The Super Middleweight Division came into being to stay in 1984, but the journey before that began as early as the 1060's. The World Athletic Association, whose authority was ignored by virtually everyone, including the vital newspapers, as well as most state boxing commissions.

Three original champions of the WAA, Gene Fullmer, Buster Douglas, and Wimpy Halstead, won titles in the middleweights, heavyweights, and the 167 pound junior lightheavy weights, respectively. Unfortunately, for the three "title houlders", newspapers didn't bother covering the WAA bouts, nor did the vast majority of state commissions. 

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In 1984, however, the International Boxing Federation instituted yet another version of the Super Middleweights and anointed Murray Southerland as it's top dog after Sutherland defeated Ernie Singletary in the inaugural SMW bout. 

The World Boxing Association followed, in 1987 by crowning Chong Pal Park as the lineal champion as well as their Super Middleweight Division main man. Park became champion after defeating Jesus Gallardo. Ironically, Park had been the  IBF title holder, but abdicated the position in order to join what he viewed as a more prestigious organization.

 Last but not least, the World Boxing Council matched Sugar Ray Leonard against Donny LaLonde, a fight that Leonard won to become the WBC super middleweight king. 

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From that point on, the division won over even the most vociferous opponents due to so many outstanding boxers competing in it. Rivalries like Nigel Benn versus Chris Eubank, Joe Calzghe versus Mikkel Kessler, and Andre Ward versus Carl Froch thrilled boxing fans and cemented the division's standing among the boxing community.

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