AIBA has added three new men's weight categories and two new women's categories to its competitions ©Getty Images

The details of additional weight classes for International Boxing Association (AIBA) competitions from August 1 have been announced.

The AIBA Board of Directors has voted to increase the number of men's weight categories from 10 to 13, and women's from 10 to 12.

In a move signalled by the AIBA President Umar Kremlev at his press appearance in Lausanne last Monday (June 28), the proposal was presented by AIBA secretary general István Kovács during his report to the Board.

Kovács stressed that AIBA had undertaken a widespread consultation of stakeholders in men's and women's boxing before discussing and agreeing on the new weight classes during the Board meeting.

"We believe this step will allow a greater pool of boxers to participate in the respective weight categories where they feel most strong and comfortable," Kovács said.

"We have collected all proposals from National Federations, as well as from respected AIBA Committees.

"Each voice was heard.

"This innovation will help boxing to develop from grassroots to elite."

The upper limit in the minimum weight for men was reduced from 49 kilograms to 48kg and the super-heavyweight category starts from 92kg and has no limits.

The upper limit in the minimum weight for women remains the same at 48kg and the heavyweight weight class remains the same at over-81kg.

The changes have been made for the safety of boxers by ensuring easier weight-management and equal fighting, AIBA said.

AIBA has added two more weight categories for women to its competitions from August 1 onwards ©Getty Images
AIBA has added two more weight categories for women to its competitions from August 1 onwards ©Getty Images

For men, minimumweight now constitutes 46kg to 48kg, and the other 12 weight limits are 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg and the super-heavyweight class.

The women’s competition the classes are 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, and the heavyweight over-81kg division.

Kremlev added: "We are implementing this crucial change now whilst widespread reform of AIBA’s whole competition structure is in process.

"I truly believe we must deliver more opportunities to our athletes; the new divisions will encourage more people from various countries to take up boxing, and allow more nations to win medals.

"The more medals we have, the more governments will pay attention to our sport and fund it around the globe."