Expert: Alan Kahn - 5/4/2004

Question
I have several questions regarding weight. What are the weight divisions in amatuer boxing? What is a good weight for someone who is 5'10? I have been told 150lbs cut? Is this accurate?

Answer
Hi Johnathan,

The 11 weight classes of Amateur Boxing ( for the Olympics..) are:

106 lbs,
112 lbs,      
19  lbs,
125 lbs,      
132 lbs,      
141 lbs,
152 lbs      
165 lbs      
178 lbs       
201 lbs      
201+lbs.

Check http://www.amateurboxing.com/  for a lot of information about amateur boxing.

As for Height-to-Weight charts check here:

http://www.healthchecksystems.com/heightweightchart.htm


Their Weight Chart for Men is:

Weight in pounds, based on ages 25-59 with the lowest mortality rate (indoor clothing weighing 5 pounds and shoes with 1" heels) Click here to calculate frame size

Height
Small Frame
Medium Frame
Large Frame

5'2"
128-134
131-141
138-150

5'3"
130-136
133-143
140-153

5'4"
132-138
135-145
142-156

5'5"
134-140
137-148
144-160

5'6"
136-142
139-151
146-164

5'7"
138-145
142-154
149-168

5'8"
140-148
145-157
152-172

5'9"
142-151
148-160
155-176
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
YOU :

5'10"
144-154 Small frame ( perfect )
151-163 medium frame ( Perfect )
158-180 Large Frame.  ( a little light at 150lbs)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

5'11"
146-157
154-166
161-184

6'0"
149-160
157-170
164-188

6'1"
152-164
160-174
168-192

6'2"
155-168
164-178
172-197

6'3"
158-172
167-182
176-202

6'4"
162-176
171-187
181-207


*Ideal Weights according to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company tables (1983)

You can also see on this link how to calculate your Frame Size
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your Estimate of 5'10  & 150lbs fits perfectly into the small and medium frame listing. For you individually this weight may depend on if it is close to your normal, comfortable weight, or do you have to GAIN to get there, or LOSE to get their. Gaining and Losing 8-10 pounds or more could really effect your performance, stamina, strength and speed. if you are going to compete, try to fight at your most comfortable weight where you are fast and strong without starving or stuffing yourself. Remember you will be losing a lot of water weight during training.   

You may also want to ask a few dietitions about this.

Maybe here:

http://www.allexperts.com/getExpert.asp?Category=939

or

http://www.allexperts.com/browse.asp?Meta=540

Good luck in your boxing efforts and please train safely.  Get a good coach and I hope you enjoy the sport and activity. Don't hesitate to ask again if you feel I can assist you further.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible