British boxing has come a long way—but not far enough. While male boxers can chase British titles in every weight class, there are only three British titles in women’s boxing. Let that sink in.
Three.
That’s not just a gap—it’s a gaping hole in the system. And if we’re serious about equality in the sport, it’s time we called it out.
So, which women’s divisions actually have British titles?
Right now, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) officially recognises British titles for female fighters in just three weight classes:
- Featherweight (126 lbs / 57.1 kg)
- Lightweight (135 lbs / 61.2 kg)
- Super Welterweight (154 lbs / 69.9 kg)
That’s it.
Now, in total, women’s boxing recognises 13 weight divisions worldwide—from minimumweight (102 lbs) all the way up to heavyweight. Even if you remove the lowest and highest weight classes (where depth is sometimes thinner), there are still at least 10 active divisions that female fighters could reasonably compete in at domestic level in the UK.
So why are there only three divisions with British titles?
Meanwhile, male fighters in Britain have titles in 15 weight classes, covering everything from flyweight to heavyweight, all backed by the iconic Lonsdale Belt.
It’s not even close.
What is the Lonsdale Belt and why does it matter?
The Lonsdale Belt is more than just a shiny prize—it’s a symbol of history, prestige, and what it means to be a true British champion. First introduced in 1909 by Lord Lonsdale, it’s one of the oldest boxing belts in the world and a defining moment in any British boxer’s career.
The belt itself is beautifully crafted, made of gold and enamel, with an unmistakable legacy. It’s not just handed out, either—you have to win and defend the British title to earn it. Successfully defend your title three times, and you get to keep the Lonsdale Belt outright—something every British fighter dreams of.
It’s a mark of excellence. A badge of honour. And right now, most female fighters in Britain have no route to ever earn one.
My take on all this…
Boxing promoters and the British Boxing Board of Control love to talk about equality. You hear the words thrown around every press conference. But here’s the truth—if they truly believed in it, we’d have a Lonsdale Belt for every women’s weight division, just like the men.
Instead, we’ve got three titles out of 10+ possible divisions. That tells you all you need to know.
And for those who don’t get why it’s such a big deal—ask any fighter, male or female, what it means to win a British title. Even if they go on to claim European or world honours, they still remember that moment. That belt. That fight.
It matters. So why are women still being told they don’t deserve the same recognition?
It’s not just about fairness—it’s about opportunity
A British title is more than a belt. It’s a chance to:
- Prove yourself on the domestic scene
- Gain exposure and experience before fighting abroad
- Build rivalries and fanbases
- Push towards European or world level with momentum
Without that structure in place, women are forced to jump levels, take fights without preparation, or wait years for opportunities. And that’s assuming they’re even in one of the three lucky divisions that have a title to fight for.
Imagine being a talented up-and-comer at bantamweight or super middleweight—there’s literally nothing to aim for domestically. That’s how fighters get lost. That’s how talent disappears from the sport.
What needs to change?
Let’s stop sugar-coating it. Here’s what has to happen if we want to make British titles in women’s boxing equal:
- Introduce British titles in every weight division, not just three
- Give female fighters equal access to the Lonsdale Belt tradition
- Push promoters to put their money—and match-ups—where their mouths are
- Support the next generation of female fighters at grassroots and domestic level
This isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about giving fighters what they’ve earned. Talent doesn’t care about gender—and neither should the sport.
Let’s keep the pressure on…
If you care about boxing—real boxing—you should care about this too. These fighters deserve the same legacy, the same opportunities, and the same respect.
So do your bit—share this post, leave a comment, and head over to CMBoxing.co.uk to read more honest takes that aren’t afraid to call it how it is.
Because British titles in women’s boxing aren’t a “nice to have.”
They’re long overdue.