As the new year starts, boxing is gearing up for another exciting season filled with thrilling fights, comebacks, and rising stars. In 2024, we saw incredible battles and impressive performances that changed the rankings and solidified the legacies of top fighters.
From dramatic heavyweight fights to unexpected victories, boxing fans enjoyed a memorable year. As we enter 2025, five fighters stand out as the ones to watch. These athletes are ready to take control of their divisions, make history, and provide unforgettable moments.
Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) – Junior Middleweight
Errol Spence Jr., once seen as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, is preparing for his highly awaited return to the ring. The former unified welterweight champion has been away since July 2023 after suffering a tough loss to Terence Crawford.
That fight not only ended his unbeaten streak but also raised questions about his future. Now, Spence plans to come back strong by moving up to the junior middleweight division.
At 34 years old, Spence has faced challenges before. In 2019, he survived a near-fatal car crash and returned to the ring to beat Danny Garcia in an impressive performance. Then, in 2021, he overcame a detached retina to unify welterweight titles against Yordenis Ugas.
His resilience and determination have made him one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. This year, Spence will face a tough challenge in Sebastian Fundora, the WBC and WBO junior middleweight champion. At 6-foot-5½, Fundora presents a unique challenge with his height, reach, and power.
The fight is expected to happen in March or April, and if Spence can win after being away for almost two years, it would be one of the biggest accomplishments of his career.
Five Fighters to Keep an Eye on in 2025Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) – Junior Welterweight
Devin Haney’s 2024 was a year full of ups and downs. Once the WBC lightweight champion, Haney started 2024 as an undefeated fighter with great potential. However, his April fight against Ryan Garcia turned out to be a key moment in his career.
Despite being the favorite, Haney was knocked down three times and lost by decision. The result was later changed to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, but concerns about Haney’s ability to take punches remained.
Now competing at junior welterweight, Haney is determined to make a comeback. Talks for a rematch with Garcia are ongoing, with the fight likely to take place at 147 pounds.
Garcia’s suspension for the failed drug test ends in April, making way for one of the most anticipated fights of the year. If Haney can avenge his loss and put on an impressive performance, he could reclaim his spot among boxing’s best and strengthen his legacy as a top pound-for-pound fighter.
Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) – Heavyweight
Daniel Dubois had a defining year in 2024. The 28-year-old English boxer, once seen as a promising talent, finally lived up to expectations with a series of impressive wins.
Dubois started the year by defeating Filip Hrgovic, earning him a chance to face Anthony Joshua. In September, he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Joshua in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium. This win not only made Dubois the IBF heavyweight champion but also turned him into a star in the U.K.
Dubois is not slowing down in 2025. His first fight of the year is a title defense against former champion Joseph Parker, scheduled for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Top Boxing Matches to Watch in 2025Parker, who has had a career revival, is a tough opponent, but Dubois is determined to show his strength. After Parker, Dubois is looking at even bigger fights. A rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, this time for the undisputed heavyweight title, could be possible.
Dubois may also face Joshua again or even welcome former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who has hinted at coming back to the ring.
With his combination of power, athleticism, and drive, Dubois is one of the most exciting heavyweights to follow. With the momentum from 2024, he’s ready to be a key figure in the division.
Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) – Lightweight
Keyshawn Davis, a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, is quickly becoming one of America’s brightest boxing talents. At just 26 years old, Davis has already built an impressive professional record and is now close to winning his first world title.
In February, he will face Denys Berinchyk, the WBO lightweight champion, at Madison Square Garden.
Berinchyk, a skilled and tough fighter from Ukraine, is Davis’s biggest challenge so far. Known for his jab and footwork, Berinchyk has been able to handle high-output fighters like Emanuel Navarrete. For Davis, this fight is a chance to show off his abilities on a global stage.
His power was clearly seen in November, when he knocked out Gustavo Lemos in just two rounds during a homecoming event in Norfolk, Virginia.
With his charisma, talent, and growing fan base, Davis has the potential to become a major star in boxing. A win over Berinchyk could lead to unification fights and big matchups later in the year.
Five Fighters to Keep an Eye on in 2025Oscar Collazo (11-0, 8 KOs) – Strawweight
At just 5-foot-2, Oscar Collazo might be boxing’s smallest champion, but his achievements are far from small. The Puerto Rican southpaw won the WBO strawweight title in his seventh pro fight, making him the fastest Puerto Rican to win a world title.
In November, he added the WBA belt to his collection with a seventh-round TKO victory over Knockout CP Freshmart.
Collazo’s dominance in the 105-pound division has brought attention to a weight class often overlooked by mainstream fans. However, he has bigger goals in mind. Like Naoya Inoue and Manny Pacquiao before him, Collazo plans to move up in weight to chase bigger fights and more recognition.
Potential opponents at 112 pounds include Japanese champions, while a move to 115 pounds could set up a huge fight with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.
For now, Collazo is making Puerto Rico proud and showing that even the smallest fighters can make a big impact. His technical skills, knockout power, and relentless drive make him a fighter to watch.