Itauma, Norman Jr. and Fundora: Young Boxing Stars Under 25 Years Old

Moses Itauma Tops the List of Young Boxing Prospects

Following the departure of Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who exceeded the age limit, attention is focused on young boxers seeking to establish themselves. In 2025, the honor of leading the ranking goes to heavyweight Moses Itauma. Itauma, at just 20 years old, has proven to be a dominant force. Since March 2024, he has participated in six fights, accumulating a total of nine rounds. In August, his rise continued as he faced and defeated veteran Dillian Whyte, whom he knocked out in under two minutes.

“Moses Itauma will destroy all those old guys in the division,” Tyson Fury declared after Itauma’s victory over Whyte.
Tyson Fury

Last year, Diego Pacheco, who was in second place, dropped two positions despite two unanimous decision victories. The reason was the outstanding performance of Brian Norman Jr., WBO welterweight champion, and Gabriela Fundora, undisputed women’s flyweight champion. Xander Zayas, WBO junior middleweight champion, at 23 years old, remains among the young prospects. In addition, there are many new faces debuting in the top 25. The panel of experts, composed of Andreas Hale, Timothy Bradley Jr., Nick Parkinson, and Andres Ferrari, voted to determine the list of the best boxers under 25 years old. Below are the results:

1. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs)

Heavyweight
20 years old
Ranking 2024: 10

Itauma, recognized as the promise of the year by Alofoke Deportes in 2024, has quickly climbed the rankings thanks to his performance in 2025. With a unique combination of size, speed, and power, this 6’4″ southpaw promises to be the future of boxing. His greatest achievement was his victory over Whyte. Itauma demonstrated that his ability to finish fights remains as he raises the level of competition. In May, he defeated Mike Balogun in two rounds and then Whyte, considered his toughest rival to date. Itauma will start 2026 looking to defeat Jermaine Franklin on January 24. Afterwards, heavyweights are expected to compete to face him. Itauma still has four years of eligibility on this list.

2. Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs)

WBO Welterweight Champion
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 12

Norman Jr. had a brilliant year, which could improve if he defends his WBO title against Devin Haney. He has already achieved an impressive knockout against Jin Sasaki in the fifth round in June. Norman has knocked out his last three rivals and was promoted from interim champion to world champion before his first defense. His knockout of Sasaki was spectacular. A rematch against Haney is possible in 2026, and unification fights against Lewis Crocker (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA), and Mario Barrios (WBC) could also happen.

3. Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs)

Undisputed Flyweight Champion
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 5Fundora, with a height of 5’9″, stands out for her unusual size for the flyweight category. She has proven to be technically sound and violent, with a tendency to finish fights before the limit. After being named Boxer of the Year by Alofoke Deportes in 2024, Fundora had an exceptional 2025, defending her undisputed flyweight championship twice, both by technical knockout in the seventh round. Fundora holds the number 5 position in Alofoke Deportes’ pound-for-pound female ranking. Could she aspire to be a champion in multiple divisions in 2026?

4. Diego Pacheco (24-0, 18 KOs)

Super middleweight title contender
24 years old
2023 Ranking: 2Pacheco, at 6’4″, is seen as the future of the 168-pound division. Currently, Terence Crawford holds all the titles, but if the belts fragment, Pacheco could have a title opportunity soon. He recently split with trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. In his most recent fight, in August 2024, Pacheco knocked out Maciej Sulecki in the sixth round. Pacheco will face Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13th and a victory would bring him closer to a title opportunity in 2026.

5. Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs)

WBO Junior Middleweight Champion
23 years old
2023 Ranking: 4Zayas, who signed with Top Rank at 16 years old, has established himself as a world champion in 2025. He has shown constant improvement and has the potential to be a force in the coming years. Zayas became the youngest world champion by defeating Jorge García for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title in July. Zayas has the opportunity to unify titles when he faces WBA champion Baraou on January 31.

6. Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs)

Lightweight Contender
21 years old
2024 Ranking: 3Mason has achieved three knockout victories this year and will face Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title. He has good timing, speed, and a variety of punches. Mason could become one of the biggest boxing stars in the next five years. Mason demonstrated his ability in a fourth-round victory over Manuel Jaimes at Madison Square Garden in February. Mason will face Noakes in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. A victory for Mason would catapult him to fame.

7. Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs)

Junior Middleweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 13Ramos recovered from a defeat and has achieved three consecutive victories. He could be a problem for the junior middleweight division with his power and endurance. Ramos was scheduled to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on the Fundora vs. Thurman undercard, but the October event was canceled. The fight was rescheduled for December 6.

8. Kyosuke Takami (10-0, 8 KOs)

Junior Flyweight Contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: NR

Takami won the WBA junior flyweight title by defeating Erick Rosa in the tenth round in July. He has a lot of strength for a 108-pound boxer. Takami will face Rene Santiago on December 17th. Santiago will give Takami a tough fight next month.

9. Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs)

Lightweight contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 20

Schofield had a strange 2025 with only one fight. A fight with Shakur Stevenson was canceled. Schofield returned and defeated Tevin Farmer. A wrist injury took him out of a scheduled fight with Joseph “Jojo” Diaz. Schofield needed 78 seconds to defeat Farmer. If Schofield stays healthy, the sky is the limit. He could fight the winner of Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz on January 24.

10. Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs)

Junior Middleweight Contender
23 years old
2024 Ranking: 9Azim has an attractive style, with fast hands and quick reflexes. He defeated veteran Sergey Lipinets in February and dominated Kurt Scoby in November. In the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Azim surpassed Scoby. Azim has progressed and will face better opponents in 2026.

11. Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs)

Junior Middleweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 17Mercado has shown a great ability to knock out his opponents. As part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable, Mercado continued his rise with a victory over Jose Pedraza in January, and is scheduled to fight Antonio Moran on December 13th. His knockout of Pedraza caught the attention of the 140-pound division. He will have many opportunities to prove his worth in 2026.

12. Caroline Dubois (11-0-1, 5 KOs)

WBC Lightweight Champion
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 16

Dubois has defended the WBC lightweight title twice this year. He had a frustrating technical draw in January and then defeated Bo Mi Re Shin. He hasn’t boxed since then. Dubois hasn’t been active since March. The fight Dubois wants is a title unification against Terri Harper.

13. Emiliano Vargas (16-0, 13 KOs)

Lightweight Prospect
21 years old
2024 Ranking: 15

Vargas has the potential to be at the top of this list. He needs an increase in competition. Vargas must stay active in 2026. Fernando Vargas’s son defeated Alexander Espinoza in the first round.

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

Bantamweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 11Cuellar lost his undefeated record against Junto Nakatani. Winning a world title is within his reach. He recovered with a unanimous decision victory over Juan Carlos Mancilla Otero. With Nakatani moving up to super featherweight, there will be opportunities for Cuellar, but he might have to travel to Japan.

15. Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs)

Middleweight Prospect
22 years old
2024 Ranking: 19

After losing to Kyrone Davis, Garcia returned with a decision over Terrell Gausha in March. He has had difficult fights, but Garcia shows a lot of promise. Garcia had to get up from the canvas against Gausha. He has learned valuable lessons that could help him climb the rankings in 2026.

16. Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs)

Welterweight Contender
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 7Sasaki’s career is at risk after his knockout loss to Brian Norman Jr. in June. Sasaki’s career needs to be carefully repaired. Sasaki is known for being a victim of knockouts. He might not return until the second half of 2026.

17. Geo Lopez (18-0, 12 KOs)

Super Lightweight Prospect
22 years old
2024 Ranking: NRLopez defeated Rene Alvarado. If Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer, can keep pushing Lopez, the 130-pound division could have new blood. Lopez is fast and skillful.

18. Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs)

Junior Middleweight Prospect
24 years old
2024 Ranking: 22

Walsh, who is 6 feet tall, has fought almost exclusively in the United States. After his knockout victory over Dean Sutherland, he followed up with a win over Elias Espadas and Fernando Vargas Jr. Walsh could face the winner of Bakhram Murtazaliev and Josh Kelly.