Introduction to Boxing Championships
Boxing is a complex and nuanced sport, with 17 weight classes and four major sanctioning bodies that bestow world titles. The World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), and World Boxing Council (WBC) all have their own champions, making it difficult for fans to keep track of who holds each belt. To make it easier for boxing enthusiasts, we have compiled a comprehensive list of current title holders in each weight class.
Heavyweight Champions
The heavyweight division is one of the most prestigious in boxing, with champions competing in the unlimited weight class. Currently, the WBO title is held by Fabio Wardley, while the IBF, WBA, and WBC titles are all held by Oleksandr Usyk. It’s worth noting that there are also interim and secondary belts in each organization, which can add to the complexity of the championship landscape. For example, Kubrat Pulev is the WBA “regular” heavyweight champion, and Fabio Wardley is the WBA interim heavyweight champion.
Cruiserweight and Light Heavyweight Champions
Moving down the weight classes, the cruiserweight division (200 lbs.) is currently led by Gilberto Ramirez (WBO and WBA) and Badou Jack (WBC), with Jai Opetaia holding the IBF title. In the light heavyweight division (175 lbs.), Dmitry Bivol is the reigning WBO, IBF, and WBA champion, while David Benavidez holds the WBC title. It’s interesting to note that Callum Smith is the WBO light heavyweight interim champion, and David Benavidez is also the WBA “regular” light heavyweight champion.
Super Middleweight and Middleweight Champions
The super middleweight division (168 lbs.) is currently dominated by Terence Crawford, who holds the WBO, IBF, WBA, and WBC titles. In the middleweight division (160 lbs.), Janibek Alimkhanuly is the reigning WBO and IBF champion, while Erislandy Lara holds the WBA title and Carlos Adames is the WBC champion.
Junior Middleweight and Welterweight Champions
In the junior middleweight division (154 lbs.), Xander Zayas is the current WBO champion, with Bakhram Murtazaliev holding the IBF title and Abass Baraou and Sebastian Fundora reigning as WBA and WBC champions, respectively. The welterweight division (147 lbs.) is led by Devin Haney (WBO), Lewis Crocker (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA), and Mario Barrios (WBC).
Junior Welterweight and Lightweight Champions
The junior welterweight division (140 lbs.) is currently home to Teofimo Lopez Jr. (WBO), Richardson Hitchins (IBF), Gary Antuanne Russell (WBA), and Subriel Matias (WBC). In the lightweight division (135 lbs.), Abdullah Mason is the reigning WBO champion, with Raymond Muratalla holding the IBF title and Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson reigning as WBA and WBC champions, respectively.
Junior Lightweight and Featherweight Champions
Moving down the weight classes, the junior lightweight division (130 lbs.) is currently led by Emanuel Navarrete (WBO), Eduardo Nunez (IBF), Lamont Roach (WBA), and O’Shaquie Foster (WBC). In the featherweight division (126 lbs.), Rafael Espinoza is the reigning WBO champion, with Angelo Leo holding the IBF title and Nick Ball and Stephen Fulton reigning as WBA and WBC champions, respectively.
Junior Featherweight and Bantamweight Champions
The junior featherweight division (122 lbs.) is currently dominated by Naoya Inoue, who holds all four major titles. In the bantamweight division (118 lbs.), Christian Medina is the reigning WBO champion, with Junto Nakatani holding the IBF and WBC titles and Antonio Vargas reigning as WBA champion.
Junior Bantamweight and Flyweight Champions
In the junior bantamweight division (115 lbs.), Jesse Rodriguez is the current WBO, WBA, and WBC champion, with Willibaldo Garcia Perez holding the IBF title. The flyweight division (112 lbs.) is led by Anthony Olascuaga (WBO), Masamichi Yabuki (IBF), and Ricardo Sandoval (WBA and WBC).
Junior Flyweight and Strawweight Champions
The junior flyweight division (108 lbs.) is currently home to Rene Santiago (WBO), Thanongsak Simsri (IBF), Kyosuke Takami (WBA), and Carlos Canizales (WBC). In the strawweight division (105 lbs.), Oscar Collazo is the reigning WBO and WBA champion, with Pedro Taduran holding the IBF title and Melvin Jerusalem reigning as WBC champion.
