Featherweight

Last Modified Aug 4, 2022 11:45 IST

Featherweight is a weight class in professional boxing. Weight classes are categories in which competition is divided into to match competitors of the same size against each other. 126 pounds (57 kg) is the limit that a featherweight boxer can weigh in at.

The limit fluctuated during the early days of the division. While the British have always recognized the limit at 126 pounds, the Americans used to weigh in a featherweight at a limit of 114 pounds. George Dixon who was an early champion of the division, changed the limit to 120 pounds at first and then to 122 pounds. It was not until 1920 that the United States fixed 126 pounds as the limit.

The fight between Nobby Clark and Jim Elliott which took place in 1860 is often regarded as the first bout for the Featherweight Championship. However, it was only in 1889 that the division was widely accepted. This came only after the Ike Weir-Frank Murphy bout.

Johnny Kilbane who is considered as one of the greatest champions of the division of all time won the Featherweight Championship in 1912 from Abe Attell and held on to it for 11 years before he lost it to Eugene Criqui in 1923. Till date, he remains the second longest world title holder in boxing history. It is Eusebio Pedroza who holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in this division with 19 defenses of the WBA Title.

The end of 2000s and early 2010s saw this division having the most activity in the boxing world with fighters like Orlando Salido, Chris John, Juan Manuel López, Celestino Caballero, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Elio Rojas, Israel Vazquez, Cristobal Cruz, Rafael Márquez, Rocky Juarez, Steven Luevano and Manny Pacquiao.

Sanctioning BodyReign BeganChampionRecordDefenses
WBAJanuary 29, 2017Léo Santa Cruz38–2–1 (19 KO)3
WBCJuly 9, 2022Rey Vargas36–0 (22 KO)0
IBFMarch 26, 2022Josh Warrington31–1–1 (8 KO)0
WBOOctober 9, 2020Emanuel Navarrete35–1 (29 KO)2

Related Stories

Jake Paul makes bold prediction about Amanda Serrano's future Jake Paul makes bold prediction about Amanda Serrano's future
Jake Paul makes bold prediction about Amanda Serrano's future
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano rematch is being targeted for May 20th in Ireland, says Eddie Hearn Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano rematch is being targeted for May 20th in Ireland, says Eddie Hearn
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano rematch is being targeted for May 20th in Ireland, says Eddie Hearn
"I’m done chasing divisions" - Amanda Serrano names the only fight for which she will change weightclass "I’m done chasing divisions" - Amanda Serrano names the only fight for which she will change weightclass
"I’m done chasing divisions" - Amanda Serrano names the only fight for which she will change weightclass 
Who is the only boxer to defeat Floyd Mayweather? Who is the only boxer to defeat Floyd Mayweather?
Who is the only boxer to defeat Floyd Mayweather?
Does Floyd Mayweather have an Olympic medal? Does Floyd Mayweather have an Olympic medal?
Does Floyd Mayweather have an Olympic medal?
Mauricio Lara vs. Jose Sanmartin - Timings for 25 countries Mauricio Lara vs. Jose Sanmartin - Timings for 25 countries
Mauricio Lara vs. Jose Sanmartin - Timings for 25 countries 
Is there a boxing match tonight? Is there a boxing match tonight?
Is there a boxing match tonight?
Boxing Schedule: Which boxers are fighting this weekend? Boxing Schedule: Which boxers are fighting this weekend?
Boxing Schedule: Which boxers are fighting this weekend?
Watch: Jake Paul's girlfriend Julia Rose trolls Katie Taylor over Amanda Serrano rematch- "Katie Capper, Oh we should call her that" Watch: Jake Paul's girlfriend Julia Rose trolls Katie Taylor over Amanda Serrano rematch- "Katie Capper, Oh we should call her that"
Watch: Jake Paul's girlfriend Julia Rose trolls Katie Taylor over Amanda Serrano rematch- "Katie Capper, Oh we should call her that"
Emanuel Navarrete knocks out Eduardo Baez to retain WBO Featherweight title - Full card results Emanuel Navarrete knocks out Eduardo Baez to retain WBO Featherweight title - Full card results
Emanuel Navarrete knocks out Eduardo Baez to retain WBO Featherweight title - Full card results
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications