How to sum up the just ended year in professional boxing? As we look back to 2025, we’re obviously grateful for Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, as well as Jesse Rodriguez, Fabio Wardley, Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., but we’re also a bit frustrated with the lackluster activity levels of so many of the sport’s top talents and the overall dearth of high-level fight cards. For some of us here on your favorite independent boxing site, getting used to 21st century boxing is still a challenge. That said, this post is about taking some time to acknowledge the achievements of the year just ended and highlight the positives. So, without further ado, the fights and fighters who have earned our recognition and desired awards. Check them out:

Nominations for “Annoyance of the Year”:
Rolando Romero W12 Ryan Garcia
Fabio Wardley via 11 TKO of Joseph Parker
Armando Resendiz W12 Caleb Plant
Aaron McKenna W12 Liam Smith
Brown tiara SD10 Skye Nicolson
Lewis Crocker W12 Paddy Donovan

Winner: Armando Resendiz W12 Caleb Plant

Resendiz had two losses in his last five fights and was considered just a busy opponent for Plant, who seemed to be established at the elite level of the super middleweight division. However, all preconceptions about this match were quickly forgotten when the underdog Mexican, clearly dissatisfied with Plant’s credibility, defied all expectations, not only causing a huge upset, but doing so emphatically and even coming close to scoring. It was a huge shock that forced everyone to reassess the position of both players.

Knockout of the Year nominations:
Masataka Taniguchi KO3 Condor Inaba
Fabio Wardley KO10 Justis Huni
Cayden Griffiths KO10 Fernando Elias Ruiz Hernandez
Anthony Joshua KO6 Jake Paul
Janibek Alimkhanuly KO5 Anaeul Ngmissengue
Elilf Nur Speak TKO6 Beatriz Ferreira
Brian Norman Jr KO5 Jin Sasaki

Winner: Anthony Joshua KO6 Jake Paul

One devastating right hand not only broke Jake Paul’s jaw in two places, but effectively ended his absurd claims to being an elite professional boxer once and for all. Some have been more spectacular, more brutal and more shocking, but no other knockout in 2025 has had even a greater impact on the sport. With any luck, Jake Paul’s boxing experiment will finally come to an end.

Nominations for the round of the year:
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 1, round 12
Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro, round 10
Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, round 11
Jesse Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez, round 10
Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kombosos Jr, round 8
Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alverez, round 9
Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, round 10
Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, round 2
Cristobal Lorente vs. Nate Collins, round 6

Winner: Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, round 11

Mason vs. Noakes was a standout match in a year of excellent action-packed fights, and one of the main reasons for that was the three minutes of the penultimate round of the fight, a thrilling war within a war filled with acute exchanges and changing dynamics that kept fans on the edge of their seats from bell to bell. This epitomized the constant nature of the brutal battle itself, which showcased the high skill, stamina and incredible heart of both fighters, with Mason ultimately winning by unanimous decision.

Performance of the Year nominations:
Dmitry Bivol W12 Artur Beterbiev
Terence Crawford W12 Canelo Alvare
Naoya Inoue W12 Achmali
Jesse Rodriguez KO10 Fernando Martinez
Alycia Baumgardner W12 Leila Beaudoin
Katie Taylor W12 Amanda Serrano

Winner: Terence Crawford

It wasn’t that long ago that Terence Crawford was a welterweight and many of us may have thought “there’s a reason they have weight classes” when the Crawford vs. Canelo fight was first announced. Also significant was the fact that Canelo had established himself as the undisputed king at 168 pounds, occasionally moving up to lightweight heavyweight, so once again, Crawford vs. Canelo looked on paper like the proverbial “good massive man vs. good little man” fight, which, as any student of boxing history knows, usually doesn’t end well for the smaller man. So it was a surprise and an impressive performance when Crawford not only won, but outclassed Canelo with a masterful display of skill and flair to take a one-sided decision and claim a historically significant victory. Unlike other awards, choosing “2025 Performance of the Year” was basic.

