
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1952 Summer}}
|]
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1956 Summer}}
|September 25, 2021
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|ITA|1960 Summer}}
|]
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1964 Summer}}
|23–0 (14 KO)
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1968 Summer}}
|align=center|4
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|1972 Summer}}
|-
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|1976 Summer}}
|]
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|1980 Summer}}
|May 18, 2024
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1984 Summer}}
|]
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|USA|1988 Summer}}
|23–0 (14 KO)
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|1992 Summer}}
|align=center|1
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|1996 Summer}}
|-
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|2000 Summer}}
|]
* ] &ndash; {{flagIOCathlete|]|CUB|2004 Summer}}
|June 26, 2024
|]
|22–2 (21 KO)
|align=center|1
|-
|]
|September 25, 2021
|]
|23–0 (14 KO)
|align=center|4
|}


====Current world rankings====
==Professional champions==
*]


=====''The Ring''=====


As of December 31, 2024.<ref name=ring-hw-ratings>{{Cite web|url=https://ringmagazine.com/en/ring-ranking|title=The Ring ratings: heavyweight|access-date=31 December 2024}}</ref>
==Kickboxing heavyweight==
*] (IKF) Heavyweight (Pro & Amateur) 195.1 lb to 215 lb (88.7 kg to 97.7 kg).


Keys:
==See also==
:{{Color box|gold|C|border=darkgray}} Current '']'' world champion


{| class="wikitable"
*]
!Rank
*]
!Name
*]
!Record (W–L–D)
!Title(s)
|-
|bgcolor=gold|C
|]
|23–0 (14 KO)
|], ], ]
|-
|1
|]
|34–2–1 (24 KO)
|
|-
|2
|]
|22–2 (21 KO)
|]
|-
|3
|]
|35–3 (23 KO)
|
|-
|4
|]
|27–2–1 (22 KO)
|
|-
|5
|]
|25–0 (17 KO)
|
|-
|6
|]
|21–1 (16 KO)
|
|-
|7
|]
|28–4 (25 KO)
|
|-
|8
|]
|17–1 (14 KO)
|
|-
|9
|]
|18–0–1 (17 KO)
|
|-
|10
|]
|20–1 (14 KO)
|
|}

=====BoxRec=====

As of 22 December 2024.<ref name=boxrec-hw-ratings>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=proboxer&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bdivision%5D=Heavyweight&r%5Bcountry%5D=&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=a&r_go=|title=BoxRec ratings: heavyweight, active|access-date=22 December 2024}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!Rank
!Name
!Record (W–L–D)
!Title(s)
|-
|1
|]
|23–0–0 (14 KO)
|], ], ]
|-
|2
|]
|22–2–0 (21 KO)
|]
|-
|3
|]
|25–0–0 (17 KO)
|
|-
|4
|]
|28–4–0 (25 KO)
|
|-
|5
|]
|21–1–0 (16 KO)
|
|-
|6
|]
|34–2–1 (24 KO)
|
|-
|7
|]
|35–3–0 (23 KO)
|
|-
|8
|]
|21–1–0 (16 KO)
|
|-
|9
|]
|27–2–1 (22 KO)
|
|-
|10
|]
|23–1–2 (16 KO)
|
|-
|}

==== Longest-reigning world heavyweight champions ====
{{main|World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics}}

Keys:
:{{Color box|#B2FFFF|border=darkgray}} Active title reign
:{{Color box|transparent|border=darkgray}} Reign has ended

:'''Note 1:''' WBA (Regular) champions are not included
:'''Note 2:''' WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included<ref name="wbotitlebouts">Several IBHOF inductees’ professional boxing records printed in the organization's official record books indicate that IBHOF did not recognize WBO as a major organization until at least August 23, 1997:
* IBHOF official record book, 1997 edition
** ]'s opponent ], who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
* IBHOF official record book, 1999 edition
** Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
* IBHOF official record book, 2002 edition
** Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
* IBHOF official record book, 2006 edition
** Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
** ]'s opponent ], who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
** Michael Carbajal's opponent ], who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
* IBHOF official record book, 2011 edition
** Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
** Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
** ]'s opponent ], who was defending the WBO minimumweight title against him on 23 August 1997, is marked as World Champion
** Michael Carbajal's opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion</ref>
:'''Note 3:''' The names in ''italics'' are champions that did not win ''The Ring'' championship/lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)/undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present)

===== Combined reign =====
The list does not include ''The Ring'' and lineal championship fights after 1921.

