Analysis of the Most Anticipated Boxing Fights of 2025
After a weekend where Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his position as the best pound-for-pound boxer, and Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division champion, returned to the ring, attention is focused on the remaining boxing calendar of 2025. Alofoke Deportes presents an analysis of the most promising and expected fights.
Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, two of the best boxers in the world, will face each other on September 13th for the undisputed super middleweight championship. But, what other great fights does 2025 and beyond have in store for us?
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker
Usyk could face Joseph Parker, mandatory challenger by the WBO, before a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury. Parker, who trains with Fury, could be the ideal rival for Usyk. Frank Warren, Parker’s promoter, looks favorably on this match.
Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has resurged in his career with trainer Andy Lee, showing his best performances since his KO loss to Joe Joyce in 2022. Among his most notable victories are a decision over Deontay Wilder and wins over Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole. Parker, with more experience than other contenders, presents an attractive option for Usyk.
Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs), WBC interim heavyweight champion, has also requested a fight against Usyk, but Parker’s connection to Fury and Usyk’s need to keep the WBO belt make Parker a better option.
Teofimo López vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero
These two boxers were big winners at the Times Square boxing event in May, and a showdown between them would be a logical step towards the top of the competitive welterweight division. The fight promises to be a clash of styles, with López’s technical qualities against Romero’s power and unpredictability.
López (22-1, 13 KOs), WBO super lightweight champion, showed an improvement in his performance in New York, defeating Arnold Barboza Jr. Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) caused a major upset by defeating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision, winning the WBA “regular” welterweight title.
Romero’s aggressive style could favor a technical boxer like Lopez, but Romero’s victory over Garcia demonstrated his ability to surprise. The fight, with its characteristic exchange of provocations, could generate great expectation, even recalling a 2017 sparring session between the two. This confrontation is expected to become a very attractive rivalry.
Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul
If it materializes, Joshua, former world champion, could be compromised by facing a less competitive opponent for a lucrative purse. Joshua (28-4, 24 KOs) has not fought since his KO loss to Daniel Dubois in September of last year. Elbow surgery is expected to keep him out until the end of this year.
Paul, the YouTuber turned boxer, arrives with confidence after his victory in June over Julio César Chávez Jr., although Chávez is no longer at his best. Joshua, despite his recent defeat, should focus on higher caliber rivals. However, a fight with Paul would generate worldwide interest and would be a fight that Joshua should easily win.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Conor Benn
Given the possible cancellation of Benn’s rematch with Chris Eubank Jr., the English boxer could look for an alternative fight, and 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 skillful boxer, Benn, with less amateur experience, could compensate with his size. It would be a clash of styles between a technical boxer and a puncher.
Stevenson is coming off an entertaining and aggressive performance against William Zepeda earlier this month. Benn might be tempted to face Stevenson while waiting for the rematch with Eubank, or if his dream fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis materializes in 2026.
Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron
Taylor seems uninterested, but many fans are, and it’s the most logical fight for the Irishwoman if she decides to continue boxing. After a victorious trilogy with Serrano, Taylor could consider a third encounter with Cameron, the only woman who has defeated her in the professional field.
Cameron, the WBC interim champion, inflicted Taylor’s only defeat in May 2023, before Taylor obtained the rematch in November 2023. This fight depends on Taylor’s decision regarding her future in boxing, 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 has unified the WBA and WBO titles. A match between the two for the unification of three belts would attract attention to the cruiserweight division.
It’s the most logical option for Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) apart from moving up to heavyweight. Both boxers dream of reaching undisputed status, which could boost their careers in the heavyweight division.
Ramírez also defended his title last month, with a unanimous decision victory over Yuniel Dorticos. However, Ramírez was more impressive when he dominated Chris Billam-Smith in a unification fight last November. Ramírez could be interested in the fight if a showdown against WBC champion David Benavidez does not materialize.
