welterweight

Welterweight is a weight class in combat sports used to match competitors of similar size. It is most commonly associated with professional boxing, but the designation is also used in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, where the upper and lower bounds of the division vary by organization.

In professional boxing, the welterweight limit is 147 pounds (66.7 kg). The class sits between light welterweight (also called junior welterweight) at 140 pounds and middleweight at 160 pounds. The welterweight division has a long history of title fights and has been home to many prominent champions across sanctioning bodies such as the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO.

In other combat sports, the weight boundaries for welterweight differ by promotion. In most major mixed martial arts promotions, the welterweight limit is commonly 170 pounds (77 kg). Kickboxing organizations likewise vary, with welterweight categories often near 70–75 kg depending on the rule set.

Fighters in welterweight are typically balanced in speed, power, and endurance, and the division has featured a mix of technical boxers and aggressive finishers. The class remains a central tier in many organizations, contributing to high-profile title fights and rivalries across eras.