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A new Lonsdale belt could be born in the wake of ra new weight class in British boxingCredit: Getty<\/p>\n
But according to Uncrowned<\/a>, an eighteenth limit for fighters is under consideration.<\/p>\n In the sport, the biggest cap between two weights is 25lbs between light-heavyweight [175lbs] and cruiserweight [200lbs].<\/p>\n And it has been reported that authorities are trying to bridge the gap by making a new weight class at 185lbs.<\/p>\n An email was sent by British boxing chief Robert Smith to license holders opening the discussion.<\/p>\n Read More In Boxing<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n The introduction of 185lbs has yet to be anywhere near formalised and could take a significant amount of work to be changed.<\/p>\n Should the governing bodies such as the WBA and WBC get on side, it could have wide implications for the sport of boxing.<\/p>\n In the UK, the likes of world level operators Anthony Yarde<\/a> and Callum Smith<\/a> could benefit if world titles are created and sanctioned following the change.<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Several big names could benefit from the change if world title belts followBridgerweight – the most recent weight class change<\/p>\n 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].<\/p>\n They alongside the WBA created world title belts, which the likes of Lawrence Okolie<\/a>, Kevin Lerena and Oscar Rivas capturing the WBC version.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n “In this regard, it is important to note that three recently announced bouts have not been approved by the WBA as of this date.<\/p>\n \u201cAdditionally, the WBA announces that it will discontinue recognition of the bridgerweight division. <\/p>\n Read More on talkSPORT<\/p>\n Watch Boxing on DAZN<\/p>\n *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue<\/p>\n Sign up to DAZN<\/a> to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.<\/p>\n Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate<\/a> from just \u00a324.99\/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.<\/p>\n Alternatively, DAZN Standard<\/a> is just \u00a315.99\/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.<\/p>\n![\"Several](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c623a2e3-efc0-4b1e-8f68-0bb822865dbe.jpg\")
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