Boxing
2025 Box Contenders: Who can win Fighter of the Year?
Published
7 months agoon
The remaining four months in the 2025 boxing schedule, there is no clear frontator for Fighter of the Year. From the unilateral impact of Daniel Dubois through Oleksandra Usyk to Dmitry Bivol, who avenged his defeat with Artur Beterbavier for the undisputed lightweight championships, great results took place throughout the year. However, there is no performance that creates a sufficient distance to distinguish one warrior from the package.
There are still several solemn fights in this year’s schedule that can bring performances in conversation. Terenka Crawford challenges Canelo Alvarez about the unquestioned super -medium scale championships that stands out. However, several other fighters also have the option of strongly closing the year and justification.
We look at some of the fights that have already been announced, as well as the fighters we expect again before the end of the year. What will they have to do to strengthen their place as the warrior of the ESPN 2025 year?
Terenca Crawford, if he defeats Canelo Alvarez
Yes, it would be the only fight of Crawford this year, but the transfer of two weight classes in order to overcome Canelo stapling to the pounds and become a three -part unquestioned master would have a greater value than two or three fights anyone else.
There was a time when we thought Crawford would be too tiny for Errol Spence Jr., when they met at the undisputed welterweight championships in July 2023 and we saw how it went. For Crawford, who began his championship in 135 pounds, to advance up and beat Canelo, all time, who has never lost in 168 pounds, would be a revelation. Let’s not forget that Crawford will be 38 years aged in September and is almost three years older than Canelo.
Depending on how Crawford was to win, he would not only strengthen his place as a warrior of the year, but also would lead to solemn consideration, where the career “Buda” is one of the biggest boxers.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero, if he lands in Manny Pacquiao and wins
Losers with a knockout from Gervont “Tank” Davis in 2022 and Isaac Cruz in 2024 left Romero as an opponent, not a future candidate for Fighter of the Year. However, he upset the apple stroller, defeating Ryan Garcia with a unanimous decision in May and is high on the list of potential Pacquiao opponents during his next fight.
The Pacquiao manager, Sean Gibbons, mentioned Romero by name and aims to the Philippine legend to return to the ring before the end of 2025 with aspiration to break his own record as the oldest warrior who became a welterweight champion (Pacquiao ends on December 47), the fight with Master WBA has a lot of sense.
As for the fight itself, Romero still has a significant power to hit and looked enormous against Garcia. While the fight against Garcia was not Barnburner in any episode of imagination, Romero showed several recent wrinkles in his game and defended the left hook very well against Garcia’s trademark. If he could beat Pacquiao, he would have a prize claim.
Katie Taylor, if he faces Chantelle Cameron
After closing the book about the Amanda Serrano trilogy with a clear win in July, Taylor can finally go on and chase another opponent. The fight, which is the most sensible for the undisputed welterweight master, is a rubber match with Cameron, the only warrior who defeated Taylor in his professional career.
The fight is simple to do when Cameron has signed a contract with Jake Paul’s most valuable promotions and debuting promotional on Taylor-Serrano 3 Undercard, a unanimous decision on Jessica Camar.
Cameron defeated Taylor by the decision of the majority in May 2023 and lost a narrow decision in the rematch in November 2023. Given the strictly imported nature of the first two meetings, the third fight is an obvious choice. If Taylor could win impressive, it would be challenging to ignore the Fighter of the Year conversation.
Nayya Inoue, if he defeats Murodjona Akhmadalieva and take another fight in December
This year, “The Monster” was crazy with the knockout Ye Joon Kim and Ramon Cardenas and will take the third fight in 2025, when he will face Akhmadaliev on September 14. While the very victory over “MJ” may not make Inoue be the fourth fighter of the year, the fourth fight in 2025 will certainly put him in the conversation.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the general entertainment authority of Saudi Arabia, announced the plans of the December battle card, in which Inoue defended his unquestioned Junior Junior Championships in WBC, David Picasso, who decides to most against Kyonosuke Kameda on Barrio-Mario.
If Inoue can go 4-0 with four knockouts this year, he could come out with distinction.
Moses Itauma, if he faces the 10 best bulky scales
Ituma is only 20 years aged, but he has gone from the perspective to compete in the blink of an eye. His annihilation of Dillian Whyte in the first round of August 16 was a terrifying example of his potential. Between the Mike Balogun’s two -level couple in May, the heavyweight herd of Ituma glides through the roof. In 2025 he dealt with in less than six minutes of fighting, and return before the end of the year is very likely.
