Section 4: Players/Officials
Weight Divisions
The WBC sanctions championship contests in the following eighteen weight divisions:
- Strawweight: 105 lbs (47.627 kg)
- Junior Flyweight: 108 lbs (48.988 kg)
- Flyweight: 112 lbs (50.802 kg)
- Junior Bantamweight: 115 lbs (52.163 kg)
- Bantamweight: 118 lbs (53.524 kg)
- Junior Featherweight: 122 lbs (55.338 kg)
- Featherweight: 126 lbs (57.153 kg)
- Junior Lightweight: 130 lbs (58.967 kg)
- Lightweight: 135 lbs (61.235 kg)
- Junior Welterweight: 140 lbs (63.503 kg)
- Welterweight: 147 lbs (66.678 kg)
- Junior Middleweight: 154 lbs (69.853 kg)
- Middleweight: 160 lbs (72.575 kg)
- Super Middleweight: 168 lbs (76.204 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: 175 lbs (79.379 kg)
- Cruiserweight: 200 lbs (90.719 kg)
- Bridgerweight: 224 lbs (101.605 kg)
- Heavyweight: Over 224 lbs (over 101.605 kg)
The Bridgerweight division was created by the WBC in 2020 and sits between Cruiserweight and Heavyweight; its addition moved the Heavyweight floor from 200 lbs up to 224 lbs, since a fighter weighing between those two marks now competes as a Bridgerweight rather than a Heavyweight.
Pre-Fight Weight Management Program
In addition to the traditional weigh-in the day before a championship bout, the WBC requires contestants in WBC championship bouts to make a series of preliminary safety weigh-ins under its Weight Management Program:
- 30-day weigh-in: conducted approximately thirty (30) days before the bout; a contestant may not weigh more than ten percent (10%) over the contracted division limit.
- 14-day weigh-in: conducted approximately fourteen (14) days before the bout; a contestant may not weigh more than five percent (5%) over the contracted division limit.
- 7-day weigh-in: conducted approximately seven (7) days before the bout; a contestant may not weigh more than three percent (3%) over the contracted division limit.
Failure to make the required weight at any of the preliminary checkpoints subjects the offending contestant to penalties under the Weight Management Program, up to and including withdrawal of WBC sanction for the bout.
Official Weigh-In
The official weigh-in ceremony for a WBC championship bout shall be held at a time between twenty-four (24) and thirty (30) hours prior to the start of the event, unless otherwise agreed in advance by the local commission, both contestants and their representatives, and the WBC representative. A contestant who exceeds the division limit at the official weigh-in is customarily allowed a limited additional period, as determined by the WBC representative and local commission, to make the contracted weight.
The Referee
The referee is the sole authority in the ring and has the following responsibilities:
- Enforce the rules of boxing and the WBC regulations throughout the contest.
- Determine all matters arising during the contest, including knockdowns, fouls, injuries, and stoppages.
- Stop the contest at any time if they determine a contestant is outclassed, unable to continue, or is in danger of sustaining serious injury.
- Administer the count in the event of a knockdown.
- Deduct points or disqualify contestants for fouls.
- Ensure fair play and protect the safety of both contestants at all times.
Judges
Three (3) judges shall be appointed to score each championship bout. Judges must be licensed by the local governing boxing commission and approved by the WBC. Each judge scores the bout independently using the 10-point must system.
Ring Officials
- WBC Commissioner: A WBC Commissioner or Supervisor shall be present at ringside for all WBC-sanctioned championship bouts to ensure compliance with WBC rules.
- Ringside Physician: At least one qualified ringside physician must be present at ringside throughout the contest. The physician has the authority to recommend stoppage of the bout for medical reasons.
- Timekeeper: The official timekeeper shall keep time for each round, rest periods, and knockdown counts. The timekeeper shall signal the start and end of each round.
Cornermen (Seconds)
Each contestant is permitted no more than four (4) cornermen (seconds) during the bout. Only one second may enter the ring between rounds. Seconds must vacate the ring before the start of each round and may not assist their contestant in any way during the round.