May 15, 2023
Boxing Belts and Boxing Federations Explained
Unlike many other sports which have a single, centralised governing body, boxing is a little more of a fragmented system which can be difficult to follow, even for the most ardent boxing fan.
Here is our guide to all the boxing belts, weight divisions and structures.
Major boxing federations
The history of boxing federations can be traced back to the 1867, when the Marquess of Queensberry rules were first introduced, and boxing began to take on a more unified and regulated form.
The first boxing federation was the National Sporting Club of London, which was established in 1891 and governed boxing in the United Kingdom. The National Boxing Association (NBA) was founded in the United States in 1921, becoming the first global governing body for boxing. In 1962, the NBA changed its name to the World Boxing Association (WBA).
Today, boxing is governed by multiple organisations which sanction fights and award boxing belts and championship titles to fighters across 17 weight divisions.
The major governing bodies in professional boxing are:
World Boxing Association (WBA)
- Founded: 1921
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
- Belt: Gold and black
World Boxing Council (WBC)
- Founded: 1963
- Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico
- Belt: Green and gold
International Boxing Federation (IBF)
- Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Springfield, New Jersey, USA
- Belt: Red and black
World Boxing Organization (WBO)
- Founded: 1988
- Headquarters: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Belt: Blue and gold
The Ring Magazine
- Founded: 1922
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
- Belt: Red, white, blue and gold
The Ring Magazine, a boxing publication, began awarding a boxing belt to the champion of each weight division. The first boxer to receive the Ring belt was heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey in 1922.
The Ring Magazine ranks the top fighters in each weight division, and the boxing belt awarded to the top ranked fighter. The Ring is an independent magazine and not affiliated to any particular boxing organisation and is therefore not officially recognised as a world title.
Nevertheless, it is still considered by many to be one of the most prestigious belts in boxing.
Facts about boxing federations:
- The first boxing rules date as far back as 1743 and were introduced by bare-knuckle fighter Jack Broughton. Rounds lasted until a fighter was knocked down with a 30-second break between rounds. These rules were widely adopted until the creation of the London Prize Ring rules in 1838.
- In 2009, the World Boxing Council (WBC) created the first diamond belt, which was introduced as an honorary award for fighters who compete in high-profile or historic fights. The belt is made with 3,017 emeralds and is considered one of the most valuable belts in the world with a value of more than $1m.
- In some weight divisions, The Ring belt has been retired due to a lack of consensus among boxing experts and the boxing community at large about who the true champion is.
- Despite dating back to the 18th century, women’s boxing was largely restricted to exhibition bouts before campaigning by British fighter Jane Couch led to the ban being lifted in 1996. Couch became the first licensed female boxer in the United Kingdom in 1998.
Boxing boards
There are several Boxing Boards of Control around the world that regulate professional boxing in their respective regions. The boards are responsible for regulating professional boxing events held within their jurisdiction, including licensing boxers and officials, approving matchups, and ensuring the safety and fairness of the sport.
Some of the most notable boards include:
- British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC): Founded in 1929, the BBBofC is the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom.
- Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC): Founded in 1949, the NSAC is the governing body for professional boxing in the state of Nevada.
- New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC): Founded in 1920The NYSAC is the governing body for professional boxing in the state of New York.
Types of Boxing Champions
Lineal Champion
The lineal champion is the fighter considered the true champion of their respective weight division. The designation is based on a historical “lineage” of champions which can be traced back to the original champion of the division. The lineal champion does not have to necessarily be the current titleholder, but the fighter who beat the previous champion. Tyson Fury is a recent example, following his victory over previous lineal heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, and has since had nine successful defences.
Unified Champion
A unified champion is a boxer who currently holds multiple world titles from different sanctioning bodies within the same weight division. For example, Arthur Beterbiev is a current unified champion, holding the WBC, WBO and IBF belts, while Dmitry Bivol holds the remaining WBA belt.
Undisputed Champion
An undisputed champion is a fighter who holds all the major titles for a particular weight division. To become an undisputed champion, a boxer must hold the four major belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO). This achievement is a relatively rare feat in boxing and requires the champion to defeat all the other top fighters in their weight class, unifying the belts to become the single, undisputed champion. One such example of this is Canelo Alvarez, who is the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Mandatory Boxing Championship Rules
Mandatory rules are the regulations that govern the scheduling and conduct of championship fights between the champion and the mandatory challenger. These rules are designed to ensure that the best boxers are given the opportunity to compete for a championship title and maintain the integrity of the sport.
