Author: Sean Close
The World Boxing Association has opted to create a new class, the super cruiserweight division, which will include fighters weighing between 200 and 224 pounds. This decision has been approved by the WBA Executive Committee in response to a vote called by President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza. The intention is for this division to bridge the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight classes.
Although the move is likely to attract criticism, the WBA asserts that it is motivated by safety concerns. They aim to prevent fighters from entering bouts with significant weight discrepancies, particularly in the heavyweight division, where differences can exceed 20 pounds. The decision to implement this new weight class followed a thorough analysis and subsequent approval through a vote.
The WBA has emphasized the fairness and equal opportunities that the new division will offer, especially to those considered to be “small heavyweights,” who will have the option to compete in the super cruiserweight division. Rankings for this division are already being developed, and details of the first matchups will be announced soon. The WBA’s overarching goal is to promote fairness and inclusivity within the sport of boxing.
While the introduction of the super cruiserweight division may spark debate, it ultimately raises questions about the credibility and motives of professional boxing organizations. Given the lack of transparency in this industry, any significant changes introduced by such entities are likely to be met with skepticism. Notably, renowned heavyweight champions from the past, such as Jack Dempsey, Jim Corbett, and Rocky Graziano, would not even qualify as heavyweights in today’s standards.
