Heavyweight

Male boxers who weigh over 200 pounds (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb) are considered heavyweights by 3 of the 4 major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation,[1] the World Boxing Association,[2] and the World Boxing Organization.[3] In 2020, the World Boxing Council[4] increased their heavyweight classification to 224 pounds (102 kg; 16 st) to allow for their creation of the bridgerweight division. 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 don't have a female heavyweight world title.

Because this division had no weight limit, it has been historically 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.[5]

As of 2023, Wladimir Klitschko holds the record of most boxers beaten for the world heavyweight title, with 23.[6][7][8][9][10] Klitschko holds the record for the longest cumulative heavyweight title reign of all time, with 4,382 days as world heavyweight champion.[8][9] Joe Louis has won the most world heavyweight title bouts, with 27.[9] Louis holds the record for most consecutive title defenses at this division, with 26 defenses of the world title.[nb 1] This is also the record for most consecutive title defenses in boxing history.[11]

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.

As of September 30, 2023.[12]

Keys:

 C  Current The Ring world champion

As of October 25, 2023.[13]

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[14]

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)

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

As of 22 February 2020.

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.

Note: 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) during the reign

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.