Moses Itauma Tops the List of Young Boxing Prospects
After Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’s departure from the list of the best boxers under 25, heavyweight Moses Itauma takes the top spot for 2025. Itauma has proven his worth with impressive performances, including a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte.
Since March 2024, Itauma has participated in six fights, accumulating a total of nine rounds. In August, he raised the level of competition by facing veteran Dillian Whyte, whom he defeated in less than two minutes.
“Moses Itauma will destroy all those old guys in the division,” Tyson Fury declared in an Instagram story after Itauma’s victory over Whyte.
Tyson Fury
Last year, Diego Pacheco, who was in second place, dropped two positions despite obtaining two dominant unanimous decision victories. This is due to the exceptional performance of Brian Norman Jr. and Gabriela Fundora.
Xander Zayas, WBO super welterweight champion, at just 23 years old, remains among the outstanding young stars in the sport. In addition, there are many new faces debuting in the top 25.
Below, we present the list of the best boxers under 25, according to the vote of the panel of experts:
Moses Itauma
Brian Norman Jr.
Gabriela Fundora
Diego Pacheco
Xander Zayas
Abdullah Mason
Jesus Ramos Jr.
Kyosuke Takami
Floyd Schofield
Adam Azim
Ernesto Mercado
Caroline Dubois
Emiliano Vargas
David Cuellar Contreras
Elijah Garcia
Jin Sasaki
Geo Lopez
Callum Walsh
Bakary Samake
1. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs)Heavyweight contender, 20 years old. Itauma, recognized as the promise of the year, has quickly climbed the rankings thanks to a 2025 full of resounding victories. His combination of size, speed, and power positions him as the future of the division.Greatest achievement: The victory over Whyte, demonstrating his ability to finish fights when the level of competition increases.Future prospects: Itauma will start 2026 facing Jermaine Franklin on January 24. The expectation is high, and more heavyweights are expected to be willing to face him.2. Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs)WBO welterweight champion, 24 years old. Norman has had a brilliant year, with an impressive knockout over Jin Sasaki in the fifth round, which could be a candidate for KO of the year. He has stopped his last three opponents and consolidated himself as world champion.Greatest achievement: The knockout in the fifth round against Sasaki.Future prospects: Norman is in the sights of big fights. A possible rematch against Haney is an option for 2026, as well as unification fights with other champions.3. Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs)Undisputed flyweight champion, 23 years old. Fundora stands out for her unusual size for the category and her technical skill. She has proven to be as talented as she is violent, with a tendency to finish fights.Greatest achievement: Named Boxer of the Year, defended her undisputed championship twice in 2025.Future prospects: Fundora, currently ranked number 5 in the women’s pound-for-pound ranking, could seek to become a champion in multiple divisions in 2026.4. Diego Pacheco (24-0, 18 KOs)Super middleweight contender, 24 years old. Pacheco is considered the future of the 168-pound division. Although he has not yet fought for a world title, he could have an opportunity soon. Recently, he split with his trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr.
Greatest achievement: His knockout in the sixth round against Maciej Sulecki in August 2024.
Future prospects: Pacheco will face Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13th, a victory would bring him closer to a title opportunity in 2026.5. Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs)WBO super welterweight champion, 23 years old. Zayas, who signed with Top Rank at 16, has established himself as a world champion. He has shown improvements in each fight and has the potential to be a dominant force.Greatest achievement: He became the youngest world champion by defeating Jorge García for the WBO super welterweight title in July.Future prospects: Zayas could unify titles against Baraou on January 31 and plans to compete three times in 2026. In addition, he seeks to increase his popularity thanks to his recent agreement with Rimas Sports.6. Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs)Lightweight contender, 21 years old. Mason, a southpaw with great skill, has achieved three knockout victories this year. He possesses speed, good timing, and a variety of punches. It is expected that he could become one of the biggest boxing stars in the next five years.Greatest achievement: His victory in the fourth round over Manuel Jaimes at Madison Square Garden in February.Future prospects: Mason will fight for the WBO world title against Noakes in Saudi Arabia. A victory would propel him to fame.
7. Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs)
Super welterweight contender, 24 years old. Ramos, a southpaw with great power, recovered from a defeat and has achieved three consecutive knockout victories.Greatest achievement: His technical knockout victory in the eighth round over Jeison Rosario in February.Future prospects: Ramos will face Shane Mosley Jr. on December 6. He will have to watch the result of the Fundora-Thurman fight to look for a fight with the loser.8. Kyosuke Takami (10-0, 8 KOs)Junior flyweight contender, 23 years old. Takami won the WBA title by defeating Erick Rosa in the tenth round. He has great power for his category and could unify titles if he defeats Rene Santiago on December 17th.Greatest achievement: His victory over Rosa.Future prospects: Santiago will be a difficult rival, so Takami will have to box intelligently to keep his title.9. Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs)Lightweight contender, 23 years old. Schofield has had a year with few fights, but his victories have been impressive. His speed and power have propelled him in the rankings.Greatest achievement: His victory over Tevin Farmer in 78 seconds.Future prospects: If Schofield stays healthy, he has a great future. He could fight the winner of Muratalla vs. Cruz.10. Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs)Super lightweight contender, 23 years old. Azim has an attractive style, with fast hands and quick reflexes. He has had two good performances this year, including a technical knockout victory over Sergey Lipinets.Greatest achievement: His victory over Scoby at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.Future prospects: Azim will continue to face higher-level rivals in 2026. He could face Dalton Smith.
11. Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs)
Super lightweight contender, 24 years old. Mercado has demonstrated an exceptional ability to knock out his opponents, with 16 knockouts in 17 fights. His rise has been constant, highlighting his victory over Jose Pedraza.Greatest achievement: His knockout victory in the fourth round over Pedraza.Future prospects: He will have several opportunities to prove his worth in 2026 if he defeats Moran.12. Caroline Dubois (11-0-1, 5 KOs)WBC lightweight champion, 24 years old. Dubois has defended her title twice this year. She has been inactive since March.Greatest achievement: Her unanimous decision victory over Maira Moneo in August 2024.Future prospects: She is looking for a unification fight against Terri Harper, which would be one of the most important fights of 2026.13. Emiliano Vargas (16-0, 13 KOs)Lightweight prospect, 21 years old. Vargas has the potential to be at the top of this list, but he needs higher quality opponents. He is an exciting boxer.Greatest achievement: His first-round victory over Espinoza.Future prospects: Must remain active in 2026 and face former champions to advance from prospect to contender.14. David Cuellar Contreras (29-1, 18 KOs)Bantamweight contender, 24 years old. Cuellar lost his undefeated record against Junto Nakatani, but his ability to win a world title remains intact.Greatest achievement: His technical knockout victory over Concepcion.Future prospects: With Nakatani moving up in weight class, he will have opportunities in bantamweight, possibly traveling to Japan.15. Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs)Middleweight prospect, 22 years old. After a defeat, he recovered with a victory over Gausha. Shows a lot of potential.Greatest achievement: His victory by decision over Gausha.Future prospects: You have learned valuable lessons that could help you advance in 2026.16. Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs)Welterweight contender, 24 years old. His career is at risk after the knockout loss to Norman Jr. He needs careful recovery.Greatest achievement: His knockout of Keita Obara.Future prospects: He might not fight again until the second half of 2026.17. Geo Lopez (18-0, 12 KOs)Junior lightweight prospect, 22 years old. Trained by Eddy Reynoso, had a fight in 2025, overcoming Rene Alvarado. He has the trainer and the tools, but needs to consolidate.Greatest achievement: His victory over Alvarado.Future prospects: If Reynoso fulfills his potential, the 130-pound division could have a new contender in 2026.18. Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs)Super welterweight prospect, 24 years old. Walsh has made steady progress in 2025. His victory over Vargas Jr. helped him raise his profile.Greatest achievement: His rapid victory over Sutherland.Future prospects: He could face the winner of the fight between Bakhram Murtazaliev and Josh Kelly.19. Bakary Samake (19-0, 11 KOs)Super welterweight contender, 22 years old. He is on the rise after a 2025 with two knockout victories. He is currently the WBC number 1 contender for the Fundora title.Greatest achievement: Defeated Alejandro Ortiz by knockout.Future prospects: 2026 could be the year for a title challenge.
