Definition

Noun: 1. A weight class in boxing: A "light middleweight" is a specific weight category in amateur and professional boxing. The defining characteristic is the maximum allowable weight for a competitor in this class. 2. A boxer in that weight class: The term also refers to the athlete who competes in this division, specifically an amateur boxer whose weight does not exceed 156 pounds (approximately 70.8 kilograms).

Usage

• The term is used to classify boxers for fair competition based on their weight.
• It specifies the upper weight limit for a competitor in this category.

Examples

• As a weight class:
  • He moved up from welterweight to compete in the light middleweight division.
  • The championship bout will be for the light middleweight title.
• Referring to a boxer:
  • The young light middleweight won his match by knockout.
  • She is the top-ranked amateur light middleweight in the country.

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: The weight limits for the light middleweight class (also known as junior middleweight in professional boxing) have been standardized by various governing bodies like the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for amateurs.
• "To fight at light middleweight": This phrase describes a boxer's chosen competitive weight division.
  • After struggling to make weight, he decided to fight at light middleweight.

Variants and Related Words

• Junior middleweight (noun): This is the equivalent term most commonly used in professional boxing. The weight limit in professional boxing is typically 154 pounds (approximately 69.9 kg).
• Super welterweight (noun): Another synonym for the professional junior middleweight/light middleweight division.
• Middleweight (noun): The next heavier weight class above light middleweight.

Synonyms

• Junior middleweight (primary synonym in professional contexts)
• Super welterweight

Related Phrases

• To make weight for light middleweight: The process a boxer undergoes to ensure their weight is at or below the 156-pound limit before a fight.
  • He had a tough week trying to make weight for light middleweight.
• Light middleweight limit: The specific maximum weight of 156 pounds.
  • The fighter barely came in under the light middleweight limit.

Noun

1. an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 156 pounds