Fight of the Year nominations:
Chris Eubank Jr. W12 Coner Benn
Dmitry Bivol W12 Artur Beterbiev
Katie Taylor W12 Amanda Serrano
Kenshiro Teraji via TKO12 Seigo Yuri Akui
Shadasia Green W10 Savannah Marshall
Naoya Inoue KO8 Ramon Cardenas
Christian Mbilli D10 Lester Martinez
Total Nakatani W12 Sebastian Hernandez

Winner: Kenshiro Teraji via TKO12 Seigo Yuri Akui

2025 was an exceptional year for dramatic, action-packed battles, which made choosing our Fight of the Year quite a challenging task, but in the end we had to say that nothing could top the fireworks that accompanied the March flyweight unification bout between Japanese fighters Teraji and Akui at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. There was action throughout the match, round after furious one, before Teraji, lagging behind on the scorecards, charged with momentum to force a dramatic stoppage in the twelfth and final round.

Warrior of the Year nominations:
Terence Crawford
Katie Taylor
Jesse Rodriguez
Naoya Inoue
Jai Opetaia

Urban: Assist me

Not that there is any doubt about these parts, but 2025 can be considered the year Naoya Inoue proved beyond any doubt that he is an all-time great boxer. As everyone knows, four championship victories in one calendar year is an extraordinary achievement in today’s fighting game, but in this case it is even more extraordinary because Inoue is 32 years senior and has been competing at the championship level since 2014. And he is still undefeated.

Besides, these weren’t four routine title defenses. Both Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Ramon Cardenas presented significant challenges; both were ranked high in the super bantamweight division and both deserved a chance to fight for world titles. Inoue had to recover from a knockout to beat Cardenas by eighth-round TKO, and Akhmadaliev’s skill was such that one suspects that nothing less than the superb technical execution the champion delivered could have neutralized the tough Uzbek. Yes, the victories over Alan Picasso and Ye Joon Kim were more superficial, but also dominant.

To recap, Inoue not only scored four championship victories in 2025; he gave four master classes in the art of boxing, losing several valuable minutes, not to mention rounds, while eliminating two of the most threatening challengers remaining in his division. If anyone had any doubts about Naoya Inoue’s greatness, 2025 should have eliminated them. He is an all-time great fighter and is once again our Fighter of the Year. –Robert Portis

As anyone reading this knows, the life of a stern boxing fan can be complex these days when we see so many talented fighters turn their backs on meaningful fights, the most intriguing fights the sport has to offer, and instead see guys like Jake Paul mocking “The Sweet Science.” Too much marinating, too many social media feuds, too many celebrities and YouTubers, and too few stern fights: it’s a complaint that’s been around for a long time, and there’s no sign that this regrettable trend will reverse anytime soon. But hope springs forever, right, fighting freaks? So here, in no particular order, is the list of the most critical fights we need to see in 2026. Some are possible, some are fanciful, but all would be intriguing for different reasons. Please feel free to comment and add any matches you miss and we may add them to the list. Check them out:

1. Artur Beterbiev vs. David Benavidez: Talk about pure violence and the perfect fight chaser in 2025 that left a bad taste in our mouths. This fight basically guarantees non-stop action as it features Beterbiev’s aggression and one-shot KO power against Benavidez’s relentless pressing style. The fight will pit the older, more experienced Beterbiev, who has a near-perfect knockout rate, against the “Mexican Monster,” who is in great shape and known for his durability. With both tough fighters willing to take the shot to land it, this looks like a can’t-miss war for the ages, not to mention a showdown that would cement the winner’s stern legacy at 175 pounds.

2. Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani: Without a doubt, this bout represents the biggest event in the history of Japanese professional boxing and is a must-see fight for fans around the world as it will feature two of the best undefeated pound-for-pound fighters in top form, a infrequent event. Both possess exceptional power and high technical skill, not to mention contrasting styles, with the orthodox, more combative Inoue facing the taller, longer southpaw in Nakatani. Both fighters scored critical victories (though admittedly not Nakatani’s most impressive victory), and Inoue vs. Nakatani represents the true elite-versus-elite showdown that the sport must undoubtedly deliver in the first half of the modern year. Let’s hope that the current authorities recognize the importance of this duel and make it happen.

