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Bantamweight is a weight class in combat sports and weightlifting. For boxing, the range is above 115lb (52.2kg) and up to 118lb (53.5kg). In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between 53 and 55 kilograms (117 and 121lb). In MMA, bantamweight is 126–135lb (57.2–61.2kg).
The first gloved world title fight in this division was fought between George Dixon and Nunc Wallace on June 27, 1890, with Dixon winning and thus becoming the inaugural world bantamweight champion. At the time, the limit for this weight class was 110 pounds. In 1910, however, the British settled on a limit of 118.[2]
From 2018 to 2019, an eight-man tournament called the World Boxing Super Series was held to determine the best bantamweight in the world. The tournament was won by Naoya Inoue, who defeated Nonito Donaire in the final.
On December 13, 2022, Naoya Inoue became the first undisputed champion of the division in the four-belt era.
Below is a list of longest reigning bantamweight champions in boxing measured by the individual's longest reign. Career total time as champion (for multiple time champions) does not apply.
In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between 53kg (116lb) and 55kg (120lb). However, some governing bodies have slightly different classes. For example, the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) Bantamweight division (professional and amateur) is 117.1lbs.–122lbs. or 53.22kg–55.45kg.
In ONE Championship, the bantamweight division limit is 65.8kg (145lb).
Bare-knuckle boxing
The bantamweight division limit generally differs among bare-knuckle boxing promotions:
In MMA, bantamweight is usually 126–135 pounds (57.2–61.2kg). In ONE Championship, the bantamweight division limit is 65.8kg (145lb). In Shooto, the limit is 56 kg (123.4 lb).
Current champions
These tables were last updated in December of 2025.
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