light heavyweight

American  

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a middleweight and a heavyweight, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 175 pounds (80 kilograms).

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light heavyweight British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain): cruiserweight. 

   1. a professional boxer weighing 160–175 pounds (72.5–79.5 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 75–81 kg (165–179 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      a light-heavyweight bout

2. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 192–214 pounds (87–97 kg))

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Etymology

Origin of light heavyweight

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

He has fought in light heavyweight and has faced physically superior opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

Bugner began boxing as a teenager and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, winning the ABA light heavyweight title at just 17.

From BBC

He would also be the oldest oldest champion in a division below light heavyweight and the only active champion to be part of the Boxing Hall of Fame.

From Los Angeles Times

Couture went on to become a mixed martial arts superstar, becoming a six-time UFC champion in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

From Los Angeles Times

He won his third division title in 1994 by again stepping up in weight class and defeating Jeff Harding for the WBC light heavyweight crown.

From Los Angeles Times