Section 4: Players & Officials
Weight Divisions
The IBF recognizes 17 weight divisions for professional boxing competition:
- Mini Flyweight (Strawweight): Up to 105 lbs (47.63 kg)
- Junior Flyweight (Light Flyweight): Up to 108 lbs (48.99 kg)
- Flyweight: Up to 112 lbs (50.80 kg)
- Junior Bantamweight (Super Flyweight): Up to 115 lbs (52.16 kg)
- Bantamweight: Up to 118 lbs (53.52 kg)
- Junior Featherweight (Super Bantamweight): Up to 122 lbs (55.34 kg)
- Featherweight: Up to 126 lbs (57.15 kg)
- Junior Lightweight (Super Featherweight): Up to 130 lbs (58.97 kg)
- Lightweight: Up to 135 lbs (61.24 kg)
- Junior Welterweight (Super Lightweight): Up to 140 lbs (63.50 kg)
- Welterweight: Up to 147 lbs (66.68 kg)
- Junior Middleweight (Super Welterweight): Up to 154 lbs (69.85 kg)
- Middleweight: Up to 160 lbs (72.57 kg)
- Super Middleweight: Up to 168 lbs (76.20 kg)
- Light Heavyweight: Up to 175 lbs (79.38 kg)
- Cruiserweight: Up to 200 lbs (90.72 kg)
- Heavyweight: Over 200 lbs (no upper limit)
IBF Rankings
The IBF maintains a list of 15 ranked contenders in each weight division. Historically, the IBF was notable for employing a computer-generated ranking system that assigned points based on quality of opposition, results, and activity level, reducing the potential for subjective bias. The rankings committee now uses a hybrid approach incorporating computerized data, committee evaluation, and activity requirements. Boxers must remain active (fighting at least once within 12 months) to maintain their ranking.
Referee
The referee is the sole authority inside the ring during competition. The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules, protecting the safety of both boxers, scoring knockdowns, issuing warnings and point deductions, and stopping the contest when necessary. In IBF championship bouts, the referee does not score the bout — this task is reserved exclusively for the three ringside judges. The referee is selected by the IBF in consultation with the local commission.
Judges
Three judges are assigned to score each IBF championship bout using the 10-point must scoring system. Judges must be licensed, experienced, and approved by both the IBF and the local athletic commission. The three judges are positioned on three separate sides of the ring to ensure varied viewing angles and reduce the likelihood of systemic scoring bias. No two judges may be seated on the same side of the ring.
Corner Personnel
Each boxer is permitted a maximum of four corner persons (chief second plus three assistants). Only the chief second may enter the ring between rounds. Corner personnel must hold valid licenses from the local commission. The chief second is responsible for the conduct of the entire corner team and may be penalized if corner persons interfere with the bout or violate commission rules.
Medical Personnel
A minimum of two licensed physicians must be present at ringside for all IBF championship bouts. At least one physician must be positioned immediately adjacent to the ring with unobstructed access. Paramedic or emergency medical technician teams with appropriate resuscitation equipment must also be on-site. An ambulance must be present at the venue throughout the event.