Usyk vs Parker and More: Must-See Boxing Fights in 2025

Analysis of the Most Anticipated Boxing Matches in 2025

After a weekend that solidified Oleksandr Usyk as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, and the long-awaited return of Manny Pacquiao, attention is focused on the 2025 boxing calendar. Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford will face each other on September 13 for the undisputed super middleweight championship. But, what other big fights does the future hold for us? Below, we explore the possible contests that could mark the rest of the year and beyond, highlighting the reasons why these matchups are unmissable.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker

Before a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury, Usyk might need a preparatory fight, and facing Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger, fits perfectly. Fury, who confirmed his return to boxing, will not fight again until next year. Parker’s promoter, Frank Warren, is interested in this match, as Parker is a former WBO champion. Parker (36-3, 24 KOs), who trains with Fury, has revitalized his career after a KO loss to Joe Joyce in 2022. Since then, he has shown great performance, including a decision victory over Deontay Wilder in 2023 and a win over Zhilei Zhang in May 2024. Parker, with more experience than other contenders, could be the most viable option for Usyk. Parker’s association with Fury could be key to building the Usyk vs. Fury trilogy, making Parker an attractive option for Usyk.

Teofimo López vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero

These two boxers were the big winners of the evening in Times Square in May, and this fight is logical to advance in the competitive welterweight division. It’s an interesting matchup between López’s technical qualities and Romero’s power and unpredictability.

López (22-1, 13 KOs), WBO super lightweight champion, showed improvement in his performance in New York. Facing Romero would be a good first step at welterweight. Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) also surprised by defeating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision, obtaining the WBA “regular” title at welterweight. Romero’s fighting style could favor a technical boxer like Lopez, but his victory against Garcia demonstrated his ability to destabilize skilled boxers. The rivalry between the two, added to the controversy generated by a training session in 2017, promises a fight full of excitement.

Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul

This is the only fight that makes sense for Anthony Joshua next. 💰💰💰

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul)

If this fight materializes, Joshua, former world champion, would be risking his reputation by facing a less competitive opponent for a lucrative sum. Joshua (28-4, 24 KOs) has not fought since his knockout loss in the fifth round to Daniel Dubois in September. Elbow surgery is expected to keep him out until the end of this year.

Paul, the YouTuber turned boxer, arrives confidently after his victory in June over Julio César Chávez Jr., although Chávez is no longer at his best. Joshua, despite his recent defeat, should seek opponents of greater caliber. However, the fight with Paul would generate worldwide interest and would be a likely victory for Joshua.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Conor Benn

With the rematch of Benn against Chris Eubank Jr. at risk of not taking place on September 20, the English boxer could look for an alternative, and the 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). Although Stevenson has the advantage of being a more technical boxer, Benn, who had a brief amateur career, would have the size advantage. It would be a classic matchup between a boxer and a puncher. Stevenson is coming off an entertaining and aggressive performance against William Zepeda. It could be an exciting matchup with a lot of social media interaction. Benn might be tempted to face Stevenson while waiting for the rematch with Eubank or for his dream fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis to come true in 2026.

Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron

Taylor, although she doesn’t seem very interested, could face Cameron, the most logical rival for the Irishwoman. After finishing her trilogy with Serrano, Taylor could consider a third fight with Cameron, the only one who has defeated her in professional boxing. Taylor could also consider retirement after an outstanding amateur and professional career. Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs), undisputed super lightweight champion, and Cameron (21-1, 8 KOs), WBC interim champion, are at the top of the rankings. Cameron inflicted Taylor’s only defeat in May 2023, before Taylor achieved the rematch in November 2023. This fight will depend on Taylor’s decision about her future, but if it materializes, it would be one of the most anticipated fights in women’s boxing.

Jai Opetaia vs. Gilberto Ramírez

Opetaia, IBF champion, has dominated the cruiserweight division for years, but now has a serious rival in Ramirez, who unified the WBA and WBO titles. A showdown between these two in a three-belt unification fight would put the cruiserweight division under the spotlight. It’s the most logical option for Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs), aside from 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. Ramírez (48-1, 30 KOs) also defended his title last month, with a unanimous decision victory over Yuniel Dorticos. Ramírez could accept the fight if the clash against WBC champion David Benavidez does not materialize.