The heavyweight division has long been considered the pinnacle of boxing, but as fighters continue to grow larger, a debate has emerged: should there be a new super heavyweight division for fighters over 250 lbs? Some argue it’s a necessary evolution for the sport, while others believe it could dilute the heavyweight crown. Fighters, promoters, and pundits have all shared their thoughts on this hot topic.
Why a Super Heavyweight Division Might Make Sense
Boxing has changed significantly over the decades. In the era of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, most heavyweights weighed between 210 and 230 lbs. Today, giants like Tyson Fury (6’9″, 270 lbs) and Deontay Wilder (6’7″, 231 lbs) dominate the division, leaving smaller heavyweights at a clear disadvantage.
The idea of a super heavyweight division isn’t new. The Olympics already separate heavyweights and super heavyweights, with the latter class reserved for fighters over 91 kg (200 lbs). This system ensures fairer matchups and has worked well at the amateur level.
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently weighed in on the debate, saying, “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for smaller heavyweights to succeed at the top level. A super heavyweight division could make the sport more competitive and balanced.”
For fighters like Joe Joyce and Jared Anderson, both known for their size and power, such a division could create opportunities to showcase their skills against equally massive opponents. Joyce has even hinted that “battles between the biggest guys could draw in new fans who love heavy-hitting action.”
The Case Against Another Division
Not everyone is on board with the idea. Boxing already has 17 weight classes, many of which are criticised for being too similar in size, creating confusion for casual fans. Adding a super heavyweight division risks making the sport even harder to follow.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has been vocal about his opposition. “The heavyweight champion is supposed to be the best fighter in the world, no matter the size,” he said. “Creating another division takes away from the prestige of that title.”
Pundit Steve Bunce echoed these concerns, saying, “Do we really need another belt? Boxing already has enough champions in each organisation. It’s hard enough for fans to keep track of the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles—let alone adding another weight class into the mix.”
Another concern is that some of the sport’s most exciting moments have come from smaller heavyweights overcoming larger opponents. Fighters like Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk have built their legacies on outboxing bigger, stronger men. Introducing a super heavyweight division might rob fans of these classic David vs Goliath matchups.
What Do Fighters Think?
Opinions among fighters are divided. Anthony Joshua, who often finds himself in the middle ground at 240 lbs, recently said, “I think it’s an idea worth exploring. Fighting someone who’s 30 or 40 pounds heavier, with a bigger reach, is no easy task.”
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury dismissed the idea outright. “Heavyweight boxing is about being the best, the baddest man on the planet—not splitting it up into who’s big and who’s bigger,” Fury said, making it clear he values the tradition of a unified heavyweight division.
Joe Joyce, on the other hand, sees the potential benefits. “It could create some great matchups,” he said. “Fighters like me could thrive in a division where size and power are evenly matched.”
Will Fans Embrace the Change?
Boxing fans are often split on changes to the sport, and the idea of a super heavyweight division is no exception. On one hand, it could bring more clarity to the heavyweight scene, allowing smaller heavyweights to shine without being overshadowed by giants. On the other, fans love the spectacle of mismatched sizes—the drama of a smaller fighter using speed and skill to overcome a larger, stronger opponent.
Introducing another weight class might also water down the prestige of the heavyweight title. As Steve Bunce puts it, “The heavyweight crown is meant to signify the best fighter in the world. Splitting the division could take away from that aura.”
Is Boxing Ready for Super Heavyweights?
The debate over a super heavyweight division shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s a natural evolution of the sport or an unnecessary complication, the decision will shape the future of heavyweight boxing. Fighters, promoters, and fans will need to weigh up whether fairness and safety outweigh tradition and legacy.
So, what do you think? Would a super heavyweight division enhance boxing, or is it just one weight class too many?