Exciting Boxing Matches Scheduled for Early 2025
As the new year approaches, the boxing world is abuzz with anticipation over a series of high-profile events slated for the early months of 2025. Some of the sport’s biggest names and rising stars are set to step into the ring, providing fans with thrilling matchups that promise to shape the landscape of boxing for the rest of the year.
Naoya Inoue Kicks Off 2025
The first major event will occur on January 24, 2025, when Naoya Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion and a widely recognized pound-for-pound elite fighter, defends his four world titles against Ye Joon Kim. Inoue’s original opponent, Sam Goodman, had to withdraw from their Christmas Eve bout due to an injury sustained during training. Following an additional injury that sidelined Goodman, Inoue’s matchup was rescheduled, and he ultimately dominated Kim, showcasing his exceptional skills right at the beginning of the year.
Clash of Young Titans
The excitement continues in February with a pivotal clash on February 1, as David Benavidez faces David Morrell in a light heavyweight matchup. This fight is critical for both boxers as the winner will potentially get a shot at the victor of the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Their first meeting resulted in Beterbiev narrowly claiming the title, setting the stage for an even more intense second bout scheduled for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
High-Stakes Women’s Fight
In an exciting highlight for women’s boxing, Claressa Shields, often referred to as the "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time), will take to the ring on February 2 against Danielle Perkins for a unified heavyweight title, as well as the WBO women’s light heavyweight title. This bout, alongside the young women making strides in the sport, signifies a growing recognition and elevation of women’s boxing on a global scale.
Notable Fights on the Horizon
As March approaches, fans can expect more thrilling matches. On March 1, Gervonta Davis, widely regarded as "the face of boxing," will defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. This bout adds to the growing list of significant fights fans can look forward to in early 2025.
Upcoming Boxing Schedule
The following dates are set for upcoming matches:
- February 1: David Benavidez vs. David Morrell (Light Heavyweights) – Las Vegas, PPV
- February 2: Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins (Unified Women’s Heavyweight Title, WBO Women’s Light Heavyweight Title) – Flint, Michigan, DAZN
- February 8: Derek Chisora vs. Otto Wallin (Heavyweights) – Manchester, England, TBA
- February 14: Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis (WBO Lightweight Title) – New York City, ESPN
- February 15: Oscar Duarte vs. Regis Prograis (Junior Welterweights) – Anaheim, California, DAZN
- February 22: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol (Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship) – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, PPV
- March 1: Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. (WBA Lightweight Title) – Las Vegas, PPV
- March 7: Natasha Jonas vs. Lauren Price (Unified Welterweight Title) – London, Peacock
- March 12: Keith Thurman vs. Brock Jarvis (Junior Middleweight) – Sidney, Australia, TBA
- March 22: Sebastian Fundora vs. Chordale Booker (Unified Junior Lightweight Title) – Las Vegas, Prime Video
Significance of Upcoming Fights
The upcoming calendar highlights a significant phase for boxing, with established champions and promising contenders set to clash in the ring. This not only amplifies interest in the sport but also ensures that the early months of 2025 will be filled with competitive spirit and compelling narratives. With the involvement of major stars like Inoue, Shields, and Davis, the potential for unforgettable moments could energize the boxing scene, drawing in fans both old and new and potentially affecting future matchups and title fights throughout the year.
