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Best Boxing Divisions to Bet On

Steven D. Thompson
Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 11/10/2024 11:21 AM

Boxing features highly competitive divisions. These divisions make the game easy to understand as fights are always under specific classes. Boxing divisions, otherwise known as weight classes, aim to group fighters according to their weights. This way, boxers can compete favourably since they'll be fighting other boxers within their weight range. If you're looking to understand how all these work and how to profit from the best boxing division matches, we take you covered here in Betpack.


Here, we'll be giving you details of the various boxing divisions available. We'll then go ahead to handpick the best divisions for bettors looking to bet on boxing.


Let's get down to it then!

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Table of Contents

    Why Do Boxing Divisions Exist?

    Boxing is often filled with so much input of energy and aggression. The primary reason boxing divisions exist is to ensure that matches are fair and boxers have an excellent opportunity to win.

    If divisions do not exist, many boxers may not stand a chance ever to win a fight. This is because they will always be knocked down by far bigger opponents. 

    Weight is a major factor in both professional and amateur boxing; therefore, it's only fair to have different weight categories so that boxers always have a chance. Since the fight would be among boxers with similar weights, the match's outcome would depend more on the skills of each fighter then.

    These are the major reasons why boxing divisions exist. Initially, there were only eight divisions. Over the years, several other weight divisions have been added to boxing. However, the original eight divisions garner the most attention from boxing fans.

    Currently, there are 17 major divisions in professional boxing ranging from the minimum-weight class to the heavyweight category. These are the divisions recognized by all the major governing bodies in boxing, including WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA. 

    We'll walk you through these divisions and highlight the best ones to place boxing bets on.

    Best Boxing Divisions to Bet On Best Boxing Divisions to Bet On

    Boxing Divisions in Professional Boxing

    A breakdown of the different weight classes in boxing and their limits include:

    • Minimum-weight, 105 pounds (48 kg)
    • Light flyweight, 108 pounds (49 kg)
    • Flyweight, 112 pounds (51 kg)
    • Super flyweight, 115 pounds (52 kg)
    • Bantamweight, 118 pounds (53.5 kg)
    • Super bantamweight, 122 pounds (55 kg)
    • Featherweight, 126 pounds (57 kg)
    • Super featherweight, 130 pounds (59 kg)
    • Lightweight, 135 pounds (61 kg)
    • Super lightweight, 140 pounds (63.5 kg)
    • Welterweight, 147 pounds (67 kg)
    • Super welterweight, 154 pounds (70 kg)
    • Middleweight, 160 pounds (72.5 kg)
    • Super middleweight, 168 pounds (76 kg)
    • Light heavyweight, 175 pounds (79 kg)
    • Cruiserweight, 200 pounds (91 kg)
    • Heavyweight, unlimited

    Boxers often increase in weight and rise through the ranks. It's a great pride for fighters to win the belts at different divisions. Manny Pacquiao is a legend in this category, having won the world title at over eight weight divisions.

    Aside from all the above weight categories, there's a concept called catch-weight, introduced to account for variation in fighters' weights. Catch-weight is a weight limit not officially defined in the 17 boxing divisions. 

    Fighters may agree to meet each other at a weight not covered in the divisions above. They carry out weigh-ins before the fight night to ensure the agreed weight is met. Fighters who do not meet the catch-weight may be disqualified from the match.

    Understanding Boxing Divisions with the Best Betting Odds

    We'll be delving deeper into the most prestigious of all the boxing divisions. These are the weight divisions you should set your eyes on as a bettor.

    Heavyweight Division

    The heavyweight class is the highest weight division in professional boxing. There is no specific upper limit for heavyweight fighters. Heavyweight title fights are considered the most prestigious of all world title bouts.

    Such bouts offer some of the best boxing odds at boxing betting sites. A good example of this is the fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua on September 25, 2021. 

    Usyk defeated Joshua by a unanimous decision, stripping Joshua of his world heavyweight title. Usyk became the IBF, WBO, and Super WBA heavyweight champion with that win.

    Light Heavyweight Division

    This is another prestigious boxing division for fighters between the weight range of 168 and 175 pounds. This weight division falls between the super middleweight and the cruiserweight class. It is one of those divisions where you get to see a lot of action and excitement.

    Many top boxers, including Floyd Patterson and Evander Holyfield, successfully clinched the light heavyweight title. They have thereafter made their bouts to become heavyweight champions.

    Middleweight Boxing Division

    The original middleweight division has evolved into three different weight categories, including junior middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight. These divisions have also attracted a lot of attention in boxing.

    The standard middleweight division has an upper weight limit of 160 pounds. The junior middleweight and super middleweight have 154 and 168 pounds, respectively, as the upper weight limit. Bettors will find yet another betting opportunity on these popular weight categories, especially during a major fight.

    Welterweight Boxing Division

    The main welterweight division lies between the junior welterweight (also known as super lightweight) and the super welterweight. Welterweights have a weight limit of 147 pounds, while super welterweights are pegged at 154 pounds.

    Top boxers that have ruled this division include Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Money Mayweather, Shawn Porter, and Timothy Bradley. Mayweather won the welterweight championship title at all major boxing bodies, including the WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC. He remains a legend in welterweight boxing. 

    Even though Mayweather has since retired, bettors still enjoy continuous action in the welterweight class. Fights in this division always feature profitable odds for bettors at sports betting sites. 