''As of 23 December 2024''.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Pos.</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Name</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Combined reign</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Days as champion</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Number of reigns</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Title recognition</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Cumulative title wins</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Opponents beaten</span>
|-
| 1. || ]|| 12 years, 0 months, 0 days || align="center" |4 382 || align="center" |2 || WBA, IBF, WBO|| align="center" |25 ||align="center" |23
|-
| 2. || ] || 11 years, 8 months, 8 days || align="center" |4 270 || align="center" |1|| NYSAC, NBA|| align="center" |27 ||align="center" |22
|-
| 3. || ] || 9 years, 5 months, 5 days || align="center" |3 443|| align="center" |3 || NYSAC, WBA, WBC|| align="center" |22 ||align="center" |21
|-
| 4. || ] || 8 years, 5 months, 13 days || align="center" |3 086 || align="center" |3|| WBA, WBC, IBF|| align="center" |15 ||align="center" |15
|-
| 5. || ] || 7 years, 5 months, 28 days || align="center" |2 735 || align="center" |3|| WBC, WBO|| align="center" |15 ||align="center" |15
|-
| 6. || ] || 7 years, 3 months, 12 days || align="center" |2 661 || align="center" |1|| WBC, IBF|| align="center" |20 ||align="center" |20
|-
| 7. || ] || 7 years, 2 months, 19 days || align="center" |2 638|| align="center" |1|| NYSAC, NBA|| align="center" |6 ||align="center" |6
|-
| 8. || ] || 7 years, 0 months, 10 days || align="center" |2 566|| align="center" |1 || Universal|| align="center" |5 ||align="center" |5
|-
| 9. || ] || 6 years, 3 months, 11 days || align="center" |2 292|| align="center" |1 || Universal|| align="center" |6 ||align="center" |6
|-
| 10. || ] || 6 years, 1 month, 1 day || align="center" |2 223 || align="center" |4 || WBA, WBC, IBF|| align="center" |11 ||align="center" |10
|-
| 11. || ] || 5 years, 11 months, 4 days || align="center" |2 156 || align="center" |1 || Universal|| align="center" |8 ||align="center" |6
|-
| 12. || ] || 5 years, 1 month, 12 days|| align="center" |1 866|| align="center" |2 || WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO || align="center" | 5 ||align="center" |4
|-
| 13. || ] || 5 years, 1 month, 5 days|| align="center" |1 859|| align="center" |1 || WBC || align="center" | 10 ||align="center" |8
|-
| 14. || ] || 4 years, 11 months, 17 days || align="center" |1 806 || align="center" |2 || WBA, IBF, WBO|| align="center" |9 || align="center" |9
|-
| 15. || ] || 4 years, 10 months, 18 days || align="center" |1 785 || align="center" |1 || NYSAC, WBA, WBC|| align="center" |10 ||align="center" |10
|}

===== Individual reign =====
Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. The list includes both ''The Ring'' and lineal championships. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

