AIBA Rejigs Weight Categories For Both Men And Women

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) decided to add three weight categories for men and two for women in its competitions from August this year.

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has decided to add three weight categories for men and two for women in its competitions from August this year, saying that it will allow a greater pool of boxers to fight in divisions they feel "most strong and comfortable" in. From the current 10, the men's weight categories have now gone up to 13 with the minimum weight reduced to 48kg from the current 49kg. The featherweight (57kg) has been added back to the fold along with the addition of light middleweight (71kg) and the cruiserweight (86kg). The bantamweight has been brought back to 54kg from current 56kg. The women's divisions have gone up from 10 to 12 with the addition of light flyweight at 50kg and light middleweight at 70kg. The decision was taken after "widespread consultation of stakeholders", including the Competition Committee, the Women's Committee, and the national federations. "The AIBA Board of Directors has voted in favour of amending the weight classes for youth and elite boxers at all AIBA competitions," the world body said in a letter to the national federations which is in PTI's possession.