Boxing is one of the oldest forms of combat and has been around for centuries. It’s also known as the “sweet science” because so many people have a deep knowledge of its intricacies.
Boxing is also one of the most popular sports for betting online, but before you start you should read more about it.
Let’s learn more about each association and its purpose in the sport, so you know what to expect when you tune in to fight night.
WBA – World Boxing Association
The WBA holds its headquarters in Panama City, Panama, and currently recognizes 168 world champions with another 79 regional champions. The WBA was founded in 1921 and has had many greats step through the ropes, including Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Rocky Marciano.
WBA titles are divided into four categories: junior lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and super welterweight.
Junior lightweight is from 130 lbs to 135 lbs, a light welterweight from 135 lbs to 140 lbs, welterweight from 140 to 147 lbs, and super welterweight for fighters above 147 lbs. They are also separated into 13 divisions for women’s boxing.
WBC – World Boxing Council
The WBC is the oldest boxing association and was established in 1921. The organization has held many titles, including some of the greatest legends in boxing history, including Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.
WBC titles are divided into four categories: junior lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and super welterweight.
Junior lightweight is from 130 lbs to 135 lbs, a light welterweight from 135 lbs to 140 lbs, welterweight from 140 to 147 lbs, and super welterweight for fighters above 147 lbs. They are also separated into ten divisions for women’s boxing.
WBO – World Boxing Organization
The WBO was founded in 1983 and currently recognizes 160 world champions around the globe. It is headquartered in Puerto Rico and has held many great fights over the years, including Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya.
WBO titles are divided into four categories: junior lightweight, light welterweight, and super welterweight.
Junior lightweight is from 130 lbs to 135 lbs, a light welterweight from 135 lbs to 140 lbs, welterweight from 140 to 147 lbs, and super welterweight for fighters above 147 lbs. They are also separated into 13 divisions for women’s boxing.
IBF – International Boxing Federation
The IBF is the second oldest boxing association behind the WBA. It was founded in 1961 and has held many world boxing titles, including Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, and Bernard Hopkins.
IBF titles are divided into two groups: junior middleweight and super middleweight. Junior middleweights are from 135 to 147 lbs, while super Middleweights are from 147 to 175 lbs. They are also separated into nine divisions for women’s boxing.
Final Words
From 2000 to 2007, the WBA held 16 junior welterweight world titles simultaneously. It is known as “The 16” or “Super Series” since most of the champions in that period were from IBF, WBC, and WBO organizations.
The organization also held 17 super welterweight world titles at the same time between 2005 and 2010.
The WBC held five junior middleweight world titles simultaneously for five years between 1996 to 2001. There have also been eleven instances where two WBO cruiserweight world champions are known as co-world champions.