Many people mistakenly believe that boxers in the welterweight class are lightweights or middleweights.
Fortunately, this page offers all the information you need to know about the welterweight division, including rankings of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time and an accurate explanation of what welterweight means.
Stop swiping and let’s go straight into the highlights of the welterweight division!
What is Welterweight in Boxing?
The welterweight class or division in boxing is a weight class for fighters who weigh less than a particular amount. Professional welterweight boxers are limited to weights of 147 pounds (67 kilograms) or less. The welterweight division in professional boxing lies between the lightweight and middleweight divisions.
Comparing boxers in this class to those in lighter or heavier classes, it is also believed that they possess a good combination of power, speed, and agility. In other words, welterweight boxers are neither large enough to be categorized as junior middleweights nor overweight enough to be considered lightweights.
Note that even as the welterweight division can be challenging and competitive, they also train with heavier boxers in light contact sparring and equally lower weight for speed training. Now, look at the list of the best boxers in this division based on rankings.
The Top 10 Best Welterweight Boxers of Today
Below are the best welterweight boxers of today:
Alexis Rocha
Country: USA
Record: 23-2, 15 KO
Alexis Rocha is an American professional boxer in the welterweight class, He hails from Santa Ana, California. Born on July 7, 1997, he is 26 years old, though he is yet to win a significant world title.
At the age of 18, Alexis Rocha made his professional boxing debut defeating Jordan Rosario via third-round knockout on March 4, 2016.
Rocha has won about 15 straight games ever since, with nine of them coming through stoppage. Although he experienced two defeats in his professional boxing career, he remains a strong contender in the welterweight class.
On March 30, 2024, came his most recent match, Rocha went ahead to defeat the Ghanaian boxer Fredrick Lawson through knockout during round seven. In as much as he is among the rising stars in welterweight boxing, Rocha is not giving up and is committed to becoming the very best in the division.
Egidijus Kavaliauskas
Country: Lithuania
Record: 24-2-1, 19 KO
The professional boxer Egidijus Kavaliauskas, also known as “Mean Machine” was born on June 29, 1988, in Kaunas, Lithuania. He is 35 years old.
Kavaliauskas has a remarkable record yet he has not won a significant world championship in the welterweight class. Kavaliauskas made his professional debut by defeating Eridanni Leon through unanimous decision following four rounds on March 16, 2013, at the age of 24.
After that he went on to rule the ring, winning 20 straight bouts, 17 of which ended in a stoppage. On December 14, 2019, the 31 years old Kavaliauskas competed in 22 professional fights, He went up against Terence Crawford for the WBO title, and this brought about his first chance to win a world championship. Although he has superior talents, he was defeated by TKO in the ninth round against Crawford.
Though he has only lost twice in his career, he still goes into the welterweight division with a strong attitude. Kavaliauskas defeated Mykal Fox an American boxer In his most recent fight, which took place on October 8, 2022, via unanimous decision after 10 rounds.
Kavaliauskas will always be a contender to be considered as one of the top welterweight boxers through his boxing skills.
Mario Barrios
Country: USA
Record: 29-2, 18 KO
Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, United States, Mario Barrios also known as “El Azteca” a 28-year-old professional boxer was born on May 18, 1995. Formerly he was a world super-lightweight champion.
At the age of 18 Barrios made his professional boxing debut on November 11, 2013, by defeating Rigoberto Moreno by first-round TKO.
Barrios went on to win 25 straight fights with 16 of them being by stoppage. On September 28, 2019, Barrios fought 24 times professionally, he took on Batyr Akhmedov for the vacant WBA (Regular) super-lightweight title.
He won the fight via unanimous decision after 12 rounds. Though Barrios has suffered two defeats in his boxing career, he is still a powerful opponent.
It might interest you to know that Barrios was a former super-lightweight world champion and now a contender in the welterweight class, He keeps showcasing his abilities and establishing himself as one of the top welterweight boxers in the sport.
Shakhram Giyasov
Country: Uzbekistan
Record: 15-0, 9 KO
Shakhram Giyasov is a professional boxer and among the top welterweight boxers, he was born in Uzbekistan on July 7, 1993, and he has over six years of experience in professional boxing beneath his belt.
Shakhram Giyasov first came into professional boxing in March 2018, and right now he is ranked by The Ring at the eighth position, then second by the WBO, fifteenth by the IBF, eleventh by the WBC, and first by the WBA.
Giyasov’s fighting style is that of an orthodox, conventional posture and his attack is mostly around his superior right hand.
David Avanesyan
Country: Russia
Record: 30-4-1, 18 KO
David Avanesyan, a Russian professional boxer better known by his stage name as “Ava,” was born in Pyatigorsk, Stavropol Krai, Soviet Union on August 15, 1988.
He is known for having been a previous world champion at welterweight. On June 12, 2009, Avanesyan, being 20 years old, made his professional boxing debut by defeating Vazgen Agadzhanyan by unanimous decision after four rounds.
Even though he lost to Lamont Peterson on February 18, 2017, when he was 28 years old, for the WBA (Regular) title, David Avanesyan is still a tough fighter in the welterweight division. As much as he went through defeats, four times in his professional boxing career, he is still a strong contender.
Amazingly, he’s still one of the best welterweight fighters in the world, chasing redemption and the chance to claim titles once more.
Cody Crowley
Country: Canada
Record: 22-0, 9 KO
Professional boxer Cody Crowley, aka “The Crippler,” was born on March 25, 1993, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. His age is thirty-one. Even though he has an incredible record, Crowley has failed to secure a big world championship in the welterweight division.