    Lightweight Boxing Division

    The lightweight division is one of the original eight divisions in boxing. It's another top division to place boxing wagers on. The super lightweight was introduced in 1959 to account for the wide difference between the lightweight and the welterweight class.

    Lightweight boxing is for fighters within the range of 130 and 135 pounds. On the other hand, the super lightweight division encompasses boxers with weights between 135 and 140 pounds.

    Weight title holders in these divisions have to regularly defend their titles when challenged by contenders. These matches offer great opportunities with several betting markets at online top 100 bookmakers in the UK. 

    Asides from the above divisions, bettors can also find great opportunities at other divisions in boxing. Bettors should also keep a close eye on top boxers as they move from division to division, bagging top titles.

    A good example of this is Floyd Mayweather, who won 15 major championship titles within the super featherweight division and the light-middleweight.

    Pros and Cons of Boxing Divisions

    Boxing divisions have made fights fairer and have encouraged the rising of upcoming fighters. Thea looks so spot on, but it does have some solid drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of boxing divisions:

    Pros

    Pros

    • Boxing divisions have created a level playing field for all boxers depending on their weights
    • It encourages fair competition and positive rivalry among players in the same class
    • It gives room for fighters to improve themselves and level up in the boxing ranks
    Cons

    Cons

    • Identifying the best fighters in a particular division seems complicated because each boxing organization has its championship belts
    • Casual fans may become confused trying to understand the value of a certain match

    History of Boxing Betting 

    Boxing is an ancient sport. Just like horse racing, it would be a daunting task trying to trace the exact place and time boxingd.

    One thing we do know is that the sport sprung up from different locations in the world. This is because hand-to-hand combat can be traced back to the dawn of human history.

    Boxing is a combat sport that involves contact between two people with their fists. At first, fighters fought with their bare hands. The sport has since evolved from fighting with bare hands to using gloves and other protective pieces of equipment. 

    Boxing betting itself is also an ancient craft. Fans who attended the fights had the chance to place wagers on who they thought would win. This increased the popularity and love for the sport. 

    Nowadays, people don't have to go to the fighting ground before they can place their bets. The onset of online boxing betting sites has made boxing betting easier. Bettors place their wagers online and can enjoy all the thrills of the game from the comfort of their homes.

    Online betting has also created a variety of options for bettors. Now, there are several boxing betting markets for bettors looking to place a variety of wagers. Apart from betting on an outright winner, boxing punters can place other types of bets and make exciting wins.

    Types of Boxing Betting Markets

    Having known about the boxing divisions to bet on, let's now check for the various betting markets available in boxing.

    Boxing features a variety of different bets. At the best boxing betting sites, bettors can place live bets or prematch wagers for upcoming fights.

    Here's a breakdown of these betting options:

    Outright Winner Bets

    This involves placing wagers on who you think will be the winner of the match. Here, bettors carefully observe the form, skill, and training of each boxer and try to predict who will win the bout.

    This bet is also known as moneyline bets and is always very profitable because of the high betting odds that it comes with.

    Number of Rounds Bets

    This involves a simple prediction of the possible number of rounds a boxing match will go. Typical boxing bouts last for about ten rounds.

    Bettors can place wagers on whether the match will be above or below a specified number of rounds. For instance, punters could predict that a certain match will be below eight rounds or extend above it.

    Method of Victory Bets

    Fighters can win a match through various means. It could be through a decisive knockout, judge's decision, or opponent disqualification.

    Bettors who think they have what it takes may proceed to bet on how a certain match will end. Method of victory bets may be hard to win, but if successful, the bet can land amazing returns. 

    Bettors may also predict whether the match will run its course till the end. This means that punters are predicting that after the scheduled rounds are exhausted, none of the boxers will have won the match.

    Round Bets

    Bettors could try to predict the specific round where a boxer will seal up the match with a win. Punters of round bets have to be very strategic to be able to make accurate predictions.

    Asides from round betting, bettors can also place wagers on whether a fighter will win a certain number of consecutive rounds. For instance, bettors may bet on a boxer to win the first three or any other grouped rounds.

    1

    Pick a Boxing Betting Site

    To place bets on boxing online, you have to select an online bookmaker that offers boxing betting odds. Selecting a safe and trustworthy site is very important. Having gotten a betting hub, you can proceed to sign up and fund your account.

    2

    Look Out for Upcoming Fights

    Now that you know the various boxing classes, you can jump right away to check for upcoming fights at the top divisions. Having discovered them, try to create a schedule for the fights so that you never miss out on the fun.

    3

    Define your boxing betting strategy

    To successfully place bets on boxing, you need a proper strategy. Your strategy highlights your game plan for studying and carefully observing boxers in a fight. This way, you know which one to bet on if you'll be placing moneyline bets or other kinds of bets.

    4

    Define Your Boxing Betting Strategy

    Having carried out proper analysis and research, you should go ahead to check out the available boxing betting lines. Don't forget to compare the offerings of different sportsbooks so that you can go for the best odds. You shouldn't hesitate then to place your wagers according to your betting preferences.

    Last Words

    Boxing divisions make boxing matches even more fun to watch as fighters put in skill and accuracy to secure a top place in their division. These divisions have also made boxing betting easy to analyze and understand.

    Newbie bettors will find several betting sites with great offers for new customers. These offers often include free bets valid after placing qualifying bets. That doesn't mean there aren't any free bets for existing customers in the sports betting industry. You should just go ahead to surf through the various upcoming matches at the most competitive divisions and place your wagers.

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