What Is The Lonsdale Belt? Hedges vs Brown Puts It In Play on Saturday

What to Know John Hedges and Pat Brown face off on Saturday, September 19, for vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles, along with the WBA/IBF International belts, at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. The DAZN broadcast begins at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Stakes are high for the winner, including the prestigious Lonsdale Belt.

What is the Lonsdale Belt and why is it so prestigious? Established in 1909 by Hugh Lowther, the Fifth Earl of Lonsdale, the Lonsdale Belt is the oldest and most coveted prize in British professional boxing. Regulated by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), it is awarded exclusively for the British championship in each weight division. Often, the Commonwealth belt is also contested on the same night, but the Lonsdale Belt stands apart.

Only 161 boxers have won a Lonsdale Belt outright across all weight classes since its inception. In 2013, the BBBofC introduced the Lonsdale Badge to honor the prestige of outright winners, who may wear it on their trunks. Lauren Price became the first female Lonsdale Belt winner in 2023. Current holders include Dalton Smith, Richard Riakporhe, and George Liddard.

To maintain the Lonsdale Belt permanently, a boxer must win four British championship fights, including one mandatory defense ordered by the BBBofC. Prior to 1999, only three victories were required. The fighter must also make their first defense within six months of receiving the belt. Once a fighter successfully defends the belt four times, they become the permanent Lonsdale Belt holder.

The Lonsdale Belt is made of 22-carat gold and adorned with enamel panels representing the four home nations of the United Kingdom. Currently, the BBBofC commissions the belts from Thomas Fattorini Ltd., costing £14,000 ($18,698 USD). The belt's craftsmanship, history, and strict requirements make it a prized achievement, often considered more significant than a world title by British boxers.