{"id":82140,"date":"2025-11-19T06:06:47","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T10:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/sin-categoria\/itauma-norman-jr-and-fundora-young-boxing-stars-under-25-years-old-2\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T06:06:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T10:06:47","slug":"itauma-norman-jr-and-fundora-young-boxing-stars-under-25-years-old-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/boxing\/itauma-norman-jr-and-fundora-young-boxing-stars-under-25-years-old-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Itauma, Norman Jr. and Fundora: Young Boxing Stars Under 25 Years Old"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Moses Itauma Tops the List of Young Boxing Prospects<\/h2>\n\nFollowing the departure of Jesse &#8220;Bam&#8221; 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.\n\nItauma, 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.\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n  \n  <p>&#8220;Moses Itauma will destroy all those old guys in the division,&#8221; Tyson Fury declared after Itauma&#8217;s victory over Whyte.<\/p>\n  \n  <cite>Tyson Fury<\/cite>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\nLast 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&#8217;s flyweight champion.\n\nXander 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.\n\nThe 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:\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a1.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0820%2Fr1534419_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Moses Itauma\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heavyweight<\/strong><br>\n<strong>20 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>Ranking 2024: 10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nItauma, 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&#8217;4&#8243; southpaw promises to be the future of boxing.\n\nHis 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.\n\nItauma 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2. Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a1.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0619%2Fdm_250619_Top_Rank_KO%2Fdm_250619_Top_Rank_KO.jpg\" alt=\"Brian Norman Jr.\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>WBO Welterweight Champion<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nNorman 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.\n\nHis 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>3. Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0420%2Fr1481292_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Gabriela Fundora\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Undisputed Flyweight Champion<\/strong><br>\n<strong>23 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 5<\/strong>\n\nFundora, with a height of 5&#8217;9&#8243;, 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.\n\nAfter 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.\n\nFundora holds the number 5 position in Alofoke Deportes&#8217; pound-for-pound female ranking. Could she aspire to be a champion in multiple divisions in 2026?\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>4. Diego Pacheco (24-0, 18 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1113%2Fr1575208_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Diego Pacheco\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Super middleweight title contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2023 Ranking: 2<\/strong>\n\nPacheco, at 6&#8217;4&#8243;, 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5. Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0727%2Fdm_250727_dm_box_zayas_wins%2Fdm_250727_dm_box_zayas_wins.jpg\" alt=\"Xander Zayas\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>WBO Junior Middleweight Champion<\/strong><br>\n<strong>23 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2023 Ranking: 4<\/strong>\n\nZayas, 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.\n\nZayas became the youngest world champion by defeating Jorge Garc\u00eda 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>6. Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a1.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0608%2Fdm_250608_Abdullah_Mason_TKO%2Fdm_250608_Abdullah_Mason_TKO.jpg\" alt=\"Abdullah Mason\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Lightweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>21 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 3<\/strong>\n\nMason 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.\n\nMason 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>7. Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1113%2Fr1575158_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Jesus Ramos Jr.\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Junior Middleweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 13<\/strong>\n\nRamos 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.\n\nRamos 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8. Kyosuke Takami (10-0, 8 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1113%2Fr1575153_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Kyosuke Takami\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Junior Flyweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>23 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: NR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nTakami 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.\n\nTakami will face Rene Santiago on December 17th. Santiago will give Takami a tough fight next month.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>9. Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0219%2Fr1453808_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Floyd Schofield\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lightweight contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>23 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 20<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nSchofield 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 &#8220;Jojo&#8221; Diaz.\n\nSchofield 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.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>10. Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0925%2Fr1551069_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Adam Azim\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Junior Middleweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>23 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 9<\/strong>\n\nAzim has an attractive style, with fast hands and quick reflexes. He defeated veteran Sergey Lipinets in February and dominated Kurt Scoby in November.\n\nIn the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Azim surpassed Scoby. Azim has progressed and will face better opponents in 2026.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>11. Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<strong>Junior Middleweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 17<\/strong>\n\nMercado has shown a great ability to knock out his opponents. As part of Eddie Hearn&#8217;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.\n\nHis knockout of Pedraza caught the attention of the 140-pound division. He will have many opportunities to prove his worth in 2026.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>12. Caroline Dubois (11-0-1, 5 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F1025%2Fr1405606_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Caroline Dubois\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>WBC Lightweight Champion<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nDubois 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&#8217;t boxed since then.\n\nDubois hasn&#8217;t been active since March. The fight Dubois wants is a title unification against Terri Harper.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>13. Emiliano Vargas (16-0, 13 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0726%2Fdm_250726_dm_box_vargas_top_rank%2Fdm_250726_dm_box_vargas_top_rank.jpg\" alt=\"Emiliano Vargas\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lightweight Prospect<\/strong><br>\n<strong>21 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 15<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nVargas has the potential to be at the top of this list. He needs an increase in competition. Vargas must stay active in 2026.\n\nFernando Vargas&#8217;s son defeated Alexander Espinoza in the first round.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>14. David Cuellar Contreras (29-1, 18 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1113%2Fr1575086_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"David Cuellar Contreras\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<strong>Bantamweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 11<\/strong>\n\nCuellar 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.\n\nWith Nakatani moving up to super featherweight, there will be opportunities for Cuellar, but he might have to travel to Japan.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>15. Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1113%2Fr1575082_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Elijah Garcia\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Middleweight Prospect<\/strong><br>\n<strong>22 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 19<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nAfter 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.\n\nGarcia had to get up from the canvas against Gausha. He has learned valuable lessons that could help him climb the rankings in 2026.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>16. Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<strong>Welterweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 7<\/strong>\n\nSasaki&#8217;s career is at risk after his knockout loss to Brian Norman Jr. in June. Sasaki&#8217;s career needs to be carefully repaired.\n\nSasaki is known for being a victim of knockouts. He might not return until the second half of 2026.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>17. Geo Lopez (18-0, 12 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<strong>Super Lightweight Prospect<\/strong><br>\n<strong>22 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: NR<\/strong>\n\nLopez defeated Rene Alvarado. If Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez&#8217;s trainer, can keep pushing Lopez, the 130-pound division could have new blood.\n\nLopez is fast and skillful.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>18. Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1112%2Fr1574524_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Callum Walsh\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Junior Middleweight Prospect<\/strong><br>\n<strong>24 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: 22<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nWalsh, 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.\n\nWalsh could face the winner of Bakhram Murtazaliev and Josh Kelly.\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>19. Bakary Samake (19-0, 11 KOs)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1112%2Fr1574536_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg\" alt=\"Bakary Samake\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Junior Middleweight Contender<\/strong><br>\n<strong>22 years old<\/strong><br>\n<strong>2024 Ranking: NR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nSamake is on the rise after going 2-0 in 2025. 2026 could serve as a&#8230;","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moses Itauma Tops the List of Young Boxing Prospects Following the departure of Jesse &#8220;Bam&#8221; 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":82141,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[3756,238,3110,697],"class_list":{"0":"post-82140","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-boxing","8":"tag-dillian-whyte","9":"tag-heavyweight","10":"tag-moses-itauma","11":"tag-tyson-fury"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82140"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82140\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alofokedeportes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}