When New York legalized boxing in 1920, the law stipulated a "junior flyweight" class, with a weight limit of 99 pounds.
On December 31, 1929, the New York State Athletic Commission also abolished the junior flyweight class.
The World Boxing Association also crowned its first champion in 1975, when Jaime Rios defeated Rigoberto Marcano via fifteen-round decision.
The first International Boxing Federation champion was Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who won the belt in 1983.
Their rematch, on February 19, 1994, was the first time a light flyweight fighter (Carbajal) made a million dollar purse.