The world of boxing seems to be full of different kinds of champion. You can stand the "WBF Heavyweight Champion" next to the concurrent "WBA Heavyweight Champion," and both have clear claim to the title. It can be confusing. The concept of a "lineal champion" is intended to help clarify the situation.
Lineal Champion
The WBF champion is the best boxer in the World Boxing Foundation, and he may or may not ever get into the ring with the champion of the World Boxing Association. The lineal champion has a clearer claim to the title of the best boxer in a given weight class at any time. A boxer can become a lineal champion by beating the champions of other organizations at the same weight class, or by beating the current lineal champion.
History
Prior to the 1970s, the National Boxing Association and the New York State Athletic Commission were the only major boxing organizations, and they often pitted their champions against one another. Since that time, more successful sanctioning organizations and less cooperation led to numerous "champions" in various organizations. The concept of a lineal boxing champion appeared as a response.
Challenges
One problem with establishing a lineal champion is what happens when there is no such boxer. This happened when the concept was first introduced, and again every time a boxer retires, dies or changes weight classes. In the past, a tournament among top fighters would determine the new champion. Currently, the lineal champion is not an official title within any organization, but rather a designation determined by fans and statisticians.
Weight Classes
There is a lineal champion for each weight class in boxing, and it's not unusual for the lineal champion of one weight class to seek the title in another. The standard weight classes in boxing include Flyweight at under 113 lbs.; Bantamweight from 113 to 118 lbs.; Featherweights up to 126 lbs.; Lightweights up to 135 lbs.; Welterweights up to 147 lbs.; Middleweights up to 160 lbs.; Light Heavyweights up to 175 lbs. and Heavyweights, who must weight at least 200 lbs. As of 2011, Manny Pacquiao has the record for holding four separate lineal fighting titles.
Posted in: Boxing