flyweight

American  

[flahy-weyt] / ˈflaɪˌweɪt /

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant of the lightest competitive class, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 112 pounds (51 kilograms).

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flyweight British  

/ ˈflaɪˌweɪt /

noun

1. 1. a professional boxer weighing not more than 112 pounds (51 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 48–51 kg (106–112 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      a flyweight contest

2. (in Olympic wrestling) a wrestler weighing not more than 115 pounds (52 kg)

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Usage

What does flyweight mean? The word flyweight is most commonly used in boxing to refer to the lightest or one of the lightest weight classes—divisions in which all boxers must be under a certain weight limit. The word is also commonly used to refer to a boxer in this weight class, as in The next bout is between two flyweights. The word flyweight is used in these same ways in other sports that have weight classes, such as mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and wrestling. The specific maximum weight for the flyweight division varies based on the sport, the organization, and whether it applies to men or women. In amateur and Olympic boxing, the weight limit for the flyweight class is 52 kilograms (114. 6 pounds) for men and 51 kilograms (112. 4 pounds) for women. The same or similar limits are used in professional boxing, in which there are also other divisions that use the name flyweight, including mini flyweight (sometimes called strawweight) and light flyweight (both of which are lighter than flyweight) and super flyweight (which is heavier than flyweight). Weight classes are enforced by weighing competitors before a match at what’s called a weigh-in. Example: I’m dropping down to flyweight so I need to cut some weight before the next weigh-in.

Etymology

Origin of flyweight

First recorded in 1905–10; fly ¹ + weight

Example Sentences

Britain's Lone'er Kavanagh claimed the biggest win of his career as he upset former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Remarkably, Shevchenko has featured in 12 of the 13 UFC women's flyweight title bouts, winning 10, drawing one and losing one.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

If Weili beats Shevchenko, she will become only the second woman to become a two-division UFC champion after Nunes, but the first to do it at strawweight and flyweight.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

Their takedown defence is equally as impressive, with Shevchenko fifth among the flyweight record holders at 77.4% and Weili just outside the top 10 at strawweight with 74%.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

There was a trainer in Washington, D.C., who was good, who was very good, legendary, and who specialized in flyweight fighters.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez