Usyk vs. Parker: Next Step? Potential Epic Fights in 2025

The Most Anticipated Boxing Matches for 2025

After a weekend where Oleksandr Usyk consolidated his position as the best pound-for-pound boxer by defeating Daniel Dubois, and Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring after four years with a majority draw against Mario Barrios, the focus is on the remaining boxing calendar of 2025. Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford will face each other on September 13 for the undisputed super middleweight championship, but what other fights promise excitement for the rest of the year and beyond?

Here is a list of possible matchups that could define the year.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker

Before a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury, Usyk might need a preparatory fight, and facing Parker, the mandatory challenger of the WBO, would be a good option. Fury confirmed his return to boxing, but it will not be until next year. Usyk’s next fight will focus on getting a victory to prepare for the fight with Fury. Frank Warren, of Queensberry Promotions, Parker’s promoter, is in favor of Parker, former WBO champion, being Usyk’s next opponent. Parker, who trains with Fury and has revitalized his career, could be the ideal opponent for Usyk.

Teofimo López vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero

These two boxers were the big winners of the boxing evening in Times Square in May, and it’s a logical match for both to advance towards the top of a very crowded welterweight division. It’s a good matchup between López’s technical qualities and Romero’s power and unpredictability.

López, WBO super lightweight champion, showed improvement, while Romero pulled off a major upset by defeating Ryan Garcia. Romero’s fighting style could play into López’s hands, but his victory over Garcia proved that he can also surprise more technical boxers. It’s a fight that would attract attention due to the provocations between the two, and there’s a story of a sparring session between them in 2017 that could resurface. A rivalry that would become a very attractive personal fight.

Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul

I can’t believe I’m saying this… but Joshua vs. Paul is a fight I’d actually watch. pic.twitter.com/82v19tL2kY

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) July 22, 2024

If this fight materializes, Joshua, a two-time world champion, could lose legitimacy by facing a less competitive opponent for a lucrative purse. Joshua hasn’t fought since his technical knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Elbow surgery is expected to keep Joshua out until the end of this year. Paul, the YouTuber turned boxer, comes in with confidence after his victory in June over Julio César Chávez Jr., but Chávez is no longer at his best. Joshua should be facing higher caliber opponents, but fighting Paul would generate worldwide interest, and it’s a fight Joshua should easily win.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Conor Benn

With Benn’s rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. at risk of not happening, the English boxer could look for another important fight, and WBC lightweight champion Stevenson would be an interesting option. Stevenson would have to move up from lightweight to super lightweight to face Benn, resulting in a clash of styles. Stevenson, with a distinguished amateur career, would face Benn, who has the advantage of size. It’s a classic encounter between a technical boxer and a puncher. It could be an entertaining match, and Benn might be tempted to face Stevenson while waiting for the rematch with Eubank or a possible fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2026.

Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron

Taylor doesn’t seem very interested in this fight, but many fans are, and it’s the next logical fight for the Irishwoman if she decides to continue boxing. After finishing her trilogy with Serrano, Taylor should consider a third encounter with Cameron, the only woman who has beaten her. Cameron is now Taylor’s biggest rival. Cameron inflicted Taylor’s only defeat with a majority decision in May 2023, before Taylor got her revenge also with a majority decision victory in November 2023. This fight probably depends on whether Taylor decides her career is over, but if it happens, 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 some years, but now has a serious rival in Ramirez, who unified the WBA and WBO titles. A match between the two in a three-belt unification fight would give rare prominence to the cruiserweight division. It’s the most logical option for Opetaia, apart from moving up to heavyweight, and both fighters dream of achieving undisputed status, which could launch their careers in heavyweight, just as Oleksandr Usyk did. Ramírez also made a title defense 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 might be tempted to take the fight if a showdown against WBC champion David Benavidez doesn’t materialize.