The WBA has taken a cue from their counterparts, the WBC, by establishing a new division set between 200 lbs and 224 lbs, henceforth named the super cruiserweight division. The WBA Executive Committee has given the green light for the creation of this weight class, primarily intended to accommodate lighter heavyweights or heavier cruiserweights.

The rationale behind the WBA’s decision seems to stem from the belief that heavyweights can experience weight imbalances, with heavier fighters having an advantage due to their ability to attain and maintain higher weight levels. In an effort to “make the sport increasingly fair,” the WBA opted to introduce this new weight class to assist fighters who might face challenges in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, seeking a more balanced weight distribution.

The WBA’s move mirrors the WBC’s decision in 2020 to establish the bridgerweight division, also set between 200 lbs and 224 lbs. Unlike the WBC, the WBA has chosen not to name the division after a child hero, instead opting for the straightforward ‘super cruiserweight’ designation, which better articulates the purpose and necessity of the weight class.

With two out of the four major sanctioning bodies now introducing a new weight class, there is a possibility that the WBO and IBF might follow suit based on their discretion.

Aside from the major sanctioning bodies, the minor sanctioning body of the International Boxing Association (IBA), which sanctions both amateur and professional bouts, also recognizes a division under the same weight parameters with the same name as the WBA’s, the super cruiserweight division.

The WBA additionally announced that they are already working on establishing rankings and corresponding titles for the super cruiserweight division. It is anticipated that the same fighters currently participating in the sport as bridgerweights will also be included in the rankings for this new weight class.