heavyweight

plural heavyweights

1. A very large, heavy, or impressive person.

   an intellectual heavyweight

   2 more examples

   When Time magazine named Ann Coulter among its 100 "most influential people" last week, alongside such heavyweights as Ariel Sharon, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Kim Jong Il and the Dalai Lama, the choice produced guffaws online.

   2005 April 19, Eric Boehlert, “Time hearts Ann Coulter”, in Salon, archived from the original on 17 May 2006

   Allen Gregory DeLongpre: Who's he? Patrick: He's only the most popular kid in school. Allen Gregory: Ah, the two heavyweights finally meet. Sure you're tired of all the buzz. Allen Gregory DeLongpre.

   2011 Allen Gregory, "Pilot" (season 1, episode 1)

2. uncountableboxingThe professional boxing weight class for boxers weighing more than 190 pounds; a boxer in that division.

   1 more example

   So Ukraine is on the ropes. Using that boxing metaphor, one immediately thinks of the new world heavyweight champion, the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who was seemingly down and out under the ferocious assault of the giant Tyson Fury, but then came back to win on points at the end of a brutal 12 rounds.

   2024 May 24, Timothy Garton Ash, “Ukraine can still recover with bolder western support – but right now it’s on the ropes”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 14 Dec 2024

3. broadlyuncountableA similar division and contestant in other sports.

1. not comparableOf the heavyweight boxing (or similar) division.
2. not comparableBeing relatively heavy.
3. not comparableBeing a leader in one's field.
4. not comparableImportant or impressive.

   The Olympics, the weather and a comparative lack of heavyweight clashes so far this season have been cited as reasons for the drop in viewers.

   2016 October 24, Owen Gibson, “Is the unthinkable happening – are people finally switching the football off?”, in The Guardian, London

   1 more example

   In recent years, much has been made of the lack of new heavyweight male star power in mainstream Hollywood. Talented performers may be everywhere, but Movie Stars, capital M, capital S, are something else.

   2021 February 9, Christina Newland, “Is Tom Hanks part of a dying breed of genuine movie stars?”, in BBC