The Light Welterweight class in the boxing competition was the sixth-lowest weight class. Light welterweights were limited to those boxers weighing a maximum of 63.5 kilograms (139.9 lbs). 35 boxers qualified for this category. Like all Olympic boxing events, the competition was a straight single-elimination tournament. Both semifinal losers were awarded bronze medals, so no boxers competed again after their first loss. Bouts consisted of six rounds each. Five judges scored each bout.