Mandatory challengers
The major boxing organisations each have their own set of rankings to determine the contenders within each weight division. Once a boxer wins the title, the respective organisations will assign a mandatory challenger from their highest-ranked contenders who are ordered to face the champion within a set time period, or risk being stripped of the belt.
Negotiation period
Once a mandatory challenger has been assigned, both the champion and challenger have a set timescale to negotiate the terms of the bout, including the date, venue, and purse split. If the sides fail to reach an agreement, the fight may go to a purse bid, whereby the promoter with the highest bid will win the right to promote the fight.
Weight limit
The fight must take place at the weight limit of the division, and both the champion and the challenger must make weight at the official weigh-in.
Title defence frequency
Champions are required to defend their titles against mandatory challengers at least once every 12 months. If a champion is unable to defend their title within this time frame, they may be stripped of their title.
Ring officials
The organisation that sanctions the fight will appoint a referee, judges, and other officials to oversee the fight and ensure fair play.
Boxing Weight Classes
Boxing weight classes are the divisions in which boxers are classified based on their weight and are designed to ensure fair competition within the sport.
Weight classes were first established in the 19th century and were based on the London Prize Ring Rules, which were the rules that governed boxing in England at the time. There were initially only two weight classes: lightweight and heavyweight.
In 1920, the National Boxing Association (NBA), now known as the World Boxing Association (WBA), established the new range of weight classes now in operation today.
There are 17 weight classes in professional boxing, which range from minimumweight (105 lbs.) to heavyweight (unlimited) in men’s boxing, and atomweight (102 lbs.) to heavyweight (200 lbs.) in women’s boxing.
Current Boxing Belt Holders
How many boxing titles are there? With 4 federations and 17 weight classes that’s up to 68 potential belts to be awarded for both Men’s and Women’s boxing, around 136 potential champions. Plus, The Ring Belt in each weight class, is not always awarded and will usually go to an existing belt holder. Here’s a list of who currently holds all the belts in boxing.
Men’s champions by weight class
Heavyweight (no weight limit)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Oleksandr Usyk
- WBC: Tyson Fury
- IBF: Oleksandr Usyk
- WBO: Oleksandr Usyk
- The Ring: Oleksandr Usyk
Contenders: Much of the debate around the heavyweight division has been around the potential undisputed bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, the heavyweight division has its fair share of perennial contenders who are never far away from the title picture such as Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz. One to watch in the division would be Jared Anderson. With a perfect record of 14 knockouts from 14 fights, Anderson looks to be a major talent within the division and is touted by many boxing fans and critics to be a potential future world champion.
Cruiserweight (200 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Arsen Goulamirian
- WBC: Badou Jack
- IBF: Jai Opetaia
- WBO: Lawrence Okolie
- The Ring: Jai Opetaia
Contenders: Following Oleksandr Usyk’s step up to heavyweight, a power struggle within the cruiserweight division rumbles on, with the four major belts held by different fighters. Jai Opetaia is the Ring’s top fighter within a division stacked full of talent. British fighters are set to face off with Lawrence Okolie set to face Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO title, and there is another homegrown fighter to keep an eye on in the form of Richard Riakpohre. With 16 wins from 16, including 12 knockouts, Riakpohre is flying high in the rankings across all the major organisations and could be in line for a shot at the WBO title in the near future.
Light Heavyweight (175 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Dimitry Bivol
- WBC: Artur Beterbiev
- IBF: Artur Beterbiev
- WBO: Artur Beterbiev
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: An undisputed showdown between the two Russian stars within the division, Beterviev and Bivol, disappointingly continues to rumble on without any resolution, and both fighters look set to defend their respective belts. WBC, IBF and WBO champ Beterbiev looks set to face his WBC and WBO mandatory challenger in Callum Smith following the Brit’s impressive knockout of Mathieu Bauderlique on the Joshua vs. Usyk 2 undercard. Bivol, however, seems more likely to snub challengers such as Joshua Buatsi in favour of a rematch with super middleweight king Canelo, following his upset of the Mexican in May 2022.
Super Middleweight (168 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Canelo Alvarez
- WBC: Canelo Alvarez
- IBF: Canelo Alvarez
- WBO: Canelo Alvarez
- The Ring: Canelo Alvarez
Contenders: Canelo is the undisputed champion at super middleweight and had looked for all the world to be pulling away from the rest of the division by a long margin. However, there are signs of the chasing pack might be bringing about a fresh group of challengers within his division. While Canelo remains steadfast in his desire to get another shot at Bivol at light heavyweight, there are other potential dangerous match ups waiting in the wing if that fight can’t be made. Notably the undefeated, former two-time WBC champion David Benavidez, who has been calling for the Canelo fight for some time. There are other outsiders in the form of Demetrius Andrade or somewhat unknown entity David Morrel Jnr. It’s also hard to rule out undisputed light middleweight champion, Jemall Charlo, who also holds the WBC middleweight belt and is looking to take yet another step up in weight class.
