light heavyweight

noun

: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 175 pounds for professionals and 178 pounds for amateurs compare heavyweight, middleweight

Examples of light heavyweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Daniel Cormier and Alex Pereira appear to have a good relationship, but the former used a strong word to describe the former UFC light heavyweight and middleweight champion. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 Pereira won the light heavyweight belt, defeating Jiří Procházka in November 2023. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 But after that, Kovalev had quite a run, stopping Nathan Cleverly in 2013 for a light heavyweight title, knocking down and then shutting out Bernard Hopkins the next year to unify a pair of 175-pound belts, and beating Jean Pascal twice in 2015 and 2016. Josh Katzowitz, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Men’s light heavyweight fight: Zhang Mingyang vs. No. 15 Anthony Smith (first round TKO) Men’s welterweight fight: No. 7 Ian Machado Garry vs. No. 13 Carlos Prates (unanimous decision) This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 12:04 AM. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for light heavyweight

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light heavyweight was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Light heavyweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20heavyweight. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

light heavyweight

noun
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 175 pounds

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