Definition

Noun: 1. A weight class in professional boxing: A junior featherweight is a boxer who competes in the weight division where the maximum allowable weight is 122 pounds (approximately 55.34 kilograms). This class is between bantamweight and featherweight.

Usage Notes

• The term "junior featherweight" specifically and exclusively refers to the 122-pound weight limit in boxing. It is a standardized category used globally in professional boxing organizations.
• It is used to classify fighters and organize competitions. A boxer is said to be "a junior featherweight" or to "fight at junior featherweight."
• This term is a compound noun. The core meaning is defined by the combination of "junior" (indicating a division just below a standard one) and "featherweight" (the name of the next higher weight class).

Examples

• The champion successfully defended his title in the junior featherweight division.
• She moved up from bantamweight to compete as a junior featherweight.
• The fight is contracted at the junior featherweight limit of 122 pounds.

Advanced Usage

• The division is officially recognized by major sanctioning bodies (e.g., WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) as the super bantamweight division, which is a direct synonym. "Junior featherweight" and "super bantamweight" refer to the same 122-pound limit.
• In some historical or regional contexts, it may have been known simply as "featherweight" before weight classes were further subdivided.

Variants and Related Words

• Super bantamweight (n.): A complete synonym for "junior featherweight." The "super" prefix, like "junior," indicates a division just above the standard bantamweight class.
• Featherweight (n.): The next higher weight class, with a limit of 126 pounds.
• Bantamweight (n.): The next lower weight class, with a limit of 118 pounds.
• Weight class (n.): The general category for such divisions in combat sports.

Synonyms

• Super bantamweight

Related Terms (Context-Specific)

• Make weight (v. phrase): To successfully meet the required weight limit (e.g., 122 pounds) before a fight.
• Title fight (n.): A championship bout, which in this context could be for a junior featherweight world title.

Noun

1. weighs no more than 122 pounds