middleweight

American  

[mid-l-wayt] / 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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

middleweight

The super welterweight boxer is the oldest son of two-time middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

Benn has not made the 10st 7lb welterweight limit for more than four years, having fought Chris Eubank Jr twice at middleweight.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

IBF light middleweight champion Oshae Jones seems the logical next step; or IBF, WBO and The Ring middleweight belt holder Tammara Thibeault of Canada.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 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

Son of Alvin “Wreckin’ Ball” Strong, the best middleweight boxer to come out of Chicago in nearly twenty years.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

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