''As of 23 December 2024.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Pos.</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Name</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Title Reign</span>
! style="background: #D1EEEE; background: black;« width=»10%" |<span style="color:yellow">Title recognition</span>
|-
| 1. || ] || 11 years, 8 months, 8 days || lineal
|-
| 2. || ] || 9 years, 7 months and 6 days || IBF (+WBA, WBO, ''The Ring''/Lineal)
|-
| 3. || ] || 7 years, 3 months, 12 days || WBC-to-IBF (+''The Ring''/Lineal)
|-
| 4. || ] || 7 years, 2 months, 19 days || lineal
|-
| 5. || ] || 7 years, 0 months, 9 days || lineal
|-
| 6. || ] || 6 years, 3 months, 10 days || lineal
|-
| 7. || ] || 5 years, 11 months, 9 days || ''The Ring''/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
|-
| 8. || ] || 5 years, 11 months, 4 days || lineal
|-
| 9. || ] || 5 years, 2 months, 4 days || WBC
|-
| 10. || ] || 5 years, 1 month 5 days || WBC
|-
| 11. || ] || 4 years, 10 months, 18 days || NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
|-
| 12. || ] || 4 years, 6 months, 10 days || lineal
|-
| 13. || ] || 4 years, 2 months, 29 days || lineal
|-
| 14. || ] || 4 years, 2 months, 26 days || WBC (+''The Ring''/Lineal)
|-
| 15. || ] || 4 years, 2 months, 15 days || WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, ''The Ring''/Lineal)
|}

===Amateur===

The lower limit for heavyweight was established in 1948 at {{convert|81|kg| lb |1|abbr=on}}. A weight class named "super heavyweight" was established in 1984, and with it a maximum {{convert|91|kg| lb |1|abbr=on}} for the heavyweight division.

==Kickboxing==
* In ], a heavyweight fighter generally weighs between {{cvt|88|and|100|kg|lb stlb}}. The fighters over {{cvt|100|kg|lb stlb}} are considered ]s.
* ] (IKF) Heavyweight (Pro & Amateur) {{cvt|215.1|-|235|lb|kg|disp=or}}.
* In ] promotion, a heavyweight division is over {{cvt|95|kg|lb}} and no upper weight limit.
* In ], the heavyweight division has an upper limit of {{convert|120.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

==Mixed martial arts==
{{main|Heavyweight (MMA)}}
The heavyweight division in ] generally groups fighters between {{cvt|206|and|265|lb|kg}}.

Heavyweight is also the title of a documentary film that documented the fight camp of ] when he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4380142/|title = Heavyweight| website=] }}</ref>

==Wrestling==
{{main|Wrestling weight classes|Professional wrestling weight classes}}
The term "]" in modern wrestling generally refers to a champion wrestler who is seen as a prominent competitor, rather than an adherent to a particular weight class. The World Heavyweight Championship in wrestling is usually considered the main title in a given promotion. Prior to the wrestling industry publicly acknowledging the predetermined nature of the sport, a Heavyweight title was generally competed for by larger wrestlers while smaller wrestlers competed as (among other names and classifications) "]", "Cruiserweights" and "Light-Heavyweights". The lucha libre promotion ] notably still has weight division for its champions. While most other promotions do not.

==Analogous uses==
The word "heavyweight" is sometimes used in other fields (''e.g.'' politics) to denote a person who is especially powerful or influential. Other boxing analogies include "punching above his weight" to denote a person or entity (''e.g.'' a country) whose influence is arguably greater than his/its basic attributes would suggest.


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|1|group=nb}}

==External links==
*


{{Boxing weight classes}} {{Boxing weight classes}}


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Latest revision as of 00:22, 13 January 2025

Weight class in combat sports For other uses, see Heavyweight (disambiguation).
Heavyweight boxers Andrew Golota (on the left) vs. Kevin McBride at the Madison Square Garden

Heavyweight is a weight class in combat sports and professional wrestling.

Boxing

Professional

Male boxers who weigh over 200 pounds (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb) are considered heavyweights by 2 of the 4 major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Organization. In 2020, the World Boxing Council increased their heavyweight classification to 224 pounds (102 kg; 16 st) to allow for their creation of the bridgerweight division. The World Boxing Association (WBA) did the same in 2023. Female boxers who weigh over 175 pounds (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb) are considered heavyweights by 2 of the 4 major boxing organizations: the IBF and the WBC. The WBA and WBO do not have a female heavyweight world title.

