Lalonde/Leonard vs Dawson/Ward

[ross]

How is it that Leonard was able to collect 175 tin when the title holder had to make 168? Super middleweight was a brand new division and Leonard was boxing's tit. The WBC had just announced the division and Donny was the champ at 175. A fight was offered to Lalonde for a Leonard comeback with the stipulation that he make 168. He accepted and the Wbc sanctioning body for both titles looked the other way.

Had Dawson convinced Ward to 170 then it could have been arranged I am sure that both titles would be on the line. Forcing Dawson to 168 eliminates 175. The Wba may have pulled out also and the winner would have been put in the same position as Martinez was.

Does a fighter have to make a minimum weight for any division though? If they dont then Dawsons light heavy title could be on the line?

I think anyone of anyweight can challenge for the heavy title.

I cant seem to find a definitive rule. I am pretty sure you have to weigh a pound over you normal weigh in max to challenge a division higher. I'm quite sure a lightweight cant challenge a heavyweight and would have to make 141 to fight at welter. I know safety cut offs exist but cant find them.

In the original 8 days it sure didn't seem to matter.

Hmmmm, im sure when Jones fought Ruiz, that it was mentioned somewhere that he could fight him at whatever weight he wanted. If thatsthe case then Dawson could be defending his light heavyweight title against Ward and also be challenging for Wards super middle title. Im sure there is no minimum weight rule.