Weight class

Weight classes are divisions of competition used to match competitors against others of their own size. This reduces the exclusion of smaller athletes in sports where physical size gives a significant advantage. Weight classes are used in a variety of sports, especially combat sports (such as boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts).

The existence of weight divisions gives rise to the practice of weight cutting. It is generally considered an advantage to be the largest individual in a weight division, therefore some athletes will work hard to lose weight through dieting and dehydration prior to weigh-ins to meet the required weight class.

Two alternatives exist to formal weight classes: catch weight and openweight.

In general, the lightest class is called "Mini Flyweight" and is just 105 lb or under, and the heaviest is called "Super Heavyweight", which is 220.1 lb and over.

See also

Taekwondo weight classes

In taekwondo, a weight class is a standardized weight range for taekwondo practitioners. The upper weight limit for each class is the lower limit of the next highest class. A taekwondo gyeorugi is usually scheduled for a fixed weight class, and each practitioner's weight must not exceed the upper limit.

Senior weight classes

Most of the domestic / international taekwondo competitions for senior practitioners have traditionally consisted of 16 weight classes, eight for men and eight for women.

Olympic weight classes

Since the International Olympic Committee limits the total number of taekwondo entrants to 64 men and 64 women, there are only eight weight classes - four for each gender - at the Summer Olympics, and the Pan American Games as well.

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Weight class (boxing)

In boxing, a weight class is a standardized weight range for boxers. The lower limit of a weight class is equal to the upper weight limit of the class below it. The top class, with no upper limit, is called heavyweight in professional boxing and super heavyweight in amateur boxing. A boxing match is usually scheduled for a fixed weight class, and each boxer's weight must not exceed the upper limit. Although professional boxers may fight above their weight class, an amateur boxer's weight must not fall below the lower limit. A nonstandard weight limit is called a catch weight.

The weigh-in

A professional boxer typically weighs more between fights than at the time of a fight. Part of the process of training for a bout is "getting down to fighting weight". The weigh-in takes place the day before the fight. Boxers typically stand on the scales barefoot and without gloves. The weigh-in is often a photo opportunity and boxers or their entourage may trash talk each other. This element is such a valued part of the build-up that heavyweight boxers go through the ritual of being weighed even though there is no limit to be measured against.