Historical development

Because this division has no upper weight limit, it has historically been vaguely defined. In the 19th century, for example, many heavyweight champions weighed 170 pounds (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) or less (although others weighed 200 pounds).

In 1920, the light heavyweight division was formed, with a maximum weight of 175 pounds (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb). Any fighter weighing more than 175 pounds was a heavyweight. The cruiserweight division (first for boxers in the 175–190 pound range) was established in 1979 and recognized by the various boxing organizations in the 1980s with a maximum weight of either 190 pounds (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb) or 195 pounds (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb). Later these organizations increased the cruiserweight limit to 200 pounds.

Since 1975, the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States and the Soviet Sports Committee established a new concept in international boxing, called "Heavy Duals," an all-heavyweight team contest between the United States and the Soviet Union.

As of 2024, Wladimir Klitschko holds records of beating the most boxers for the world heavyweight title, with 23, and the longest cumulative heavyweight title reign of all time, with 4,382 days as world heavyweight champion. Joe Louis has won the most world heavyweight title bouts, with 27, and had the most consecutive title defenses, with 26. This is also the record for most consecutive title defenses in boxing history.

Four boxers have regained the heavyweight title in an immediate rematch: Floyd Patterson in 1960, Muhammad Ali in 1978, Lennox Lewis in 2001, and Anthony Joshua in 2019. George Foreman holds the record for being the oldest heavyweight to ever achieve championship status, becoming champion at the age of 45, while Mike Tyson possesses the record for youngest heavyweight champion at 20. Tyson also became the first heavyweight to own all three major belts – WBA, WBC, and IBF as well as The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles at the same time.

Current world champions

Main article: List of world heavyweight boxing champions
Sanctioning Body Reign Began Champion Record Defenses
WBA September 25, 2021 Oleksandr Usyk 23–0 (14 KO) 4
WBC May 18, 2024 Oleksandr Usyk 23–0 (14 KO) 1
IBF June 26, 2024 Daniel Dubois 22–2 (21 KO) 1
WBO September 25, 2021 Oleksandr Usyk 23–0 (14 KO) 4

Current world rankings

The Ring

As of December 31, 2024.

Keys:

 C  Current The Ring world champion
Rank Name Record (W–L–D) Title(s)
C Oleksandr Usyk 23–0 (14 KO) WBA, WBO, WBC
1 Tyson Fury 34–2–1 (24 KO)
2 Daniel Dubois 22–2 (21 KO) IBF
3 Joseph Parker 35–3 (23 KO)
4 Zhilei Zhang 27–2–1 (22 KO)
5 Agit Kabayel 25–0 (17 KO)
6 Martin Bakole 21–1 (16 KO)
7 Anthony Joshua 28–4 (25 KO)
8 Filip Hrgović 17–1 (14 KO)
9 Fabio Wardley 18–0–1 (17 KO)
10 Efe Ajagba 20–1 (14 KO)
BoxRec

As of 22 December 2024.

Rank Name Record (W–L–D) Title(s)
1 Oleksandr Usyk 23–0–0 (14 KO) WBA, WBO, WBC
2 Daniel Dubois 22–2–0 (21 KO) IBF
3 Agit Kabayel 25–0–0 (17 KO)
4 Anthony Joshua 28–4–0 (25 KO)
5 Martin Bakole 21–1–0 (16 KO)
6 Tyson Fury 34–2–1 (24 KO)
7 Joseph Parker 35–3–0 (23 KO)
8 Lawrence Okolie 21–1–0 (16 KO)
9 Zhilei Zhang 27–2–1 (22 KO)
10 Michael Hunter 23–1–2 (16 KO)

Longest-reigning world heavyweight champions

Main article: World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics

Keys:

  Active title reign
  Reign has ended
Note 1: WBA (Regular) champions are not included
Note 2: WBO heavyweight title bouts before August 1997 are not included
Note 3: The names in italics are champions that did not win The Ring championship/lineal championship (August 29, 1885–July 2, 1921)/undisputed championship (July 2, 1921–present)
Combined reign

The list does not include The Ring and lineal championship fights after 1921.