Ituma mentioned the fight against the strong Jermaine Franklin for a lap. However, with Franklin fighting now on Canelo-Crawford Undercard, Ituma will have to look for an opponent elsewhere, and the fight against TOP-10 can be a strenuous way.
Filip Hrgovic, who defeated David Adeleye to Podkard Itauma-Cyte, makes sense. Or Itauma can continue to fight the former momentary champion of Zhilei Zhang, who lost to Agit Kabayel in February. If Ituma fights with any best weight and wins, it will be challenging to exclude it from the conversation.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, if he defeats Fernando Martinez
Rodriguez added to his collection of belts in smaller weight classes in 2025 with an impressive stop of the 10th round of Phumelele Cafu in July to become the Bantamweight WBO champion. He was already the owner of the WBC title. The 25 -year -old Rodriguez is still impressive on his newborn career and is to face the owner of the IBF Martinez title in November on the arranged Ring IV card, headed by David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde.
The way Rodriguez still sends opponents is extremely opening eyes, and he will have the opportunity to take an invincible record of another warrior and closer to the undoubted 115 pounds. A lot would have to go on his way, outside of him, winning this fight so that Rodriguez take Fighter of the Year Honors, but “Bam” is always in conversation.
Shakur Stevenson, if he moves to 140 pounds or defends his 135 title before the best claimant
Stevenson has 2-0 in 2025 with the dominant victories over Josh Padley and William Zeda. His ability was never questioned, and his invigorating fight against Zepeda in July, oppressing nutsayers who claim that Stevenson’s fights are tedious. He hunted for fighting with Gervont Davis and Teofimo Lopez. With Davis closed to fight Jake Paul and Lopez still on the radio after Stevenson called for the fight for 140 pounds, Stevenson’s options for a great fight for closing 2025 are restricted.
There is always a possibility that he will visit the previously planned fight against Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield. They were to meet in February, but Schofield had to withdraw due to illness. Schofield returned in June when he destroyed Farmer Tevin to Undercard Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The fight between Stevenson and Schofield would now be much larger than it was originally planned.
Stevenson can also continue to fight the IBF Richardson Hitchins Hitchins Hitchins Health Master or compete in a 135-pound unification against the owner of the IBF Raymond Muratalla titles. None of these fights would make Stevenson Shoo-in for Fighter of the Year, but if he contributes to another dazzling performance, you never know.
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Boxing
Benavidez Sr. claims Jai Opetaia gets hurt in every fight
Published
5 minutes agoon
March 12, 2026
The experienced trainer didn’t discount Opetai’s ability, but suggested the undefeated cruiserweight has some growth left before he faces some of the most established fighters in the division.
“Opetaia, I think he gets hurt in every fight he fights,” Benavidez Sr. said to Sean Zittel. “He gets injured fighting unknown fighters. I think he needs a little more experience.”
IBF champion Opetaia is viewed by fans as a top contender in the gaunt cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already over 30 years aged, remain the most significant victories in his history.
Still, Benavidez Sr. believes other champions pose more stern challenges at the moment.
“I think Beterbiev, Bivol and Ramirez are more risky than Opetaia,” Jose senior said. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter. He’ll be a great fighter. But right now he doesn’t have the experience that David has.”
Benavidez Sr. also pointed to Ramirez as his closest focus, given the Mexican player’s experience and position in the sport. Gilberto already held the super middleweight title before moving up in weight and becoming the cruiserweight champion again.
Benavidez is expected to challenge Zurdo in a cruiserweight fight, which his father sees as a prime opportunity to prove that his son can successfully compete at lithe heavyweight. Jose Sr. expects his son to look impressive in this fight.
“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. said when asked about the possibility of winning after the stoppage. “I think he’ll keep it ninth or tenth. David can’t just win the fight. He has to look spectacular to be in the bigger fights.”
While Opetaia remains a potential future opponent, depending on the development of the cruiserweight division, Benavidez Sr suggested the Australian champion needs even more time and experience before being considered the most risky challenge available to his son.
