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

Perhaps Shevchenko looked outside the flyweight division because she has continuously got the better of foes within it.

From BBC

Her Cage Warriors flyweight title currently sits in one.

From BBC

She points to this year's flyweight tournament finalist Jena Bishop, who Ditcheva knocked out in the first round last August, as an example.

From BBC

She exited the sport having won six of her bouts by knockout and claiming three performance-of-the-night bonuses, the most in UFC flyweight history.

From BBC

Born into poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao became the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight.

From Los Angeles Times