Middleweight (160 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Erislandry Lara
- WBC: Jermell Charlo
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: Janibek Alimkhanuly
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: Middleweight is another division with all to play for. Undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo has stepped up to claim the WBC title, but his direction of travel remains to be established with intriguing opportunities in three different weight classes. Erislandry Lara captured the vacant WBA title, but at 40 years of age, is not likely to in the title picture in the long run. Undefeated Kazakh fighter Janibek Alimkhanuly has previously been instructed to fight contenders Jaime Munguia and Liam Smith, only for both fights to fall away. He will instead defend his belt against Steven Butler. Boxing royalty and two-time unified champion Gennady Golovkin remains at the top end of the rankings, but at 41 years of age it remains to be seen whether he will make a final push.
Super Welterweight/Light Middleweight (154 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Jermell Charlo
- WBC: Jermell Charlo
- IBF: Jermell Charlo
- WBO: Jermell Charlo
- The Ring: Jermell Charlo
Contenders: Jermell Charmo has established himself as undoubtedly the top light middleweight in the world, with the title picture looking like a one-horse race off first glance. However, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges, with a loss and a no contest in his last six bouts. He is now also a belt holder at middleweight, which might leave room for some of the division’s challengers like WBO interim champ Tim Tszyu or undefeated Russian Magomed Kurbanov to make a title charge.
Welterweight (147 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Errol Spence Jr.
- WBC: Errol Spence Jr.
- IBF: Errol Spence Jr.
- WBO: Terence Crawford
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: For years, the Spence vs. Crawford has hung over the division but still looks far from assured, with both champions continuing to dominate in their own respective lanes. The saving grace with this frustrating scenario is the emergence of two of the brightest sparks in the sport in Jarron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jnr. Two generational talents who are lighting up the division will undoubtedly be breathing down the neck of anyone at the top end of the division. Ennis has been proactively chasing Spence for the IBF title, even requesting they strip him if he won’t face the challenge. Welterweight is certainly a division to watch out for.
Super Lightweight/Junior Welterweight (140 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Alberto Puello
- WBC: Regis Prograis
- IBF: Subriel Matias
- WBO: Josh Taylor
- The Ring: Josh Taylor
Contenders: One of three divisions which could see a return from Gervonta Tank Davis, he must be considered a contender having previously held the WBA super lightweight belt. Undefeated Brit Josh Taylor will be defending his WBO and Ring titles against former multiple world champion Teofimo Lopez in what will be a compelling encounter. Other notable names are superstar Ryan Garcia, who will be looking to bounce back from his defeat to Gervonta Davis and get back on the title trail, and the undefeated Arnold Barbosa Jnr.
Lightweight (135 lbs)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Devin Haney
- WBC: Devin Haney
- IBF: Devin Haney
- WBO: Devin Haney
- The Ring: Devin Haney
Contenders: The fact that Devin Haney has become undisputed champion in a division which includes so much top talent is remarkable considering he has done so at just 24 years old. His next test comes against one of the most decorated boxers of all time in Vasily Lomachenko, who has held titles in three weight classes including unified and lineal titles within the lightweight division. Other serious contenders within the division are undoubtedly Gervonta Davis, fresh from his catchweight victory over Ryan Garcia, and Shakur Stevenson, who has a perfect record of 10 knockouts from 10 fights and won a WBC title eliminator in his last fight against Shuichiro Yoshino.
Super Featherweight/Junior Lightweight (130 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Hector Luis Garcia
- WBC: O’Shaquie Foster
- IBF: Joe Cordina
- WBO: Emanuel Navarrete
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: Welshman Joe Cordina is rapidly establishing himself as a huge contender in the super featherweight division. A now two-time IBF champion following his victory over Shavkat Rakhimov in April, Cordina now has a record of 16 wins from 16 fights, including 9 knockouts. Fellow Brit Archie Sharp, also undefeated, is the mandatory challenger to WBO champ Emanuel Navarrete and could also be one to watch. WBA champion Hector Garcia has an upcoming mandatory defence against Lamont Roach Jnr.
