Boxing 2025: Rivalries, Legends, and Unforgettable Fights

What a year of boxing it’s been, and there’s still more to come!

I believe there is a unanimous feeling among boxing fans that we are finally witnessing a revival after a prolonged stupor. The best are finally fighting the best, at their best.

What a tumultuous journey it’s been so far. This year we have witnessed some of the most technical fights, the most exciting clashes, and the most anticipated matchups.

We began the year with one of the best fights I’ve seen in years (in terms of boxing in its most complete form). Two of the very best went toe to toe for the second time, leaving fans enamored by the masterful display of the sweet science. Beterbiev vs Bivol II (and the first fight, for that matter) showcased elite tactical understanding and technical execution. Two contrasting styles: a mover with the Soviet school of boxing we’ve come to admire, and the calculated pressure and power of Beterbiev, who, at 41 years old, only narrowly lost a close decision after winning the first encounter. Lucky for us, a third fight awaits!

We then came to the most thrilling, action-packed showdown of the year, one in which heart, will, and heritage were on full display in their purest form. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn lived up to the hype and more! It added to the legacy their fathers had cemented decades earlier. From the build-up to fight night, this was pure cinema: the psychological mind games, the dramatic appearance of Chris Eubank Sr, the father-and-son walkout, and finally, the fight itself.

Both fighters went toe to toe, leaving everything in the ring for 12 relentless rounds. By the final bell, they were practically out on their feet. A fight like this inspires future generations, and soon we’ll be treated to the rematch, Eubank vs Benn II.

This year has also cemented the pound-for-pound greats of this era. Oleksandr Usyk is unequivocally number one, defeating Daniel Dubois clinically after their controversial first encounter. Usyk is now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, and an Olympic gold medalist, a resume for the ages.

Just last week, we were fortunate enough to witness one of the most dominant performances at the elite level. Terence Crawford delivered a flawless display against the legendary Canelo Álvarez. Coming into the fight, many questioned how Crawford would adapt to the 168-pound weight class, given he had never fought there before and had only one fight at 154 (a close bout against Madrimov). But Crawford silenced the doubters with one of the finest performances at the world level. Even Canelo admitted the fight was harder than his bout with Mayweather. For me, this places Crawford as the clear number two pound-for-pound fighter, just behind Usyk.

And then there’s Naoya Inoue, “The Monster.” His most recent fight against Akhmadaliev was pure domination, once again proving why he’s one of the most complete fighters in the sport, solidifying him at the top 3 in the pound-for-pound ranking, and he's only 32!

We close the year with massive anticipation: Eubank vs Benn II, David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde, and hopefully the long-awaited trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev, though nothing is confirmed yet. There are also murmurs of Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson, a fight I’m personally most excited about. I believe these two are among the most gifted fighters technically and tactically. What a fight that would be.