More Information on The New WBC “Bridgerweight” Division

by Kris Anthony (krisanthonyboxing@gmail.com)

WBC Bridgerweight Category 200-224lbs

Well, we knew that there was going to be a new division to be introduced for the reasoning of safety (or just even more sanctioning fees) and I’m sure that over time the other alphabet bodies will follow suit.

Yes, I get the very nice and sentimental reasoning for it but “bridgerweight”…really? I can envisage Michael Buffer announcing that now. Or maybe not.

I appreciate that we by nature need to adjust to new things in life but I really don’t get this one at all and so far, and from the reaction across social media, nobody else does as well. And that is just the name!!!!

To try and clarify, I will bullet point the main areas to help clear the confusion:

• 200-224lb to bridge between cruiserweight and heavyweight (why not super cruiserweight or extend the heavyweight division to super heavyweight as it is the big boys that have got bigger?)
• It was proposed at the WBC virtual convention by famed fight agent Don Majeski.
• Other names that were considered include “dreadnought” and “juggernaut.” 
• The WBC has already added the new division to the official rankings.
• Boxers who fight at cruiserweight and heavyweight will be notified about this new addition and to confirm in which category they wish to be included (surely that is decided by their actual weight?).
• There will be a six-month grace period to sort the fine detail out and properly handle this new addition. The WBC have clarified that any fighter listed at bridgerweight can compete in the heavyweight division (why add a new division then?).

Why not just “super heavyweight” that is in place in the Olympics? To me, it sounds right and makes clear sense.