This division was established in 1961, when the Austrian Board of Control recognized a fight between Emile Griffith and Teddy Wright for the "world" championship.
Three days later, the World Boxing Association championship was created when Denny Moyer outpointed Joey Giambra.
The International Boxing Federation crowned its first champion when Mark Medal defeated Earl Hargrove in 1984.
The World Boxing Organization crowned its first champion when John David Jackson defeated Lupe Aquino in 1988.
Popular boxers to have held championships in this division were Nino Benvenuti, Canelo Álvarez, Manny Pacquiao, Wilfred Benítez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Miguel Cotto, Thomas Hearns, Mike McCallum, Julian Jackson, Roberto Durán, Terry Norris, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Zab Judah and Winky Wright.