WBC Prexy Adds Weight Class Inspired By Bridger Walker

The World Boxing Council will add a new weight class which will be called “Bridger.” The name of the division is inspired by the courageous efforts of a six-year-old boy named Bridger Walker who came to the defense of his sister, stepping in between a German Shepherd and his young sibling last July 9.

Walker’s valiant effort took the internet by storm and now WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman seems to have drawn inspiration for it.

For those who missed it, a lengthy Instagram post on the story of the Walker family can be found here.

As for boxing, the WBC is likely to draw another round of criticism for adding yet another weight class. Most have lashed out at the boxing body for having too many world titles.

One person who is critical about this is Floyd Mayweather Jr., who argues that having another weight class would make it more confusing for the sport's stakeholders.

Regardless of the criticism, Sulaiman defended the decision to add the "Bridger" bracket. In this division, fighters will have a weight limit of 200-224 pounds, Boxingscene reported.

Sulaiman pointed out how some boxers have grown in weight though there were fighters who fought under that weight range in the past. The list includes Evander Holyfield, Chris Byrd and Alexander Povetkin.

"We have decided to create a new division called Bridger, as it is the bridge necessary to serve the large number of boxers who are between 200 and 224-pounds. This name is inspired by that hero of humanity, that six-year-old boy who heroically saved his four-year-old sister from an attack by a wild dog during the pandemic; yes, this new division is inspired by Bridger Walker," Sulaiman said.

While the intent appears to be good and somewhat a fine recognition of the heroic efforts of Bridger Walker, expect Mayweather and some other notable names to come out and air their piece.

Mayweather believes that boxing has now become all about the money, pointing out how title committees take three percent from the purses of the champions and challengers. The IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO charge promoters a flat fee for sanctioning title fights.