Heavyweight boxing

Fighters who weigh-in at 200 pounds or more are considered to belong to the division of Heavyweights. This division has been recognised by the major weight divisions such as the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).

Since this weight class does not have a limit it was vaguely defined early. During the 19th Century, many heavyweight champions had actually been weighed in less than the 200 pound mark.

John L. Sullivan was the first champion in the division after the Marquess of Queensberry Rules came into being as he defeated Jim Corbett on 7th September 1892 in a fight that lasted for 21 rounds.

The year of 1920 saw the minimum weight for a heavyweight set at 175 pounds. This is now considered to be the maximum limit in the light heavyweight division of boxing. Since 1980, the limit was raised and 200 pounds was seen as the minimum limit for a fighter in the Cruiserweight division and the one for heavyweights was set above the aforementioned mark.

Boxing legend Joe Louis currently holds the record for the most consecutive title defences in the history of the heavyweight division. He has defended the title 25 times, which is also the record for any weight division in the history of boxing.

Here's a look at the Heavyweight rankings as of 23rd May 2022: