THE WBC has announced a new weight class that will be named in honour of a child who was savaged in a dog attack.
Heroic six-year-old Bridger Walker was mauled by the animal while protecting his younger sister.
Bridger Walker was awarded the WBC Honorary belt for his heroic action in protecting his sister in an attack by a dog
The youngster, from Wyoming in the US, saw the dog and then deliberately stood in front of his sister before the canine bit him on his left cheek on July 9.
The boy required 90 stitches on his face as a result of his injuries.
Now the WBC, who awarded Bridger their ‘Honorary Champion’ belt after hearing of the incident, are set to make history in his name.
President Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed they will start a new ‘Bridger’ weight class – it will come between cruiser and heavy.
It will have weight class limit cap of 200-224lbs.
Speaking to the Herald Of Mexico, as reported by Boxing Scene, Sulaiman said: “We have decided to create a new division inspired by the hero of humanity, just six years old, who saved the life of his little sister.
“Ten years ago the WBC decided to move the limit of the cruiserweight division from 190 to 200lbs, considering the weight of the athletes, since they have undoubtedly grown in an extremely impressive way.
“The highest division, heavyweight, means the highest glory, as the world champion in this category has been traditionally recognized as the most important athlete in the world, the invincible one, the gladiator.
Bridger Walker needed 90 stitches after he stood in front of his sister to protect her from the animal
Mauricio Sulaiman wants to bridge the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight
“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 224lbs.
“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.”
SunSport reported back in August how the WBC were considering the creation of a new weight class – with former cruiserweight world champ Tony Bellew leading the charge.
There was a growing feeling that heavyweight champions are increasingly resembling giant adonises like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – and that potential champions in the 200lbs to 225lbs category are missing out.
Oleksandr Usyk is the latest star to step up from cruiser to heavyweight, defeating Brit brawler Dereck Chisora last time out.
But many, including reigning WBC king Fury, think the Ukrainian will struggle in the land of the giants.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