He made his professional debut on June 28, 2014, at age 21, when he defeated Ronnie Peterson via TKO in the second round.
Amazingly, Crowley has a perfect and outstanding record as a professional boxer. He defeated American boxer Abel Ramos on March 25, 2023, via majority decision after ten rounds of action.
As he advances through the ranks, Crowley remains one of the sport’s top welterweight fighters and is ready to establish himself on the world championship scene.
Giovani Santillan
Country: USA
Record: 32-0, 17 KO
Giovani Santillan, often known as “Gallo de Oro,” is a 32-year-old American professional boxer who was born in San Diego, California, on December 4, 1991. Despite having a stellar career, Santillan has not yet taken home a major world title in the welterweight division.
At the age of 20, on May 11, 2012, he made his professional debut by defeating Imarjoe Miller by unanimous decision after four rounds.
Interestingly, Santillan has a remarkable record and has never lost a fight in his professional boxing career. Santillan beat his fellow American boxer Alexis Rocha on October 21, 2023, through a sixth-round knockout during his fight recently.
Santillan is still a strong competitor among the top fighters in the welterweight division and is ever ready to make a difference on the championship front as he fights to become better in the ring.
Jaron Ennis
Country: USA
Record: 31-0, 28 KO
Title: IBF
Jaron Ennis aka “Boots” is an American professional boxer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 26th of June, 1997. Jaron Ennis boasts of an outstanding career, yet he hasn’t won a significant world title in the welterweight class.
At the age of 18, on April 30, 2016, he began his professional career with a dominant first-round knockout victory over Cory Muldrew.
Jaron Ennis the professional boxer boasts an incredible winning streak of 25 straight victories, 23 of which were stoppages. But in his fighting career as a professional, Ennis has never lost a fight. Notably, On July 8, 2023, he beat Roman Villa, a boxer from Colombia, by knockout in the tenth round of their most recent match.
Jaron Ennis is a standout in the welterweight division thanks to his incredible performances and undefeated record. His achievements have allowed him to advance through the ranks swiftly.
Errol Spence Jr
Country: USA
Record: 28-1, 22 KO
Errol Spence Jr, a 34-year-old professional boxer also known as”The Truth,” hails from the United States and was born on March 3, 1990, in Long Island, New York.
He is known for having been a previous world champion at welterweight. He made his professional boxing debut on November 9, 2012, against Jonathan Garcia, winning by knockout in the third round.
Spence Jr had a stellar record throughout his career, having prevailed in 27 straight bouts, 21 of which were stoppages. On May 27, 2017, he knocked out Kell Brook in the eleventh round to win the IBF welterweight title, earning his first world title.
Errol Spence Jr has an impressive and remarkable resume as a two-time unified world champion in the welterweight class with three world titles in the welterweight class.
Indeed, he has only lost once in his professional boxing career, yet Spence Jr. continues to be one of the top welterweight fighters and is committed to fighting his way to the top of the class as he overcomes obstacles.
Terence Crawford
Country: USA
Record: 40-0, 31 KO
Title: WBC, WBA, WBO
American professional boxer Terence Crawford popularly known by his nickname “Bud,” was born on September 28, 1987, in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a 36-year-old. As the current WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring welterweight world champion, Crawford has an outstanding resume that includes victories in three different weight classes.
On the 14th of March 2008, at the age of 20, he defeated Brian Cummings making his professional debut via first-round knockout. On March 1, 2014, at the age of 26, Crawford won his first world title by defeating Ricky Burns in a 12-round unanimous decision to win the lightweight WBO belt.
Throughout his successful career, Crawford has amassed an impressive total of 12 world titles over three weight classes, including two undisputed world championships at welterweight and super-lightweight, as well as a unified super-lightweight world championship.
On July 29, 2023, Crawford defeated fellow American boxer Errol Spence Jr. for the welterweight undisputed championship title via TKO in the ninth round.
With this victory, he successfully defended the WBO title and won the vacant titles of The Ring, WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF, establishing himself as the unchallenged welterweight world champion.
Crawford, one of the greatest welterweight fighters of his generation, has won numerous championships and left a lasting impression on the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Number of Rounds in Welterweight Boxing?
A professional boxing battle can run up to twelve rounds, with men's rounds lasting three minutes and women's rounds lasting two minutes. Usually, four to 10 rounds are fought, depending on the skill levels of the boxers.
What makes it Welterweight?
The term was first used in writing in 1831 to describe a heavyweight horseman. By 1896, it had changed to mean a boxer or wrestler of a specific weight. This definition can be traced to the term welter, which dates back to the 15th century and has been used to designate a heavyweight horseman or boxer since 1804. It is likely derived from the word welt, which means to beat severely.
What does Boxing's Rehydration Clause say?
A boxer could put a clause in the contract saying that neither fighter can go above a certain weight limit overnight to counteract such an advantage. This is a rehydration clause, meaning that both boxers must participate in another weigh-in the next morning.
What is Welterweight in Kilograms?
Boxers weighing 64–69 kg are allowed to compete in the welterweight class. Fighters competing in the middleweight division must weigh between 70 and 73 kg, while those competing in the light heavyweight division must weigh more than 76 kg but less than 80 kg.
In what Weight Class did Mike Tyson Compete?
Tyson weighed in at 220.4 pounds for his final exhibition fight in 2020, which was also classified as a heavyweight fight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the welterweight class is full of exceptional fighters with unmatched strength, quickness, and agility. We adore the fact that these boxers are not slowing down. Even though it is obvious that the battle for the top spot won’t be simple given the caliber of competitors like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., and others, the boxing world will always endure.