As far as I know these catch weight fights are a relatively recent development. Maybe someone better versed on the history can elaborate on that. At any rate, They definitely have become more and more prevalent.

Also, it seems to me that at first titles were never on the line for these fights, but now suddenly they can be. Was the Pac v Cotto fight the first? Again please inform, all you boxing history buffs.

History aside, remarks have been made about the merits of these fights, and I wanted to take a pole to see if there is a consensus of opinion.

wasn't there a classic thread about a pole before?

I guess I missed it if there was. How long ago was that?

Edit: I found it. from July, but didn't ask if titles should be on the line. Yes or No Poll regarding Catchweights

I think catchweights are a result of the pound for pound rankings and more so public interest. In my opinion they are good for boxing in a publicity sense at the moment considering the limited media exposure recieved compared to previous eras and the current state of the heavyweight division. (Speaking of heavyweight divisions, why is it fair for Haye to fight Valuev but not Pacquiao and Cotto?) In the long run though this diamond belt shit is going to hurt boxing. What's next? A belt for every pound? One of the main problems is that boxing needs all the attention it can get. Despite what many think there is a desperate lack of true superstars. English speaking, caricatures with distinct differences in style and, most importantly, personality, are needed to mix with the myriad of multicultural talent that is always found in boxing. However, the rise and rise of alphabet titles and the countless weight divisions are also hurting the sport. There are simply too many champions for the people to identify with. Money makes the world go round but it can also turn it upside down.

I voted for option #2. I just seems like BS to say you can win the WW title say, when both fighters had to come in at 145. Seems any top contender could claim that they could have beaten either of those fighters if they were at 147 while the opponent was at 145. So, how could that champion be the legitimate 147 champ!

I wonder about the ability to have 12 round fights if it's not for a belt though? I guess it's apparent that rules and and tradition are quite transient, so I suppose that doesn't matter either.

Also, while I like a lot of these fights that are being made, because they do keep things interesting; it would actually be refreshing to see someone try to unify and dominate a division for the long haul.

Catch weights can be interesting, never for a belt though, the idea to have such for a class of weight that doesn't exist is plain stupid. Next belt they will create; the regular belt championship for those who normally fight catchweight and wins very often in the regular categories

I don't really see the point in catchweights. If you aren't able to make the weights that we have then you should stay in the divisions you are most comfortable in. In the most recent instances, Mayweather never even bothered to make the weight and there was no reason Cotto/Pac could not have been at 147.

Catchweights just add a murky element to boxing that I am not all that comfortable with. I like a fight and for there to be no questions asked about the merits of the winner.