After a weekend that consolidated Oleksandr Usyk as the best pound-for-pound boxer by demolishing Daniel Dubois and the return of Manny Pacquiao, here are the most promising boxing matches for 2025 and beyond.
With Canelo Ălvarez and Terence Crawford set to face off on September 13th for the undisputed super middleweight championship, the excitement in the boxing world is at its peak. But, what other fights could set the tone in the near future?
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker
Discover the analysis of Oleksandr Usykâs victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.Before a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury, Usyk could seek a match to prepare. Facing Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger and friend of Fury, would be a viable option. Fury confirmed his return to the ring, but not until next year. Therefore, Usykâs next fight will focus on securing a victory that allows him to finalize the expected fight against Fury.
Frank Warren, of Queensberry Promotions, Parkerâs promoter, views favorably the idea that Parker, former WBO champion, will be Usykâs next opponent. Parker, who trains with Fury in England, has revitalized his career under the tutelage of Andy Lee.
Parker, with a record of 36-3 and 24 KOs, has shown great performance in his latest fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Deontay Wilder in 2023 and over Zhilei Zhang in May 2024, as well as a technical knockout over Martin Bakole in February. Parker, with more experience than other high-ranking contenders, represents an attractive option for Usyk.
Although Kabayel, interim WBC champion, has requested to face Usyk, Parkerâs connection to Fury and Usykâs need to defend his WBO title make Parker a better option for the next fight.
Teofimo LĂłpez vs. Rolando âRollyâ Romero
A possible matchup between Teofimo LĂłpez and Rolando âRollyâ Romero could be very entertaining.After being the big winners in the surreal boxing card at Times Square in May, a fight between LĂłpez and Romero is a logical progression towards the top of a very competitive welterweight division. This matchup promises to be a clash of styles between LĂłpezâs technique and Romeroâs unpredictable power.
LĂłpez, WBO super lightweight champion, showed an improvement in his performance, defeating Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision. Facing Romero would be a good first step at welterweight.
Romero, for his part, surprised by knocking out Ryan Garcia with a left hook, securing a unanimous decision victory and obtaining the WBA âregularâ title in welterweight. This triumph was a new turn in Romeroâs career, who previously lost by knockout in fights for lightweight and super lightweight titles against âTankâ Davis and Isaac Cruz. The fight between the two could generate great attention due to the provocations between them, and the story of a sparring session in 2017 that could be revived. This rivalry promises to become a confrontation full of tension.
Shakur Stevenson dominated William Zepeda by unanimous decision on July 12.Given the possible cancellation of Bennâs rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. on September 20th, the English boxer could seek an alternative high-profile fight. WBC lightweight champion Stevenson would be an interesting option.
Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) would have to move up from lightweight to super lightweight to face Benn (23-1, 14 KOs), who lost by unanimous decision to Eubank in a non-title middleweight fight in April.
While Stevenson has the advantage of being a more skilled boxer, Benn, who had a brief amateur career, would have the advantage of size. It would be a classic encounter between a technical boxer and a puncher.
Stevenson is coming off an entertaining and aggressive performance against William Zepeda earlier this month. It could be a fun fight, with a lot of interaction on social media.
Benn could consider facing Stevenson while waiting for the rematch with Eubank, or if his dream fight against Gervonta âTankâ Davis materializes in 2026.
Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron
Although Taylor doesnât seem enthusiastic about this fight, many fans are, and it would be the most logical fight for the Irishwoman if she decides to continue boxing. When asked about a possible trilogy with Cameron, Taylor stated that Cameron must prove her worth again before a new confrontation.
After resolving her rivalry with Serrano, Cameron is now Taylorâs biggest rival. Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs), undisputed super lightweight champion, is ranked number 2 in ESPNâs pound-for-pound rankings, while Cameron (21-1, 8 KOs), interim WBC champion, is ranked number 4.
Cameron inflicted Taylorâs only defeat with a majority decision in May 2023, before Taylor got her rematch and victory also by majority decision in November 2023.
This fight could depend on Taylorâs decision about the future of her career, but if it materializes, it would be one of the most anticipated fights in womenâs boxing for the rest of the year.
Jai Opetaia vs. Gilberto RamĂrez
Gilberto âZurdoâ RamĂrez is a two-division world champion and current unified cruiserweight champion.Opetaia, IBF champion, has dominated the cruiserweight division for several years, but now has a serious rival in Ramirez, who has unified the WBA and WBO titles.
A clash between the two in a unification fight for three belts would bring rare attention to the cruiserweight division. Itâs the most logical option for Opetaia, besides moving up to heavyweight, and both boxers dream of achieving undisputed status, which could boost their careers in the heavyweight division, just as it happened with Oleksandr Usyk.
RamĂrez also defended his title last month, with a unanimous decision victory over Yuniel Dorticos. However, RamĂrez impressed more when he dominated Chris Billam-Smith in a unification fight last November.
Ramirez could consider the fight if a match against WBC champion David Benavidez doesnât materialize.
