middleweight

[ mid-l-weyt ]

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a welterweight and a light heavyweight, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms).

adjective

1. Boxing. of or relating to middleweights:

   the middleweight division.

2. (of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 185 pounds (83.9 kilograms).

middleweight

/ ˈmɪdəlˌweɪt /

noun

1. 1. a professional boxer weighing 154–160 pounds (70–72.5 kg)
   2. an amateur boxer weighing 71–75 kg (157–165 pounds)
   3. ( as modifier )

      a middleweight contest

2. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 172–192 pounds (78–87 kg))

Word History and Origins

Origin of middleweight¹

First recorded in 1870–75; middle + weight

Example Sentences

Paul called out Mexican super middleweight Canelo Álvarez, asking for a match that is extremely unlikely to happen given the boxers' relative stature in the sport.

From Salon

Former UFC middleweight champion Adesanya, meanwhile, was fighting for the first time in 11 months after taking a break from the sport, citing mental and physical fatigue after contesting five title bouts in 16 months.

From BBC

Usyk, who competed as a middleweight as an amateur, showed that size does not all always matter.

From BBC

But former middleweight champion Pereira was granted the prestigious headlining slot against Hill and he once again made the most of his opportunity in the spotlight.

From BBC

Executives at Bayer Leverkusen, the longstanding but habitually middleweight German soccer team, have been fielding the messages since at least February.

From New York Times