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
Boxing
Heavyweight who sparred with Keyshawn Davis gives verdict on power ahead of move to 147 pounds
Published
2 hours agoon
March 12, 2026
Keyshawn Davis is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing fighters in boxing, and it’s not just the fans who have impressed him.
The 27-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia has 14 fights in his professional career and remains undefeated. He briefly held the WBO lightweight title after defeating Denys Berinchyk, but lost the belt at weight before his first defense was canceled. With some issues outside the ring sorted out and his weight boost, it’s demanding to imagine anything or anyone stopping his growth any time soon.
While Keyshawn’s athleticism and boxing IQ are evident, he also gained fans for completing clinical events. One man who can prove his strength is rising heavyweight contender Richard Torrez Jr.
Both Torrez and Davis won silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – which were held in 2021 due to the COVID19 pandemic – and were snapped up by Top Rank shortly thereafter to begin their professional campaigns.
Interview with Fight Hub TVTorrez thought back to his Team USA days and remembered sparring with “The Businessman.”
“I sparred with Keyshawn Davis. I tell you what, I go demanding on Keyshawn, man, because Keyshawn is tough.
“People say, ‘Oh, Richard, why do you work so demanding in the lighter weight classes?’ Keyshawn punches like a heavyweight, man. I don’t take him lightly… When we sparred among the amateurs, we cracked up. I’ll get back to you. Just because I’m a heavyweight doesn’t mean anything, you’re at the level of a world champion, we’ll spar.”
Davis became the first man to stop the crafty and persistent Jamaine Ortiz in January. That was his debut at 140 pounds, but he has since confirmed that he will likely move straight up to 147 pounds for his next fight, focusing on fighters like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. According to Torrez, his power will work well.
As for the heavyweight contender, his IBF final elimination against Frank Sanchez was recently postponed due to the Cuban’s injury. Torrez will want to reschedule the fight as soon as possible, especially since the belt currently held by Oleksandr Usyk may become vacant soon.
Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk leaves Deontay Wilder out of retirement plan
Published
4 hours agoon
March 12, 2026
Wilder had previously been linked with a clash with the Ukrainian champion before negotiations cooled down.
Usyk considered the possibility of fighting Wilder earlier this year after he declined interest in fighting Fabio Wardley and walked away from one of his belts. Discussions about a heavyweight bout continued for months, but the fight never reached the contract stage.
The landscape changed quickly. Usyk is now expected to defend his title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in May in Egypt, part of a plan that he says includes three more fights before retiring.
Also on that shortlist is a possible meeting with the winner of Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as well as a third fight with Tyson Fury. Wilder’s name was not mentioned.
The former WBC heavyweight champion said the omission surprised him.
“Oh, Deontay Wilder isn’t there? He changed course,” Wilder said Daily mail.
Wilder suggested his reputation as one of the most hazardous punchers in the division may have played a role.
“Most of the time when people meet me and see me, there is an intimidation factor,” Wilder said.
Still, he insisted the situation wasn’t changing his direction.
“We’ll see if it happens, if it doesn’t happen it won’t ruin my dreams,” Wilder said. “I’m still here whether he’s here or not. No matter who’s here, I’m not here for any other fighter in the division.”
Wilder’s immediate attention now turns to another task. The American boxer is scheduled to face veteran Derek Chisora on April 4 in London. This fight took place after prolonged negotiations with Usyk.
Wilder said the timetable for Usyk discussions was simply moving too slowly for a player at his stage of the game.
“Even though we were in talks with Usyk, we still didn’t have a date or a place, we were still hanging around,” Wilder said. talkSPORT.
“In boxing, everything is very tardy or very rapid. There is no in between. And this was very tardy.”
At the age of 40, Wilder said waiting was not an option.
“I’m an older player; I can’t sit idly by like a teenage player. So when we were negotiating with Usyk, we started negotiating with Chisora.”
By the time talks with Usyk resumed, the contract with Chisora had already been finalized.
“And then when we signed the contract with Chisora, then Usyk’s people came and said, ‘OK, let’s go, we’re ready,'” Wilder said. “But I had no intention of doing Chisora like that.”
Wilder is now focused on the fight in London. Chisora remains one of the division’s most persistent pressure fighters, a man who forces exchanges and keeps the pace high.
The task is clear. Wilder still has a right hand that can end the fight the moment it lands. Now he needs to start stringing together wins if he wants his name to come up again when heavyweight belts are up for grabs.
Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
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