Exciting Fights Anticipated in 2025 as Boxing Landscape Shifts
As boxing fans emerge from a year filled with highly anticipated matchups, the sport is poised for another thrilling year in 2025. January is typically a slow month for boxing, providing an opportune moment for analysts and fans alike to speculate on the most compelling bouts that could unfold in the coming year. CBS Sports’ boxing experts recently convened to discuss potential fights that would not only electrify audiences but also impact the legacies of the athletes involved.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois: A Heavyweight Showdown
One of the marquee matchups on the radar is Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois. Dubois enjoyed a remarkable 2024, securing the interim IBF heavyweight championship by defeating Filip Hrgovic, followed by a title defense where he knocked out Anthony Joshua in a highly publicized match at Wembley Stadium. This victory marked Dubois’s rise among boxing’s heavyweight elite, however, it came with a significant caveat: Usyk, who became the first four-belt undisputed champion earlier in the year by defeating Tyson Fury, was stripped of the IBF title when he opted to pursue a rematch with Fury instead of facing a mandatory challenger.
The two fighters have met once before, with Usyk claiming victory through a ninth-round stoppage. The match had its share of controversy, especially concerning a low blow that Dubois believed was a knockdown. Following Usyk’s win in his rematch with Fury, Dubois expressed his desire for a rematch, this time for the undisputed championship, making it the most sought-after heavyweight bout of 2025.
Light Heavyweight Clash: Benavidez or Morrell vs. Beterbiev or Bivol
Another thrilling potential matchup is between David Benavidez or David Morrell against Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev and Bivol are scheduled for a rematch on February 22, after Beterbiev’s controversial majority decision victory in their first encounter, which crowned an undisputed light heavyweight champion.
Benavidez and Morrell, both of whom have been vying for a chance to challenge super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, have moved up in weight as they seek championship glory. They are set to face each other on February 1, with the winner being a logical contender for the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch victor. There is debate among experts about whether Beterbiev could move to cruiserweight for a showdown with Usyk, but most agree that the health of both divisions depends on their champions remaining to face the top challengers.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Ryan Garcia: A Clash of Controversies
The anticipated fight between Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia promises to be another highlight of 2025. Despite Garcia’s recent struggles—including missing weight and multiple drug test failures—his popularity continues to rise, fueled by his outspoken nature. Conversely, Lopez’s star has dimmed after inconsistent performances. Both fighters have challenged each other historically, and their contrasting personalities make for an intriguing potential match.
Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson: Future Stars Collide
The possibility of a bout between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson continues to attract attention. Both fighters represent the next generation of boxing stars, routinely calling each other out while showcasing extraordinary skills. Davis has become one of the sport’s most popular figures, known for his knockout power, while Stevenson, despite some criticism over his recent performances, remains one of the most technically skilled boxers in the lower weight classes. The need for both fighters to face challenging opponents may lead to a long-awaited pairing.
Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani: A Japanese Showdown of Giants
Finally, the clash between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani could produce a thrilling narrative in the boxing landscape. Inoue, a dominant force across multiple weight classes and currently ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters, has an upcoming match against Sam Goodman on January 24. Following that, a potential year-end showdown against Nakatani—a three-division champion with a perfect 29-0 record—could culminate in an exciting all-Japan contest. This match not only promises excitement but could also position its winner among the top contenders for the 2025 Fighter of the Year title.
Conclusion: A Year Full of Possibilities
As the boxing community sets its sights on 2025, these potential matchups represent just a fraction of the excitement to come. The mix of legacy-building fights and rising talents suggests that the upcoming year could significantly shape the future of the sport. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch, hoping that these anticipated bouts come to fruition and deliver the action that boxing enthusiasts crave.
