Addressing the most common counter argument is how I’m approaching this. One of the biggest reasons you hear there shouldn’t be a reduction of weight classes is that fewer boxers will be able to become champions, especially those who couldn’t comfortably make the weight class above or below. This is true of course but I don’t think this is a convincing argument for me.

You could add more weight classes and some boxers would definetly benefit and become champions in these classes. Great, but with all these new champions audiences going to be split and purses between these champions will probably be relatively lower than now. Will these new champions get as much respect or fame? I think most of us would say not nearly as much. Would the general public like boxing more when it seems even more complicated and champion less meaningful? I think it would probably decrease the popularity of boxing and hurt the sport.

I say all that to say that cutting the number of classes imo, may cause the opposite. Yes there would be fewer champions but being champion would suddenly be much more meaningful. Those champions would likely end up being paid more and more popular. Boxers who want to go pro may find even more motivation than before, even if they don’t perfectly fit a weight class. The general public might gravitate more towards these more prestigious champions in simple weight classes. With more boxers crowding a weight class and higher stakes you may see more big fights.

I also sometimes see people saying this would cause more dangerous fights due to cutting weight, but I see this as a separate issue. An issue solved by same day weigh ins and/or weigh ins leading up to the fight.