As of 23 December 2024.

Pos. Name Combined reign Days as champion Number of reigns Title recognition Cumulative title wins Opponents beaten
1. Wladimir Klitschko 12 years, 0 months, 0 days 4 382 2 WBA, IBF, WBO 25 23
2. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days 4 270 1 NYSAC, NBA 27 22
3. Muhammad Ali 9 years, 5 months, 5 days 3 443 3 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 22 21
4. Lennox Lewis 8 years, 5 months, 13 days 3 086 3 WBA, WBC, IBF 15 15
5. Vitali Klitschko 7 years, 5 months, 28 days 2 735 3 WBC, WBO 15 15
6. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days 2 661 1 WBC, IBF 20 20
7. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days 2 638 1 NYSAC, NBA 6 6
8. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 10 days 2 566 1 Universal 5 5
9. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 11 days 2 292 1 Universal 6 6
10. Evander Holyfield 6 years, 1 month, 1 day 2 223 4 WBA, WBC, IBF 11 10
11. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days 2 156 1 Universal 8 6
12. Tyson Fury 5 years, 1 month, 12 days 1 866 2 WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO 5 4
13. Deontay Wilder 5 years, 1 month, 5 days 1 859 1 WBC 10 8
14. Anthony Joshua 4 years, 11 months, 17 days 1 806 2 WBA, IBF, WBO 9 9
15. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days 1 785 1 NYSAC, WBA, WBC 10 10
Individual reign

Below is a list of longest reigning heavyweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. The list includes both The Ring and lineal championships. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

As of 23 December 2024.

Pos. Name Title Reign Title recognition
1. Joe Louis 11 years, 8 months, 8 days lineal
2. Wladimir Klitschko 9 years, 7 months and 6 days IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal)
3. Larry Holmes 7 years, 3 months, 12 days WBC-to-IBF (+The Ring/Lineal)
4. Jack Dempsey 7 years, 2 months, 19 days lineal
5. John L. Sullivan 7 years, 0 months, 9 days lineal
6. Jack Johnson 6 years, 3 months, 10 days lineal
7. Muhammad Ali 5 years, 11 months, 9 days The Ring/Lineal, (+WBA, WBC stripped)
8. James J. Jeffries 5 years, 11 months, 4 days lineal
9. Vitali Klitschko 5 years, 2 months, 4 days WBC
10. Deontay Wilder 5 years, 1 month 5 days WBC
11. Joe Frazier 4 years, 10 months, 18 days NYSAC (+WBA, WBC)
12. James J. Corbett 4 years, 6 months, 10 days lineal
13. Jess Willard 4 years, 2 months, 29 days lineal
14. Tyson Fury 4 years, 2 months, 26 days WBC (+The Ring/Lineal)
15. Lennox Lewis 4 years, 2 months, 15 days WBC (+IBF, WBA stripped, The Ring/Lineal)

Amateur

The lower limit for heavyweight was established in 1948 at 81 kg (178.6 lb). A weight class named "super heavyweight" was established in 1984, and with it a maximum 91 kg (200.6 lb) for the heavyweight division.

Kickboxing

  • In kickboxing, a heavyweight fighter generally weighs between 88 and 100 kg (194 and 220 lb; 13 st 12 lb and 15 st 10 lb). The fighters over 100 kg (220 lb; 15 st 10 lb) are considered super heavyweights.
  • International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) Heavyweight (Pro & Amateur) 215.1–235 lb or 97.6–106.6 kg.
  • In Glory promotion, a heavyweight division is over 95 kg (209 lb) and no upper weight limit.
  • In ONE Championship, the heavyweight division has an upper limit of 120.2 kg (265 lb).

Mixed martial arts

Main article: Heavyweight (MMA)

The heavyweight division in MMA generally groups fighters between 206 and 265 lb (93 and 120 kg).

