Bantamweight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bantamweight

[หˆbรฆn.tษ™m.weษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports category

Bantamweight refers to a weight class in professional boxing and mixed martial arts that is typically for fighters weighing between 115 to 118 pounds (52.2 to 53.5 kg). The term is used to categorize athletes to ensure fair competition based on weight. Bantamweight divisions exist in both male and female competitions, and they feature some of the fastest and most agile fighters. This category has gained popularity, leading to numerous championship titles and exciting matches in various combat sports.

Synonyms

boxing weight class, combat sports category.

Examples of usage

  • She won the bantamweight championship last night.
  • The bantamweight fighters are known for their speed.
  • He moved up from flyweight to bantamweight.
  • The bantamweight division is always competitive.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In boxing, there are multiple sanctioning bodies, and each may have slightly different bantamweight limits, often ranging from 118 to 126 pounds.
  • Many successful boxers have come from this weight class, including legends like Eder Jofre and Carlos Zarate.
  • Bantamweight fighters are noted for their speed and agility, often allowing for dynamic and fast-paced bouts.

Pop Culture

  • The bantamweight category has been popularized in films and television, often showcasing the underdog theme where smaller fighters achieve greatness.
  • Video games like 'Fight Night' series and others feature bantamweight fighters, allowing players to explore this category.
  • Notable fictional characters, such as those in anime and comics, have been portrayed as bantamweights, emphasizing the idea that size doesnโ€™t determine strength.

Health & Fitness

  • Training for the bantamweight class requires a focus on speed, technique, and cardiovascular fitness, often leading to unique training regimens.
  • Diet is crucial for bantamweight fighters; they must balance caloric intake while maintaining their weight, which can lead to innovative meal plans.
  • This weight class is a reminder of how determination often triumphs over sheer physicality in sports.

Origin of 'bantamweight'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bantam' originally referred to a small breed of chicken, which is known for being feisty despite its small size.
  • In the early 1900s, 'bantamweight' was coined as a weight class for boxers to promote competition among lighter weights.
  • The term has roots in the Dutch word 'bantam,' meaning diminutive or small.

The term 'bantamweight' originated from the 19th-century, derived from the word 'bantam', which refers to a small breed of chicken. The connection likely came from the idea of categorizing fighters by weight, similar to how certain breeds of animals are classified. The bantam weight class became recognized in boxing around the early 1900s, with the first bantamweight championship title being established in 1889. Over the years, this weight class has evolved, with various organizations defining specific weight limits. The bantamweight division has produced many notable fighters and continues to be a vital segment of professional combat sports, celebrated for its blend of speed, agility, and skill.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,035, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.