Candidates for “Fighter of the Year” in Boxing: Analysis and Perspectives
As we approach the end of 2025, the race for the coveted title of “Fighter of the Year” in boxing is more open than ever. While there have been outstanding performances, none have managed to separate themselves from the rest. Alofoke Deportes analyzes the main contenders and their chances.
Several important fights scheduled for this year could change the landscape, and several boxers will seek to close the year strongly to consolidate their position.
Terence Crawford
Terence Crawford, se enfrentará a Canelo Álvarez por el campeonato indiscutible de peso supermediano el 13 de septiembre en Las Vegas.The fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship is the most notable. If Crawford manages to defeat Canelo and becomes the undisputed champion in three weight divisions, his achievement could surpass any other. At 38 years old, Crawford would face a Canelo at the peak of his career, which would further elevate the value of his victory.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero
Rolando “Rolly” Romero, a la izquierda, logró una victoria sorpresa sobre Ryan García para ganar el título “regular” de peso welter de la AMB en mayo en la ciudad de Nueva York.After knockout defeats to Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2022 and Isaac Cruz in 2024, Romero seemed destined for a supporting role. However, his unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia in May has put him on the radar. A possible fight with Manny Pacquiao is rumored, which could give him a significant boost.
Pacquiao, who is looking to break his own record as the oldest boxer to become a welterweight champion, could find in Romero a suitable opponent. Romero still possesses punching power, and if he manages to beat Pacquiao, he could be a strong contender.
Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor, a la derecha, derrotó a Chantelle Cameron en su revancha para convertirse en campeona indiscutible en una segunda categoría de peso en noviembre de 2023After defeating Amanda Serrano in July, Taylor could face Chantelle Cameron in a rematch. Cameron, who defeated Taylor in May 2023, is the only boxer who has beaten Taylor in her professional career. A convincing victory for Taylor in this rematch would position her as a strong contender.
Naoya Inoue
Naoya Inoue, a la izquierda, se recuperó de un derribo en el segundo asalto para detener a Ramón Cárdenas en el octavo asalto en mayo.Inoue, known as “The Monster”, has had a dominant year, with knockout victories. His next fight against Akhmadaliev on September 14 and a possible fourth fight in December could solidify his candidacy.
According to the plans announced by Turki Alalshikh, Inoue could defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against WBC mandatory challenger David Picasso in December. If Inoue achieves a 4-0 record with four knockouts, he could be the “Fighter of the Year”.
Moses Itauma
Moses Itauma, a la derecha, detuvo a Dillian Whyte en el primer asalto de su pelea de peso pesado en Riad, Arabia Saudita, el sábado.Itauma, at just 20 years old, has gone from prospect to contender. His knockout victory over Dillian Whyte in the first round was shocking. A fight against a top 10 boxer could be decisive.
A showdown with Filip Hrgovic or Zhilei Zhang could catapult him into the conversation. If Itauma achieves a victory against a renowned heavyweight, his candidacy would be undeniable.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, a la derecha, derrotó a Phumelele Cafu para unificar dos títulos mundiales de peso súper mosca.Rodriguez, who defeated Phumelele Cafu in July, continues to impress. He will face Fernando Martinez in November. If “Bam” wins, he could get closer to being undisputed champion at 115 pounds, although he would need other results to favor him to obtain the title of “Fighter of the Year”.
Shakur Stevenson
Shakur Stevenson, a la derecha, dominó a William Zepeda en una victoria por decisión unánime el 12 de julio.Stevenson, with victories over Josh Padley and William Zepeda, has demonstrated his skill. A fight with Gervonta Davis or Teofimo López could be key, although the options are limited. A match with Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield or a unification fight at 135 pounds could boost his candidacy.
The competition for the “Fighter of the Year” title promises to be exciting. As the remaining fights are defined, it will be revealed who deserves the recognition.
