The World Boxing Council announced that there will be a new weight division in boxing. In a statement earlier in the year, it said that it was considering a new weight division, with former cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, leading the committee.

The new division is now confirmed, and the weight category for the new unnamed division is 190-224 pounds. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman explained the need for the division and what it entails.

Speaking to FightHype.com on YouTube, Sulaiman responded to questions on some people hating the new division by taking a dig at Mike Coppinger, after their debate on the multiple belts situation.

“I don’t know who seems to hate it. You must be talking to the same guys that Mike Coppinger talks [to].

The president said, “In the industry, if you talk to the doctors and if you talk to the fighters, then you will get a different view. I have been talking to several fighters, and they are enthused and they are happy.

“There is a limit, weight limit from 175 to 200 pounds. The light-heavyweight is 175, the cruiser-weight is 200. And we have Data that we have been researching and studying for many years. This is nothing new.”

What does this mean for the current heavyweight division in boxing?

Mauricio Sulaiman even touched on this topic. He said, “There is a good solid number of fighters the cruiser-weight and the smaller heavyweights that could create a great activity without having to give [away] an advantage.”

The outspoken president added, “The reality is, Tyson Fury is 270, [Anthony] Joshua 250-255, you have very large heavyweights.” 

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Sulaiman also gave an update on how it would work. He said, “What we’re going to have is one year grace period in which fighters will be selecting which one to compete [in].”

However, he then confirmed that it does not restrict any fighters from challenging a heavyweight.

“A fighter who is below the 224, will certainly be eligible to fight against the heavyweights. It’s just a matter that there are many fighters giving up too much weight in light-heavyweight, and cruiser-weight, and then in the heavyweight division.”

Speaking on the popularity of the move, Sulaiman said, “It is not popular as you say, but nothing that we do is popular when it starts. When we changed from 15 to 12 rounds, it was an unbelievable outrage.

“When we change the day of the weigh-in, it was an outrage. So we’re used to being the punching bag and I’m happy to take [it] from whoever doesn’t like these things.”

How will it work in the sport?

When asked if this new division will affect the historic heavyweight division, Sulaiman denied saying: “The 224 has not changed whatsoever. That is the heavyweight championship of the world. The new division will have a different name.

“A new name, it’s not a super-cruiser-weight or any kind of name. The heavyweight remains to be the top championship of the fighters.”

Ultimately, this is how the new 18th division in boxing will look like. The weight limit for light-heavyweight will remain the same. The new weight limit for cruiserweight will change to 175-190 pounds. The new division will be at 190-224 and finally, the heavyweight will remain the same.

As with other changes, there will be pros and cons to this change. However, it may give a new dimension to the sport, and more opportunities for fighters. It will be interesting to see which fighters pick to go down and which will stay in heavyweight.