The Core Difference
- Lightweight: maximum 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
- Super Lightweight: maximum 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- The gap between the two divisions is exactly 5 lbs (2.3 kg).
- Both are contested under the same rules; only the weight limit differs.
Name Variations You'll See
"Super Lightweight" is the standardised name used by the WBC and WBO. But the same 140 lb division has other official names depending on the sanctioning body:
- The WBA calls it Light Welterweight.
- The IBF calls it Junior Welterweight.
- All three names refer to the identical 140 lb division — the weight limits are the same.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Lightweight | Super Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | 135 lbs / 61.2 kg | 140 lbs / 63.5 kg |
| Also known as | — | Junior / Light Welterweight |
| Standardised | 1909 | 2015 (name); 1920 (division) |
| Sits between | Super Feather (130) & Super Light (140) | Lightweight (135) & Welterweight (147) |
| Undisputed era | Multiple — active division | Josh Taylor unified 2021 |
History of Super Lightweight
- First established by the 1920 New York Walker Law, making it one of the older "tweener" divisions.
- In 1922 the National Boxing Association (now WBA) recognised Pinky Mitchell as the first light welterweight champion via a reader poll in Boxing Blade magazine.
- The modern title era began in 1959 when the NBA sanctioned Carlos Ortiz vs Kenny Lane for the world light welterweight title. Ortiz won.
- In 1984, Aaron Pryor became the first IBF junior welterweight champion.
- The WBC and WBO standardised the name to "super lightweight" in their 2015 joint agreement with the IBF and WBA.
- Josh Taylor unified all four major belts at super lightweight in 2021, becoming undisputed champion at 140 lbs.
History of Lightweight
- One of boxing's Original Eight divisions, with roots in Broughton's Rules of 1738.
- The current 135 lb limit was made official in 1909.
- Notable all-time lightweights include Benny Leonard, Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker and Gervonta Davis.