welterweight
Words nearby welterweight
MORE ABOUT WELTERWEIGHT
What does welterweight mean?
The word welterweight is most commonly used in boxing to refer to the weight class between lightweight and middleweight. Weight classes are 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 welterweights. Such boxers are sometimes called welters for short.
The word welterweight is used in these same ways in other sports that have weight classes, such as mixed martial arts and wrestling.
The specific maximum weight for the welterweight 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 welterweight class is 69 kilograms (152 pounds) for both men and women.
In professional boxing, the limit is about 67 kilograms (147 pounds). There is also a super welterweight division with a limit of about 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
Weight classes are enforced by weighing competitors before a match at what’s called a weigh-in.
The word welterweight is also used in horse racing to refer to a weight added to a horse in steeplechase or a hurdle race—or to a rider who is not classified as lightweight.
Example: I’m dropping down to welterweight so I need to cut some weight before the next weigh-in.
Where does welterweight come from?
The first records of the word welterweight come from the early 1800s. It was first used in the context of horseback riding in reference to the weight of the rider. The origin of the word welter is uncertain. It may come from the verb welt in the sense that means “to beat soundly.” The word weight is used in the same way in the names of several other weight classes, including flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, middleweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight.
The formalization of weight classes in boxing developed in the mid-1800s. After that, many of the primary weight classes became standard throughout the U.K., the U.S., and internationally.
Did you know … ?
What are some synonyms for welterweight?
What are some words that share a root or word element with welterweight?
- welter
- weight
- strawweight
- flyweight
- featherweight
- lightweight
- bantamweight
- middleweight
- cruiserweight
- heavyweight
What are some words that often get used in discussing welterweight?
How is welterweight used in real life?
The word welterweight can be used to refer to a weight class or a competitor in that weight class. It’s most commonly associated with boxing, but it’s also used in other sports that use weight classes, as well as in certain horse racing events.
Manny Pacquiao is the current best welterweight, he beats all of them
— Saeed (@TheBossPacino) November 13, 2016
Timothy Bradley defeats Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision and becomes new interim WBO Welterweight Champion.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 28, 2015
Congrats @UFC on your first event in Melbourne, Australia. Great welterweight card set for #UFC193. Can't wait for Condit vs Lawler!
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) August 19, 2015
Try using welterweight!
True or False?
Welterweight is the heaviest weight class in boxing.
How to use welterweight in a sentence
Tyson and Jones each wore 12-ounce gloves, two ounces heavier than standard for sanctioned matches at the welterweight division or higher.
In an entertaining spectacle, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. battle to a draw in Los Angeles|Gene Wang|November 29, 2020|Washington Post
British Dictionary definitions for welterweight
- a professional boxer weighing 140–147 pounds (63.5–66.5 kg)
- an amateur boxer weighing 63.5–67 kg (140–148 pounds)
- (as modifier)a great welterweight era