Candidates for Fighter of the Year 2025: A Detailed Analysis
Four months before the end of the 2025 boxing calendar, the fight for the Fighter of the Year title remains open. Despite the outstanding performances, such as Oleksandr Usyk’s resounding victory over Daniel Dubois and Dmitry Bivol’s victorious rematch against Artur Beterbiev, there is still no clear favorite standing out from the rest.
However, the end of the year could bring fights that define the situation. One of the most anticipated is the match between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Several boxers have the opportunity to finish the year strong and consolidate their position.
Terence Crawford
If Crawford manages to defeat Canelo Álvarez, his only fight of the year could be enough. Moving up two weight classes to defeat Canelo, a prominent pound-for-pound figure, and becoming undisputed champion in three divisions, would have a higher value than any other performance of the year.
Defeating Canelo, a great fighter who has never lost at 168 pounds, would be an extraordinary achievement for Crawford, who will turn 38 in September and is almost three years older than his opponent.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero
After losing by knockout to Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2022 and to Isaac Cruz in 2024, Romero seemed destined to be a rival rather than a contender. However, he surprised by defeating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision in May and is on the list of potential opponents for Manny Pacquiao for his next fight.
If Romero defeats Pacquiao, he could claim the prize.
Katie Taylor
After defeating Amanda Serrano in July, Taylor could look for another fight. A third match with Cameron, the only one who has defeated her, is a logical option. If Taylor wins impressively, it would be difficult to ignore her in the conversation for the prize.
Naoya Inoue
Inoue, with knockout victories over Ye Joon Kim and Ramon Cardenas, will face Akhmadaliev on September 14. If he achieves a fourth victory in 2025, he could solidify himself as a candidate for the award.
Inoue is expected to defend his undisputed super featherweight championship against David Picasso in December.
Moses Itauma
Itauma, at just 20 years old, has quickly gone from prospect to contender. His knockout victory over Dillian Whyte in August was impressive. A match against a top 10 boxer could be key to his aspirations.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Rodriguez, after defeating Phumelele Cafu in July, will face Martinez in November. If he continues to impress, he could be considered for the award.
Shakur Stevenson
Stevenson, with victories over Josh Padley and William Zepeda, seeks big fights. Stevenson’s options to close out 2025 are limited. He could face Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield or Richardson Hitchins.
