Bantamweight

Bantamweight

Bantamweight is a special group, or weight class, used in many sports where people compete, like fighting and weightlifting.

In boxing, a bantamweight fighter must weigh between 115 and 118 pounds. In kickboxing, they usually weigh between 117 and 121 pounds. In mixed martial arts, or MMA, bantamweight fighters weigh between 126 and 135 pounds.

The name "bantamweight" comes from a type of small chicken called a bantam. Just like these chickens are smaller than other kinds, bantamweight fighters are in one of the lighter groups in their sports.

Many famous fighters have been part of the bantamweight class. Whether in boxing, kickboxing, or MMA, bantamweight matches are known for their speed and skill.

Boxing

The bantamweight class in boxing started with the first gloved world title fight between George Dixon and Nunc Wallace on June 27, 1890. Dixon won and became the first world bantamweight champion. At that time, boxers could weigh no more than 110 pounds, but the limit was later changed to 118 pounds in 1910.

From 2018 to 2019, a special tournament called the World Boxing Super Series was held to find the best bantamweight boxer in the world. Naoya Inoue won the tournament, defeating Nonito Donaire in the final. On December 13, 2022, Naoya Inoue became the first undisputed champion of the bantamweight division.

Main article: List of world bantamweight boxing champions

Current world champions

Current The Ring world rankings

Longest reigning world bantamweight champions

Lineal Champions

Olympic Champions

World Champions

Pan American Champions

European Champions

Longest reigning world bantamweight champions

Lineal Champions

Boxing

The first time two boxers fought for a world title in the bantamweight class was in 1890. George Dixon won that fight and became the first champion. The weight limit for this class was 110 pounds at that time, but later changed to 118 pounds.

In 2018 to 2019, a special tournament called the World Boxing Super Series found the best bantamweight boxer. Naoya Inoue won this tournament. He later became the first boxer to hold all four major titles in the bantamweight division at once in 2022.

Main article: List of world bantamweight boxing champions

As of September 24, 2025.

Keys:

 C  Current The Ring world champion

Below is a list of longest reigning bantamweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.

  Active Title Reign

  Reign has ended

Lineal Champions

• George Dixon (1890) Vacated

• Jimmy Barry (1897–1899) Retired

Boxing

Boxing has weight classes, and bantamweight is one of them. The first official bantamweight title fight was held in 1890. Over time, the weight limit for this class has changed.

Today, bantamweight boxing is very popular. Fighters like Naoya Inoue have won big tournaments such as the World Boxing Super Series.

Current world champions

Main article: List of current world boxing champions

As of September 24, 2025, these boxers are the current champions in the bantamweight division:

Boxing

The first world bantamweight boxing title fight happened on June 27, 1890. George Dixon fought Nunc Wallace, and Dixon won to become the first champion. At first, boxers could weigh up to 110 pounds, but later this limit was changed to 118 pounds.

In 2018 to 2019, a special tournament called the World Boxing Super Series found the best bantamweight boxer. Naoya Inoue won by beating Nonito Donaire. In 2022, Inoue became the first boxer to hold all four major belts at once.

Current world champions

Historical champions

Weight limits over time

Boxing

Bantamweight is a class in boxing for fighters who weigh between 118 and 120 pounds. This weight class allows boxers of similar sizes to compete fairly against each other.

The bantamweight class has a long history in boxing, dating back to the 19th century. It was created to give lighter boxers a chance to compete without facing much larger opponents. Many famous boxers have competed in this class, and it remains popular in boxing today.

Professional

Bantamweight is one of the standard weight classes in professional boxing. Fighters in this class must weigh no more than 118 pounds at weigh-ins before their bouts. The class has produced many legendary champions and remains a popular division in the sport.

Amateur

In amateur boxing, bantamweight is also used. The weight limit for amateur bantamweight is usually 51 kilograms, which is roughly equivalent to 112 pounds. Young boxers often start in this class as they begin their training.

Weight limits

The exact weight limits for bantamweight can vary slightly depending on the organization. In professional boxing, the limit is usually 118 pounds, but some groups may have slightly different rules. In amateur boxing, the limit is typically set by international governing bodies.

Historical champions

Many great boxers have won titles in the bantamweight division. These champions have often gone on to become some of the most famous names in boxing history. Their successes have helped make bantamweight one of the most respected classes in the sport.