Featherweight (126 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Mauricio Lara
- WBC: Rey Vargas
- IBF: Luis Alberto Lopez
- WBO: Robeisy Ramirez
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: The featherweight division remains a hugely competitive weight class, with belt holders across the four main belts facing dangerous challengers and mandatories to their titles. Mauricio Lara, who recently claimed the WBA belt, is looking to cement his champion status with a defence against Brit Leigh Wood, and Robeisy Ramirez is facing Japanese veteran for his WBO title. Former WBO super bantamweight Brandon Figueroa is a name to watch, who recently won the Interim WBC title following Rey Vargas’ step up to super featherweight.
Super Bantamweight/Junior Featherweight (122 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Marlon Tapales
- WBC: Stephen Fulton Jr.
- IBF: Marlon Tapales
- WBO: Stephen Fulton Jr.
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: The super bantamweight division has been put on notice with the addition of the consensus best pound for pound fighter in the world in Naoya Inoue. The Japanese phenom is due to face unified champ Stephen Fulton Jnr for his WBC and WBO titles this year, after their originally scheduled bout was rescheduled due an injury in training camp caused Inoue to pull out of their original fight. Tomoki Kameda has been selected as mandatory challenger for Tapales’ WBA belt, but all eyes will be on whether Inoue can replicate his exploits at super bantamweight.
Bantamweight (118 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Takuma Inoue
- WBC: Vacant
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: Vacant
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: The bantamweight division is seeing somewhat of a passing of the guard, with undisputed champion and pound for pound number one contender Naoya Inoue recently vacating all five titles to step up to super bantamweight. Following his absence, his younger brother Takuma has claimed the first title, defeating Liborio Solis for the WBA belt. It remains to be seen whether he can take up the mantle and fill the considerable power vacuum left behind by his brother, particularly with new challengers emerging like Emmanuel Rodriguez.
Super Flyweight/Junior Bantamweight (115 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Joshua Franco
- WBC: Juan Francisco Estrada
- IBF: Fernando Martinez
- WBO: Vacant
- The Ring: Juan Francisco Estrada
Contenders: Many of the former champions now competing in other weight classes, notably Bam Rodrigues and Naoya Inoue, Juan Francisco Estrada is the consensus top fighter in the division, currently holding the WBC and The Ring titles. However, undefeated duo Fernando Martinez who has claimed the IBF belt, and Japanese prospect Junto Nakatani both look like forces to be reckoned with. Also lurking within the rankings is Thai superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who has previously held multiple titles within the division, and is still considered by many critics to be one of the top fighters at super flyweight.
Flyweight (112 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Artem Dalakian
- WBC: Julio Cesar Martinez
- IBF: Sunny Edwards
- WBO: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: Flyweight has quickly become one of the more compelling divisions in the sport. Across the division are some dynamite fighters, with former WBC super flyweight champ Bam Rodrigues recently entering the division to claim the WBO belt. British prospect and IBF champion Sunny Edwards and long-term WBA champion Artem Dalakian all undefeated and looking to stamp their authority across the division. Another undefeated prospect, Angel Lardizabal is loitering around the top end of the WBC rankings and looking for his shot at WBC belt.
Light/Junior Flyweight (108 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Kenshiro Teraji
- WBC: Kenshiro Teraji
- IBF: Sivenathi Nontshinga
- WBO: Jonathan Gonzalez
- The Ring: Kenshiro Teraji
Contenders: Two-time unified champion Kenshiro Teraji remains the major force in the division and is facing a mandatory challenge to his WBC title in the form of South African Hekkie Budler. However, undefeated Sivenathi Nontshinga, who currently holds the IBF title looks to be another potential unified champion, along with WBO champion and The Ring #1 Jonathan Gonzalez, could be future challengers to Japan’s Teraji.
Minimumweight/Mini Flyweight (105 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Thammanoon Niyomtrong
- WBC: Panya Pradabsri
- IBF: Daniel Valladares
- WBO: Melvin Jeruesalem
- The Ring: Vacant
Contenders: While the boxing belts might all be held by different fighters, undefeated Thai star Thammanoon Niyomtrong aka Knockout CP Freshmart looks one of the leading lights. He boasts a 24-0 record since his move from Muay Thai and could look to make a land grab across the division. One potential contender is Japanese prospect Ginjiro Shigeoka, who fell short on the IBF title with a No Contest against Daniel Valladares but has since bounced back to claim the IBF interim belt with a knockout of Rene Mark Cuarto.
