The British Boxing Board of Control are considering introducing a weight class of 185lbs.
The governing body currently recognise 17 weight classes from minimumweight to heavyweight.
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A new Lonsdale belt could be born in the wake of ra new weight class in British boxingCredit: Getty
But according to Uncrowned, an eighteenth limit for fighters is under consideration.
In the sport, the biggest cap between two weights is 25lbs between light-heavyweight [175lbs] and cruiserweight [200lbs].
And it has been reported that authorities are trying to bridge the gap by making a new weight class at 185lbs.
An email was sent by British boxing chief Robert Smith to license holders opening the discussion.
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It read: “One of the reasons is the present 25 lbs between 12 st 7 lbs [light heavyweight] and 14 st 4 lbs [cruiserweight] which is the largest of all divisions.
“The fact that ‘modern-day’ athletes are larger and stronger, the Stewards feel this would be a significant change in relation to health and safety.”
The introduction of 185lbs has yet to be anywhere near formalised and could take a significant amount of work to be changed.
Should the governing bodies such as the WBA and WBC get on side, it could have wide implications for the sport of boxing.
In the UK, the likes of world level operators Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith could benefit if world titles are created and sanctioned following the change.
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Several big names could benefit from the change if world title belts followBridgerweight – the most recent weight class change
In the most recent attempt at a change to boxing, the WBC introduced bridgerweight, a weight class to incorporate weights between 200lbs and 224lbs [cruiserweight and heavyweight].
They alongside the WBA created world title belts, which the likes of Lawrence Okolie, Kevin Lerena and Oscar Rivas capturing the WBC version.
But it hasn’t quite been widely accepted within the sport and has failed to capture the recognition that the traditional weight classes have earned.
It now appears that the weight class will face further difficulty to remain part of the sport, with the WBA electing to abolish their title at bridgerweight.
They wrote in a statement: “The WBA remains committed to its goal of reducing the number of world champions, and our recent decisions continue to move in that direction.
“In this regard, it is important to note that three recently announced bouts have not been approved by the WBA as of this date.
“Additionally, the WBA announces that it will discontinue recognition of the bridgerweight division.
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“The remaining previously approved bouts in the weight class will be completed during a transition period. Thereafter, no bridgerweight contests will be sanctioned by the WBA.”
Organisers will hope they have more success with the launch of a weight class, which many at senior level of the sport have publicly called for in the past.