middleweight

American  

[mid-l-weyt] / ˈmɪd lˌweɪt /

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a welterweight and a light heavyweight, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms).

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adjective

1. Boxing. of or relating to middleweights.

   the middleweight division.

2. (of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 185 pounds (83.9 kilograms).

middleweight British  

/ ˈmɪdəlˌweɪt /

noun

1. 1. a professional boxer weighing 154–160 pounds (70–72.5 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 71–75 kg (157–165 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      a middleweight contest

2. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 172–192 pounds (78–87 kg))

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Etymology

Origin of middleweight

First recorded in 1870–75; middle + weight

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

middleweight

He moved up two divisions in 2025 for two fights against Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight, before beating Regis Prograis in April at a catchweight - 3lb above the welterweight limit.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

It’s the perfect time for UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland to sneak into the venue, jump into the WWE ring, and begin to make a scene.

From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2026

The biggest cheers of the night came for the hometown fighters with Bournemouth middleweight Lee Cutler also picking up a win.

From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026

The streamer has recently increased its sports offerings, with a super middleweight clash between Terence Crawford and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in Las Vegas last September viewed by 41 million people.

From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026

They did not even remember that he was middleweight boxing champion.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway