Lightweight

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

For the mixed martial arts division, see Lightweight (MMA). For the computer science term, see thread (computer science).

The lightweight division is the 130 pounds (59 kilograms) to 135 pounds (61 kilograms) weight class in the sport of boxing. In England, it equates to the weight bracket of 9st 3 lb - 9 st 8lb.

Notable lightweight boxers includes Bummy Davis, Amir Khan, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Roberto Duran, Hector Camacho, Julio Cesar Chavez, Benny Leonard, Joe Gans, Henry Armstrong, Tony Canzoneri, Carlos Ortiz, Ike Williams, Alexis Arguello, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Diego Corrales. While not as popular as the heavier divisions among the mass of boxing fans, many find the often lightning-fast action of the lightweight divisions more compelling than the relatively slower matches of the heavier fighters.

Benny Leonard, Joe Gans and Roberto Duran is generally considered the three best Lightweights of all time.

[edit] Kickboxing

For men's kickboxing, the lightweight division typically includes those who weigh around 132 lbs (60 kg). Women's divisions also use this weight class, but usually at a much lower weight than the men's divisions.

[edit] Olympic champions

• 1904 –  Harry Spanger (USA)
• 1908 –  Frederick Grace (GBR)
• 1920 –  Samuel Mosberg (USA)
• 1924 –  Hans Nielsen (DEN)
• 1928 –  Carlo Orlandi (ITA)
• 1932 –  Lawrence Stevens (RSA)
• 1936 –  Imre Harangi (HUN)
• 1948 –  Gerald Dreyer (RSA)
• 1952 –  Aureliano Bolognesi (ITA)
• 1956 –  Dick McTaggart (GBR)
• 1960 –  Kazimierz Paździor (POL)
• 1964 –  Józef Grudzień (POL)
• 1968 –  Ronald W. Harris (USA)
• 1972 –  Jan Szczepański (POL)
• 1976 –  Howard Davis Jr. (USA)
• 1980 –  Ángel Herrera (CUB)
• 1984 –  Pernell Whitaker (USA)
• 1988 –  Andreas Zülow (GDR)
• 1992 –  Oscar de la Hoya (USA)
• 1996 –  Hocine Soltani (ALG)
• 2000 –  Mario César Kindelán Mesa (CUB)
• 2004 –  Mario César Kindelán Mesa (CUB)

[edit] Professional Champions

• List of lightweight boxing champions