3. Oleksandr Usyk vs. Fabio Wardley: The story of Fabio Wardley is inspiring and unlikely, and the bottom line is that the Suffolk native clearly deserved a chance on The Cat. You can also dismiss Wardley as a terrible scorer if you want, but it’s actually a fascinating matchup between Usyk’s technical mastery and Wardley’s raw strength and underdog spirit. Yes, Usyk, the undisputed champion with an unblemished record, represents a huge step up for Wardley in the competition, but the Briton’s immense knockout power means he is a constant threat and there is still the potential for a dramatic upset. The clash of styles combined with the high stakes of a heavyweight title match would make for a fascinating and unpredictable spectacle, and likely a very engaging action-packed fight.

4. Naoya Inoue vs. Isse Rodriguez: “Bam” Rodriguez vs. “Monster” Inoue may be the best fight in all of professional boxing right now, as it would be a matchup between two elite, undefeated boxers going pound-for-pound, as well as a matchup between a highly experienced future Hall of Famer and a youthful elite-level talent. The stylistic differences between Rodriguez’s high IQ and angle-making compared to Inoue’s devastating power and peaceful promise to be an explosive rivalry. Both possess brilliant skills and impressive knockout rates, making for a must-see dramatic spectacle. Ultimately, a victory for either fighter would be a career-defining moment and cement their place in boxing history.

5. Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney II: Talk about a guilty pleasure. By no means does Ryan Garcia deserve a high-profile fight and a massive payday, and yet a Haney vs. Garcia rematch steeped in fierce personal rivalry and controversial history would be an irresistible attraction. In the first fight, the hard-fought Garcia won by majority vote, but the decision was overturned after he tested positive for stimulants, leaving an atmosphere of “unfinished business.” Fans can’t wait to see if Garcia can prove he can win cleanly, or if Haney will be able to redeem himself and finally settle the score. The potential rematch could also become a significant title unification fight if Garcia defeats Mario Barrios for the WBC belt.

6. Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis: Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s potential fight and Jaron “Boots” Ennis in 2026 promises to be a high-stakes clash of undefeated talents in excellent form. The fight features a fascinating, contrasting style: Ortiz Jr. is a relentless pressure fighter with knockout power, while Ennis offers agile skills, switch-hitting ability, and powerful speed. This active raises genuine questions about who will come out on top, making it the unpredictable 50-50 fight we all want, with the winner poised to assume supremacy at 154 pounds.

7. Daniel Dubois vs. Moses Itauma: Itauma vs. Dubois in 2026 will be a high-stakes battle and a crossroads between the experienced, hard-hitting former titleholder and the undefeated prodigy. The clash of styles between the precision and speed of the southpaw Itauma and the experience and physical strength of Dubois should create fascinating drama in the ring. Since both generate significant power, the fight offers a high probability of a spectacular final finish. Additionally, this domestic clash could serve as a turning point for British boxing, potentially ushering in the next dominant force in the heavyweight division.

8. Shakur Stevenson vs. Devin Haney: Stevenson vs. Haney would have pitted two of the most talented, high-IQ American boxers of their generation against each other in their prime. Ideally, this would lead to a compelling chess match that would allow fans to see both fighters at their technical best. With Shakur’s elite defense and distance management compared to Haney’s size, reach, and tactical adjustments, the fight offers a compelling contest of skill, not just pure strength, and a battle that will intensify as the situation unfolds over the twelve-round distance. The two have expressed mutual respect and desire for a legacy-defining fight to take place at the right time, so why not do it in 2026?

9. Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol III: In brief, the Beterbiev vs. Bivol trilogy in 2026 must take place. We have some unfinished business here and fight fans deserve to have them resolved. Their first two fights were invigorating, close as nails, majority decisions, with each fighter securing one victory. The fascinating clash of styles – Beterbiev’s unrelenting power and pressure against Bivol’s precision and movement – gave us active and unpredictable fights, and Chapter Three would probably be just as competitive, but something tells us one of these two will make its mark on the competition. Ultimately, the winner cemented his position as the undisputed king of the division in one of the best rivalries in recent years.

10. Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach II: Unfinished business again. Roach was robbed when the first fight ended in a majority judges draw and everyone knows it. And then he got robbed again while fighting Isaac Cruz. He deserves a return and a massive payday, while Davis owes fight fans a performance truly befitting his talents, as well as a final finish, one way or another. Roach’s ability to counter Tank’s power and even stagger him in the initial fight showed competitive balance that surprised many; Can “The Reaper” replicate this fight and make the second fight compelling? Both fighters expressed immediate interest in replaying the fight, pointing to the high likelihood of an invigorating and action-packed matchup. Both Davis and Roach need this fight and so do the fans. –Neil Crane

Ten years ago, the historic heavyweight clash of Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tyson Fury took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, and our Eliott McCormick was a keen observer of this clash for the undisputed crown. To celebrate the anniversary of this historic changing of the guard, here are McCormick’s reflections on the play that shocked many fight fans on this day in 2015. Watch:

Tyson Fury is the fresh heavyweight champion of the world. This is not a fictional sentence, perhaps a source from some speculative article imagining a boxing future after Klitschko. Today in Düsseldorf, the heavyweight fighter from Manchester overtook Wladimir Klitschko and deprived him of four belts. It was a shocking result, both because of the low expectations most had for Fury and the impotent manner in which the champion gave up his titles.

Fury executed his game plan masterfully. He stayed out of Klitschko’s reach, repeatedly changing defensive positions and shrinking his body. The vaunted power that accompanied Vladimir throughout his career never materialized. Perhaps out of fear of being countered or simply out of his own insecurities, Klitschko did not want to vent, boxing coolly round after round. And predictably, Fury’s confidence grew as the champion faded. At one point, the challenger even put both hands behind his back, asking Vladimir to start playing. For some reason Klitschko didn’t do it.

What began as a painfully frustrating fight took on even more seriousness when a wound opened under Klitschko’s left eye. But instead of being energized by the tragic circumstances, the champion couldn’t keep up the constant pressure, holding on and clenching at key moments rather than letting go of his hands. Fury, to his credit, continued the fight with a higher energy level, hitting Klitschko’s face with quick punches and even punching the older man at several points.

Only in the twelfth quarter did Klitschko take a risk and at that point any hope for a comeback was in vain. Despite the protests of trainer Johnathan Banks, who urged him to start opening up in the middle rounds, the champion never established any rhythm, as if Fury was too elaborate a puzzle for “Dr. Steelhammer” to solve. This was the worst possible way for Klitschko to relinquish the titles as they were handed over so unsuccessfully. This performance, so miserable, so lacking in courage and urgency, would haunt him.

Aesthetically, it was an absolutely terrible fight. Klitschko looked helpless, while Fury, who boxed effectively, did so in his customarily clumsy way. He made the best operate of his confined talents, using his jab to keep Wladimir at bay as he won the fight from the outside. This strategy was both surprising and surprisingly effective. Before the fight, it was believed that Fury would try to box at close range and nullify Klitschko’s power by choking her. Things turned out differently, but the effect was the same as Klitschko landed few powerful punches and even fewer did any damage.

After the results were read, Fury’s party celebrated loudly. Tyson, fresh owner four by his belt, he cried during the interview, showing the most genuine flash of emotion we’ve seen from this wildly inconsistent person. Then, perhaps to formalize a theatrical fresh era in heavyweight boxing, he sang a love song to his wife, which the German audience politely applauded.

It was a strange scene, but undoubtedly a welcome one for boxing fans who had long wanted a fresh champion. For many, Klitschko’s reign was met with grudging respect: his longevity was impressive, but his style and level of competition inspired little. He simply was the division’s top predator for so long that most accepted the long-established order. However, Tyson Fury wanted to overthrow the status quo. Before the fight, he talked about how defeat is inevitable for every champion. The surprising thing is that Klitschko lost so shamefully.

In 2015, two boxing institutions expired. Floyd Mayweather has allegedly retired and Wladimir Klitschko no longer rules with large men. For the Fury team, it is the apotheosis of a family legacy forged among tough men on British campsites. It ushers in a fresh era of heavyweight boxing for Britain, and it gets more intriguing in December when Anthony Joshua fights Dillian Whyte in London. In the case of boxing, this is the best-case scenario, as a fresh ruling house in the sport’s prestigious division will only serve to re-popularize heavyweights, regardless of how long Fury’s reign lasts.

For Wladimir Klitschko it was a disastrous night in an extremely successful career. However harsh the suggestion may be, his needy effort will ensure future mental anguish. Although champions always fall, it is not paradoxical to suggest that a demanding landing is better than a supple one. –Eliott McCormick