Heavyweight is also the title of a documentary film that documented the fight camp of Fabrício Werdum when he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Wrestling

Main articles: Wrestling weight classes and Professional wrestling weight classes

The term "world heavyweight" in modern wrestling generally refers to a champion wrestler who is seen as a prominent competitor, rather than an adherent to a particular weight class. The World Heavyweight Championship in wrestling is usually considered the main title in a given promotion. Prior to the wrestling industry publicly acknowledging the predetermined nature of the sport, a Heavyweight title was generally competed for by larger wrestlers while smaller wrestlers competed as (among other names and classifications) "Junior Heavyweights", "Cruiserweights" and "Light-Heavyweights". The lucha libre promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre notably still has weight division for its champions. While most other promotions do not.

Analogous uses

The word "heavyweight" is sometimes used in other fields (e.g. politics) to denote a person who is especially powerful or influential. Other boxing analogies include "punching above his weight" to denote a person or entity (e.g. a country) whose influence is arguably greater than his/its basic attributes would suggest.

References

  1. "4. Weight Classes". IBO and also the sink board of control. But Championship Rules & Regulations. International Boxing Organization. Archived from the original on 2013-10-10. Retrieved 2007-08-11. Over 200 lbs.
  2. "3. Weight Classes" (PDF). Regulations of World Championship Contests. World Boxing Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-08-11. Heavyweight Over 200lbs or 90.91 kg.
  3. "Ratings Heavyweight (over 200-90.719)". World Boxing Council. Archived from the original on 2007-08-10. Retrieved 2007-08-11.
  4. "WBA joins WBC in adding 18th weight class with super cruiserweight". ESPN. 2023-12-01.
  5. 'Heavy' Date, AAU News, 1975, v. 45, p. 10.
  6. "Most days as a heavyweight boxing champion". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  7. "Wladimir Klitschko is plotting a spectacular boxing comeback, and he wants to break an old heavyweight record". businessinsider.sg. Business Insider Singapore. Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  8. ^ "Володимиру Кличку – 44: найкращі нокаути боксера" (in Ukrainian). 25 March 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  9. "Украина сделала свой выбор! Назван лучший боксер в истории страны" (in Russian). Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  10. "Władimir Kliczko wróci na ring? "Jeśli wojna się skończy..."" (in Polish). Polsat Sport. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  11. "Fury 'mentally happy' to be in ring, eyes Klitschko-like reign". Reuters. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  12. "Klitschko believes Hrgović will become world boxing champ". croatiaweek.com. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  13. "Володимир Кличко виступив на Web Summit-2019 в Лісабоні". kreschatic.kiev.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  14. "Володимир Кличко увійшов до Міжнародного залу боксерської слави". kremenchug.org.ua (in Ukrainian). 15 December 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  15. Longest reigning boxing world champion
  16. "The Ring ratings: heavyweight". Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  17. "BoxRec ratings: heavyweight, active". Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  18. Several IBHOF inductees’ professional boxing records printed in the organization's official record books indicate that IBHOF did not recognize WBO as a major organization until at least August 23, 1997:
    • IBHOF official record book, 1997 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 1999 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2002 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2006 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
    • IBHOF official record book, 2011 edition
      • Sugar Ray Leonard's opponent Thomas Hearns, who was defending the WBO super middleweight title against him on 12 June 1989, is not marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Josue Camacho, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 15 July 1994, is not marked as World Champion
      • Ricardo Lopez's opponent Alex Sanchez, who was defending the WBO minimumweight title against him on 23 August 1997, is marked as World Champion
      • Michael Carbajal's opponent Jorge Arce, who was defending the WBO junior flyweight title against him on 31 July 1999, is marked as World Champion
  19. "Heavyweight". IMDb.
  1. Attributed to multiple sources:
  2. According to BoxRec and IBHOF, Louis' fight against Johnny Davis in 1944, viewed by many as an exhibition fight, was for the NYSAC heavyweight title, which would lift Louis' title defenses to 26

External links

Weight classes in boxing
Professional boxing
Amateur/Olympic boxing
Other/unofficial
Categories: