Boxing: Itauma, Fundora, and Norman Jr., Young Ring Stars

The Best Boxers Under 25 in 2025: Moses Itauma Tops the List

The landscape of youth boxing is redefined. With the departure of Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, ESPN’s number one in 2024 for those under 25, several young talents competed for the top spot. In 2025, the honor falls to the promising heavyweight Moses Itauma.

Since March 2024, Itauma has fought six matches, totaling nine rounds. In August, he raised the level of competition by facing veteran Dillian Whyte, whom he defeated in less than two minutes by knockout.

Itauma is one of the most exciting heavyweights in boxing, and former champion Tyson Fury has pointed to him as the future of the division.

“Moses Itauma will destroy all those old guys in the division,” Fury declared in an Instagram story after Itauma’s victory over Whyte. “Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Jarrell Miller. All those who are older. Zhilei Zhang, whoever is there, Luis Ortiz. All those big names from the past. Even the man who took my belts, Usyk. Moses will destroy him because he’s a young man against an old man. And an old man can’t handle a young man.”

Tyson Fury

The number two boxer from last year, Diego Pacheco, dropped two positions despite two dominant unanimous decision victories. The reason? WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., and undisputed women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora, had an exceptional year. Xander Zayas, WBO super welterweight champion at only 23 years old, remains among the young prospects of the sport. In addition, many new faces debut in the top 25. The Alofoke Deportes expert panel, composed of Andreas Hale, Timothy Bradley Jr., Nick Parkinson and Andres Ferrari, voted and these are the results.

• 1. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs)

Heavyweight Moses Itauma, right, stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round of their heavyweight fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August.

Heavyweight Contender
20 years old
2024 Ranking: 10

The boxer: Itauma, ESPN’s prospect of the year in 2024, is not of legal drinking age in the United States, but has shot to the top of this year’s list after a fast and violent 2025. Competing in the land of giants, the 6-foot-4-inch southpaw isn’t necessarily bigger than the top heavyweights, but he is certainly the future with his unique combination of size, speed, and power.

Greatest moment or achievement: Before his fight against Whyte, the biggest question about Itauma was whether his remarkable finishing prowess would continue once he moved up in competition. That question was definitively answered when he defeated Mike Balogun and two-time interim heavyweight champion Whyte in 2025. Itauma swept Balogun in two rounds, the third-longest fight of his career, in May, and was assigned to face Whyte, who was supposed to be his toughest opponent to date. The fight with “The Body Snatcher” was anything but competitive.

Future prospects: Legitimately transitioning from prospect to contender and being the man everyone wants to see against Usyk in just two years speaks immensely of his potential. Itauma will begin his 2026 campaign looking to do what Anthony Joshua couldn’t: defeat the durable Jermaine Franklin on January 24th. After that, we’ll all wait to see which heavyweight is willing to step into the ring with him. The scary thing is that Itauma still has four years of eligibility left for this list.

• 2. Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs)

WBO Welterweight Champion
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 12

The Boxer: What has been a brilliant year for the big hitter could be even better if he successfully defends his WBO welterweight title against two-time world champion Devin Haney on Saturday. Norman has already produced a strong contender for the best KO of 2025, when a devastating left hook left Jin Sasaki lying on the canvas in the fifth round in June. Norman has stopped his last three opponents and was promoted from interim WBO champion to full world champion before a first defense, a knockout victory in the third round over Derrieck Cuevas in March.

Greatest moment or achievement: Sasaki’s KO in the fifth round by Norman was highlight reel material. It was an impressive one-punch knockout, but Norman had previously produced quality work to knock Sasaki down twice in the first round. This victory gave Norman more recognition than any other.

Future prospects: Win or lose on Saturday, Norman is in the big fights now. He has earned a reputation this year for stopping his opponents and is growing in popularity. A rematch against Haney is a possibility for 2026, depending on what happens in Saudi Arabia. Unification fights against the other champions (Lewis Crocker (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA) and Mario Barrios (WBC)) could also be on the table.

• 3. Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs)

Gabriela Fundora, on the left, defeated Marilyn Badillo in April to defend her undisputed flyweight championship.Undisputed Flyweight Champion
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 5

The boxer: Fundora possesses an otherworldly size for a flyweight with a 5-9 physique and somehow comfortably fits into the 112-pound weight category. But size would mean nothing if he didn’t have the skills to back it up. Fundora has proven to be as technically sound as he is violent, with a propensity to finish fights at a distance.

Greatest moment or achievement: After being named ESPN’s boxer of the year in 2024, “Sweet Poison” had an explosive 2025 in which she defended the undisputed flyweight championship she won in 2024 twice. And she did it in style, with two stoppages in the seventh round.

Future prospects: Fundora is ranked number 5 in ESPN’s women’s pound-for-pound rankings, but she is the only fighter on the list under 25 and shows no signs of slowing down. With the flyweight already conquered, could she become a multi-divisional champion in Fundora’s sights by 2026?

• 4. Diego Pacheco (24-0, 18 KOs)

Super Middleweight Contender
24 years old
2023 Ranking: No. 2The Boxer: The 6-foot-4-inch super middleweight is being hailed as the future of the 168-pound division. Terence Crawford currently holds all four world titles after his victory over Canelo Álvarez, but if the belts fragment (depending on which division Crawford fights in next), Pacheco could get a title shot soon. In his last two fights, he was taken the distance by Trevor McCumby in January and Steven Nelson in July, but he is ranked No. 3 in the division by ESPN. He recently split with trainer José Benavidez Sr., the father of light heavyweight champion David Benavidez.

Greatest moment or achievement: Pacheco showed his ruthless side in his most recent stop in August 2024, when he knocked out Maciej Sulecki in the sixth round. Pacheco connected a perfect left hook to the body that left Sulecki doubled over in pain on the canvas. At the beginning of the fight, Pacheco established his jab and shook Sulecki with a right uppercut in the fifth round.

Future prospects: Pacheco faces Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13, and a victory over the top 10 opponent would bring him closer to a world title opportunity in 2026. After going the distance in his last two outings this year, Pacheco will want to deliver a stoppage and send a message to his rival contenders.

• 5. Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs)

WBO Super Welterweight Champion
23 years old
2023 Ranking: 4

The Boxer: Since he was the youngest boxer to sign with Top Rank at 16, Zayas has been honing his skills under the promotional banner and became a world champion in 2025. He has been carefully guided, which has raised questions about his place in the talented super welterweight division. But he has shown improvements in each outing and has the potential to be a force in the coming years.Greatest moment or achievement: Zayas became the youngest world champion in boxing when he defeated Jorge García to obtain the vacant WBO super welterweight title in July. Zayas’s reputation points directly upwards in a division full of talent that includes Vergil Ortiz and fellow champions Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Abass Baraou, and Sebastian Fundora.Future prospects: Zayas has the opportunity to unify titles when he faces WBA champion Baraou on January 31st and plans to compete three times in 2026. With his recent signing with Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny’s Rimas Sports, Zayas aspires for his marketability to match his talent in the ring.

• 6. Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs)

Lightweight Contender
21 years old
2024 Ranking: 3

The Boxer: The elegant southpaw has easily surpassed three knockout victories this year to earn a first opportunity for the world title this Saturday against Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight belt. Along with the advantages of height and reach, Mason has impeccable timing, speed, and variety of punches. The last time he went the distance was in August 2023 and he seems a good bet to top this list in the coming years. Potentially, Mason can become one of the biggest stars in boxing in the next five years, he’s that good. A year ago, he recovered from two knockdowns in the first round to stop Yohan Vásquez in the second round, an important learning experience.

Greatest moment or achievement: Mason showed what he is capable of in a fourth-round victory over Manuel Jaimes at Madison Square Garden in New York in February. He established his jab and knocked Jaimes down in rounds 2 and 3 with his speed and variety of punches. In the fourth round, he scored a knockdown with a sweeping left hook delivered while on the back foot, before forcing the stoppage with a short right hook later in the round. In Jaimes’ previous fight, he had taken current WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero to a decision.

Future prospects: Mason fights for the vacant WBO world title against Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. While Mason is technically more accomplished, Noakes has experience on his side and physical attributes that can win him the fight. A victory for Mason, on his biggest stage and against his best opponent yet, would launch him big time.

• 7. Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs)

Super welterweight contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 13

The boxer: Ramos had a setback on his path to becoming a world champion when he lost a controversial decision to Erickson Lubin in 2023. However, he has recovered with three consecutive finals. The southpaw could be a problem for the rest of the super welterweight division with his strong chin and punching power.

Major moment or achievement: After being briefly linked to a fight with Jermell Charlo, Ramos moved on and defeated former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario in February. Although Rosario was no longer at his best, Ramos took care of business with a dominant stoppage in the eighth round.

Future prospects: Ramos was scheduled to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on the Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman undercard, but the October event was canceled due to an injury to Fundora. The fight was rescheduled for December 6 and will give Ramos the opportunity to go 3-0 in 2025. Ramos, ranked only by the WBO, may have difficulty getting a fight with the winner of the Zayas-Baraou title unification fight in January. However, he will want to keep a close eye on the result of Fundora-Thurman for the WBC title. A fight with the loser could be of interest.

• 8. Kyosuke Takami (10-0, 8 KOs)

Light Flyweight Contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: NR

The boxer: Takami won the WBA light flyweight title when he stopped Erick Rosa in the tenth round in July. He has heavy hands for a fighter competing at 108 pounds, dominating almost all of his opponents. He can become unified world champion if he defeats René Santiago, the WBO champion, on December 17.Greatest moment or achievement: Takami was fierce throughout the fight with Rosa, who struggled with the pace. Takami sent Rosa flying into a ring post with a right hand in the tenth round, after unleashing a barrage of punches that ended the fight.Future prospects: Santiago will give Takami a tough fight next month, even in Japan: Santiago won the WBO belt there, defeating Shokichi Iwata by unanimous decision in March. Santiago contained Iwata with a disciplined performance, and Takami will have to box intelligently if he wants to remain champion.

• 9. Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs)

Lightweight Contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 20

The Boxer: Schofield has had a strange 2025 with only one fight despite having three scheduled. A fight with Shakur Stevenson in February fell through during fight week when Schofield was hospitalized for an unspecified illness. Schofield returned on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. and quickly knocked out former champion Tevin Farmer. Unfortunately, his momentum slowed again when a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from a scheduled fight with former champion Joseph “Jojo” Díaz in October. However, what we were able to see from “Kid Austin” was impressive enough to propel him up the list.Biggest moment or achievement: Although Farmer entered the fight with Schofield on a three-fight losing streak, the previous two fights with William Zepeda were hard-fought victories (a split decision and a majority decision) and Farmer was never in trouble in any of those three losses. Then, Schofield needed 78 seconds to knock Farmer down twice and finish him.Future prospects: If Schofield can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit. Currently ranked No. 3 by the IBF, Schofield could be in line for a fight with the winner of Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz, scheduled for January 24th. He will likely try to return to the ring in early 2026 and stay active, hoping not to waste his momentum and excellent potential.

• 10. Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs)

Super Lightweight Contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 9The Boxer: The super-lightweight contender has a fan-friendly style, with fast hands, a dangerous left hook, and lightning-quick reflexes. He’s only had two performances this year, but he did well in both. He stopped veteran Sergey Lipinets, who briefly held the IBF world title in 2017 and 2018, in nine rounds in February, then patiently broke down the stubborn resistance of Kurt Scoby in the 12th round on November 15.Greatest moment or achievement: On the biggest stage of Azim’s career, on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15th, Azim was too clever and ring-savvy for Scoby. Azim dominated the early rounds behind his jab and let his hands go from round 8. He put Scoby under serious pressure in round 11 and finished the fight in the next round by connecting a barrage of precise punches to the head and body. Dealing with Scoby’s provocations during fight week was also a good learning experience for Azim as he moves up for bigger fights.

Future prospects: Azim has progressed steadily and will face better opponents in 2026. He is ranked in the 9th and 10th positions by two governing bodies, so he will probably need more victories to secure a title opportunity. A fight that would be popular: against English rival Dalton Smith, who challenges Subriel Matías for the IBF title on January 10th.

• 11. Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs)

Super Lightweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 17The Boxer: Mercado has shown an exceptional ability to finish off his opponents, with 16 knockouts in 17 fights. As part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable, Mercado continued his rapid rise in 2025 with a one-sided demolition of José Pedraza in January, and is scheduled to face Antonio Moran on December 13.Biggest moment or achievement: Mercado’s fourth-round knockout of Pedraza sent shockwaves through the 140-pound division. But his callout of Shakur Stevenson afterward proved the undefeated, heavy-handed boxer is serious.Future prospects: He will have many opportunities to prove his worth in 2026, if he takes care of business against Moran. Matchroom has a healthy group of 140-pound fighters, and Mercado will have every opportunity to showcase his talent.

• 12. Caroline Dubois (11-0-1, 5 KOs)

WBC Women’s Lightweight Champion
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 16

The boxer: Dubois has made two defenses of the WBC lightweight title this year. She was promoted from interim champion to full world champion in December 2024 after Katie Taylor vacated the belt. Dubois previously complained that Taylor had been holding back her career by refusing to fight her. She had a frustrating technical draw in January when Jessica Camara was declared unfit to continue due to a cut. Dubois then outpointed Bo Mi Re Shin by majority decision in March, but hasn’t boxed since.

Greatest moment or achievement: Dubois has strong punches, but he hasn’t stopped any of his last six opponents. His unanimous decision victory over Maira Moneo, whom he knocked down with a left hook in the sixth round to win the WBC interim title in August 2024, remains his best performance.

Future prospects: Dubois has been inactive since March while her promoter Boxxer secures a new television deal in the UK, with no confirmation of her next fight. The fight Dubois wants is a title unification clash against WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper, which would be one of the biggest in women’s boxing in 2026 if it happens.

• 13. Emiliano Vargas (16-0, 13 KOs)

Lightweight Prospect
21 years old
2024 Ranking: 15

The boxer: Vargas has all the tools to be near the top of this list, but his lack of quality opposition is the reason why he couldn’t make a bigger jump. The son of retired star Fernando Vargas is an exciting boxer that Top Rank can count on for its future.

Greatest moment or achievement: Vargas defeated everyone he faced in 2025, but it was his destruction in the first round by Alexander Espinoza in July with a precise right hand that took the prize. A single blow shook Espinoza to his core in the first minute and left a lasting mark.

Future prospects: Vargas has the potential to be at the top of this list for the next few years. All he needs is a step up in competition. The super lightweight should stay active in 2026 and hopefully get closer to facing a former champion to go from prospect to contender.

• 14. David Cuellar Contreras (29-1, 18 KOs)

Bantamweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 11

The Boxer: Cuellar lost his undefeated record when WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani knocked him out in the third round in February. Cuellar painfully discovered that he was not at the same level as Nakatani, the number 1 bantamweight, but winning a world title is within his capabilities. “El General”, who has victories over fighters like Luis Concepción and Moisés Fuentes, recovered with a unanimous decision victory