World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman has announced the new 224lbs weight division will be named after six-year-old Bridger Walker, who was injured while risking his life to protect his younger sister from a dog attack.
The division, ‘Bridgerweight’, was proposed to the WBC during this year’s convention by long-time matchmaker Don Majeski and will see the current cruiserweight limit drop back down to 190lbs, with an upper limit of 16st (224lbs) for the newly-created category.
“We have decided to create a new division inspired by the hero of humanity, just six years old, who saved the life of his little sister.” said Sulaiman, in an interview with the Herald of Mexico.
“10 years ago the WBC decided to move the limit of the cruiserweight division from 190 to 200 pounds, considering the weight of the athletes, since they have undoubtedly grown in an extremely impressive way. The highest division, heavyweight, means the highest glory, as the world champion in this category has been traditionally recognized as the most important athlete in the world, the invincible one, the gladiator.
“We have decided to create a new division called Bridger, as it is the bridge necessary to serve the large number of boxers who are between 200 and 224-pounds. This name is inspired by that hero of humanity, that six-year-old boy who heroically saved his four-year-old sister from an attack by a wild dog during the pandemic; yes, this new division is inspired by Bridger Walker.”
The move has attracted widespread criticism from across the boxing world, with fans and media alike questioning the need for another division in the sport. So far, it is unclear as to whether the remaining governing bodies will follow suit and implement a new division of their own.