Women’s boxing champions by weight class
Heavyweight (200 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: N/A
- WBC: Hanna Gabriels
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: N/A
- The Ring: N/A
Light heavyweight (175 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Hanna Gabriels
- WBC: N/A
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: Vacant
- The Ring: N/A
Super middleweight (168 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Franchon Crews Dezurn
- WBC: Franchon Crews Dezurn
- IBF: Franchon Crews Dezurn
- WBO: Franchon Crews Dezurn
- The Ring: Franchon Crews Dezurn
Middleweight (160 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Claressa Shields
- WBC: Claressa Shields
- IBF: Claressa Shields
- WBO: Claressa Shields
- The Ring: Claressa Shields
Junior middleweight (154 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Terri Harper
- WBC: Terri Harper
- IBF: Natasha Jonas
- WBO: Natasha Jonas
- The Ring: Natasha Jonas
Welterweight (147 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Jessica McCaskill
- WBC: Jessica McCaskill
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: Vacant
- The Ring: Jessica McCaskill
Junior welterweight (140 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Chantelle Cameron
- WBC: Chantelle Cameron
- IBF: Chantelle Cameron
- WBO: Chantelle Cameron
- The Ring: Chantelle Cameron
Lightweight (135 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Katie Taylor
- WBC: Katie Taylor
- IBF: Katie Taylor
- WBO: Katie Taylor
- The Ring: Katie Taylor
Junior lightweight (130 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Alycia Baumgardner
- WBC: Alycia Baumgardner
- IBF: Alycia Baumgardner
- WBO: Alycia Baumgardner
- The Ring: Alycia Baumgardner
Featherweight (126 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Amanda Serrano
- WBC: Amanda Serrano
- IBF: Amanda Serrano
- WBO: Amanda Serrano
- The Ring: Amanda Serrano
Junior featherweight (122 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Mayerlin Rivas
- WBC: Yamileth Mercado
- IBF: Cherneka Johnson
- WBO: Debora Anahi Dionicius
- The Ring: Vacant
Bantamweight (118 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Nina Hughes
- WBC: Yulihan Luna
- IBF: Ebanie Bridges
- WBO: Dina Thorslund
- The Ring: Vacant
Junior bantamweight (115 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Clara Lescurat
- WBC: Asley Gonzalez
- IBF: Micaela Lujan
- WBO: Mizuki Hiruta
- The Ring: Vacant
Flyweight (112 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Marlen Esparza
- WBC: Marlen Esparza
- IBF: Arely Mucino
- WBO: Gabriela Alaniz
- The Ring: Marlen Esparza
Junior flyweight (108 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Jessica Nery Plata
- WBC: Jessica Nery Plata
- IBF: Vacant
- WBO: Vacant
- The Ring: Vacant
Strawweight (105 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Seniesa Estrada
- WBC: Seniesa Estrada
- IBF: Yokasta Valle
- WBO: Yokasta Valle
- The Ring: Seniesa Estrada
Atomweight (102 lbs.)
Current belt holders:
- WBA: Montserrat Alarcon
- WBC: Fabiana Bytyqi
- IBF: Mika Iwakawa
- WBO: Yuko Kuroki
- The Ring: Vacant
Championship boxing records
Longest reigning champions
- The longest reigning male champion is Joe Louis, who was lineal champion for 11 years 8 months, 8 days.
- The longest official belt holder is Wladimir Klitschko, who held the IBF (+WBA, WBO, The Ring/Lineal) for 9 years, 7 months and 6 days.
- The longest reigning female fighter is Cecilia Brækhus, who held the WBC and WBA World Female welterweight Titles f0r 11 years, 8 months and 10 days.
Most successful world title defences
Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chávez shares the record for the most total successful world title defences alongside Argentine Omar Navarez, with 27.
Most titles in different weight divisions
Manny Pacquiao has won world championships in eight different weight divisions and is the only boxer in history to achieve this record.
Youngest boxing champion
The youngest ever male boxing champion is Puerto Rican Wilfried Benitez, who became the WBA light welterweight champion in 1976 aged just 17 years, 5 months and 24 days old.
Oldest boxing champion
The oldest-ever boxing champion in history is American heavyweight legend Bernard Hopkins, who won the IBF light heavyweight title in 2014 at the age of 49 years, 9 months, and 17 days.
Fastest ever knockout in a world title fight
The fastest-ever recorded knockout in a world title fight came in 1994, with WBO super bantamweight champion Daniel Jimenez from Puerto Rico taking just 17 seconds to knock out Austrian Harald Geier.
