Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weight class in combat sports: A welterweight is a competitor in boxing or wrestling who falls within a specific weight range. In professional boxing, this is typically between 141 and 147 pounds. In amateur boxing, the limit is often 148 pounds. In wrestling, the range is typically 154 to 172 pounds.
   • The weight itself: The term can also refer to the specific weight limit or category itself, rather than the fighter.
   • A horse racing handicap weight: Historically, in horse racing (e.g., steeplechase), a welterweight could refer to a specific heavy handicap weight, such as 28 pounds, carried by a horse.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Boxer/Wrestler):
  • The reigning welterweight champion successfully defended his title.
  • She moved up from lightweight to compete as a welterweight.
• Noun (Weight Class):
  • He fights in the welterweight division.
• Noun (Horse Racing):
  • The horse was carrying a welterweight, which slowed its pace significantly.

Advanced Usage

• "Welterweight limit": The maximum allowable weight for the welterweight class.
  • The fighter struggled to make the welterweight limit before the bout.
• "Welterweight contender": A boxer who is a top competitor in the welterweight division but is not the champion.
  • He is the number one welterweight contender and will fight for the title next.

Variants and Related Words

• Welter (verb): To roll, wallow, or be soaked in something (e.g., ). Note: This is a distinct word with a different meaning, though it shares the same root as "welterweight."
• Middleweight (noun): The weight class above welterweight.
• Light welterweight (noun): The weight class immediately below welterweight.

Synonyms

• Junior middleweight (noun): In some boxing organizations, this is a similar or identical weight class to welterweight.
• 154-pound division (noun): A descriptive synonym for the welterweight limit in some wrestling contexts.

Related Phrases

• "To campaign at welterweight": To compete professionally in the welterweight division.
  • After several wins, he decided to campaign at welterweight.
• "Welterweight bout/fight": A match between two welterweight competitors.
  • The main event is a welterweight fight between two undefeated boxers.

Noun

1. a professional boxer who weighs between 141 and 147 pounds
2. a wrestler who weighs 154-172 pounds
3. an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 148 pounds
4. a weight of 28 pounds; sometimes imposed as a handicap in a horse race (such as a steeplechase)