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

Shields said the location of any fight would have to be discussed but hinted at a meeting between the two stars at the end of 2026 and said the bout would be at middleweight.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

Former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin was on Sunday elected president of World Boxing, which will run the sport at the 2028 Olympic Games.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

Eubank has fought most of his recent career at middleweight but was restricted by a rehydration clause on fight day that prevented him from putting more than 10lbs.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

“That’s right, after I won the Golden Gloves no one couldn’t tell me I wasn’t going to be middleweight champ within two, three years tops.”

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis