bantamweight

American  

[ban-tuhm-wayt] / ˈbæn təmˌweɪt /

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a flyweight and a featherweight, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 118 pounds.

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bantamweight British  

/ ˈbæntəmˌweɪt /

noun

1. 1. a professional boxer weighing 112–118 pounds (51–53.5 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 51–54 kg (112–119 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      the bantamweight champion

2. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115–126 pounds (52–57 kg))

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Usage

What does bantamweight mean? The word bantamweight is most commonly used in boxing to refer to the weight class between flyweight and featherweight. Weight classes are divisions in which all boxers must be under a certain weight limit. Bantamweight is one of the lightest weight classes. The word is also commonly used to refer to a boxer in this weight class, as in The next bout is between two bantamweights. Such boxers are sometimes called bantams for short. The word bantamweight is sometimes used in these same ways in other sports that have weight classes, such as mixed martial arts and wrestling. The specific maximum weight for the bantamweight division varies based on the sport, the organization, and whether it applies to men or women. In professional and amateur boxing, the weight limit for the bantamweight division is about 53. 5 kilograms (118 pounds) for both men and women. There is also a super bantamweight division in professional boxing with a limit of about 55. 3 kilograms (122 pounds). In Olympic boxing, the bantamweight division is no longer used—the next class after flyweight is featherweight. Weight classes are enforced by weighing competitors before a match at what’s called a weigh-in. Example: I’m dropping down to bantamweight so I need to cut some weight before the next weigh-in.

Etymology

Origin of bantamweight

First recorded in 1880–85; bantam + weight

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bantamweight

Dillashaw defeated Cody Garbrandt by first-round knockout to win the bantamweight title at UFC 227.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

Teddy Baldock won the vacant world bantamweight title against Archie Bell in 1927, aged 19 years and 346 days.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

Speaking ahead of the race, the former unified bantamweight world champion said he's "good to go".

From BBC ● May 3, 2026

The 32-year-old last fought in December 2024 where he earned a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

A goldtoothed bantamweight, Freddie was as much of a town crier as Southside had.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

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