Boxing

The first world bantamweight title fight happened on June 27, 1890, between George Dixon and Nunc Wallace, with Dixon winning and becoming the first champion. At that time the weight limit was 110 pounds, but it was later changed to 118 pounds in 1910.

From 2018 to 2019, a tournament called the World Boxing Super Series found the best bantamweight, and Naoya Inoue won by defeating Nonito Donaire. In 2022, Inoue became the first boxer to hold all four major belts together.

Current world champions

Main article: List of world bantamweight boxing champions

Current The Ring world rankings

As of September 24, 2025.

Historical weight limits

Boxing

Bantamweight is a term used in boxing to describe a weight class for fighters. Boxers in this class must weigh between 118 and 122 pounds (53 and 55 kilograms). This class allows smaller boxers to compete against each other in a fair and safe way.

The bantamweight class was created to give lighter boxers a chance to compete without facing much heavier opponents. Over time, it has become a popular division in boxing, with many exciting fights and famous champions.

History

The bantamweight class began in the 19th century. It was introduced to protect smaller fighters from being hurt by bigger opponents. Early boxing rules were very different from today, and the weight limits changed often. By the early 1900s, the limit was set at 118 pounds, where it stays today.

Many great boxers have won titles in the bantamweight division. These fighters showed skill and bravery, and some became stars around the world. Their stories helped make bantamweight one of the most watched classes in boxing.

Notable Fighters

Some of the most famous boxers started their careers in the bantamweight class. These athletes became legends because of their talent and hard work. Fighting in this class required speed, strength, and smart tactics.

Here are a few well-known bantamweight champions:

Rules and Safety

All boxing matches, including bantamweight fights, follow strict rules to keep fighters safe. Referees watch closely to stop any unfair or dangerous actions. Boxers wear protective gear, and doctors check on them before and after fights.

The bantamweight class helps make sure that fights are fair. Since all boxers are close in weight, the matches are more about skill than about who is bigger.

Current Status

Today, bantamweight remains a popular and exciting class in boxing. Many talented boxers compete for titles and fame. Fans around the world enjoy watching these fast and thrilling fights.

Boxing

Boxing is a sport where two people fight each other by punching. A special weight class in boxing is called bantamweight. Boxers in this class must weigh between 118 and 126 pounds (53 and 57 kilograms). This weight limit makes the sport fair so that fighters are close in size.

Current world champions

Main article: List of world bantamweight boxing champions

There are several groups that decide who the best bantamweight boxer is. Below are the current champions from each group.

Current The Ring world rankings

As of September 24, 2025.

Here are the top-ranked bantamweight boxers according to The Ring magazine. The letter C shows the current world champion.

Longest reigning world bantamweight champions

Here is a list of the boxers who held the bantamweight title for the longest time. This list shows only their longest single time as champion, not all the times they may have won the title.

Lineal Champions

Many great boxers have been the official bantamweight champion over the years. Here are some of the most famous ones.

Kickboxing

In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter usually weighs between 53 kg and 55 kg. Some groups have slightly different weight limits. For example, the International Kickboxing Federation has a bantamweight class that ranges from about 53 kg to 55 kg.

In ONE Championship, the limit for the bantamweight division is 65.8 kg.

Bare-knuckle boxing

In bare-knuckle boxing, the weight limit for the bantamweight division can change based on the event.

• In the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, the limit is 135 lb (61 kg).
• In BKB, the limit is 73 kg (161 lb).

Lethwei

In the International Lethwei Federation Japan, fighters in the bantamweight division can weigh up to 60 kg. Yuta Hamamoto is the Bantamweight Champion there.

The World Lethwei Championship has a bantamweight division with a weight limit of 54 kg. Souris Manfredi is the Bantamweight Champion there.

Mixed martial arts

In MMA, a bantamweight fighter usually weighs between 126 and 135 pounds. In ONE Championship, the limit for bantamweight is 145 lb. In Shooto, the limit is 123.4 lb.

Current champions

These tables were last updated in December of 2025.

  Active title reign

  Active title reign (interim)

Men:

Women:

Muay Thai

In Muay Thai, a bantamweight fighter usually weighs between 115 and 118 pounds. One well-known Muay Thai fighter in this weight class is Randy Thong Phoun Phim.

Wrestling

Wrestling uses weight classes, just like other sports. The bantamweight class helps make matches fair by grouping fighters who are about the same size.