BFI introduces World Boxing’s ten weight categories in men's national c'ships

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) rejigged the weight categories to adopt those designed by the breakaway international body World Boxing.

The new ten weight categories are currently in effect at the men's national championships, taking place in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. 

World Boxing introduced 10 weight categories instead of 13, and they were featured on the roaster of the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA).

The new weight classes, approved by BFI, are 50kg (Flyweight), 55kg (Bantamweight), 60kg (Lightweight), 65kg (Welterweight), 70kg (Light Middleweight), 75kg (Middleweight), 80kg (Light Heavyweight), 85kg (Cruiserweight), 90kg (Heavyweight) and +90kg (Super Heavyweight).

Out of these categories, six - 55kg, 60kg, 65, 70kg, 80kg, and 90kg - are marked as potential Olympic weight categories.

The new categories for women are 48kg (Light Flyweight), 51kg (Flyweight), 54kg (Bantamweight), 57kg (Featherweight), 60kg (Lightweight), 65kg (Welterweight), 70kg (Light Middleweight), 75kg (Middleweight), 80kg (Light Heavyweight), +81kg (Heavyweight).

World Boxing has not yet secured the recognition from the International Olympic Committee. But with the world body enjoying the backing of the USA and the 2028 Olympics slated to take place in Los Angeles, it is likely to get approval.

World Boxing was formed last year after the International Boxing Association was stripped of its status. WB has managed to pull in the requisite 60 members and the IOC is expected to take a call on its recognition early next year. India joined the body a few weeks ago.