Boxing has delivered in recent years with thrilling matchups, undisputed title clashes and dramatic storylines that have reignited the sport’s global appeal. But to keep the momentum going, 2025 must bring us the fights that fans crave and the sport demands.
These 15 bouts aren’t just fantasy matchups — they’re essential to progressing boxing, settling rivalries and building upon the excitement that has captivated audiences worldwide. From redemption arcs and unifications to generational clashes, these are the fights that will define the year ahead and keep boxing thriving.
1. Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia 2
The first fight delivered fireworks, but Ryan Garcia’s post-victory performance-enhancing drug scandal left a bitter aftertaste. A rematch is essential — not just to settle the score, but for both sides to reclaim credibility with one of boxing’s most heated rivalries.
2. Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
Both men suffered crushing defeats in 2024, but the heavyweight division still thrives on big personalities.
Tyson Fury’s and Anthony Joshua’s commercial appeal ensures this fight will draw fans, even if it’s about redemption rather than belts.
3. Teofimo Lopez vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis
Trash talk doesn’t pay the bills, but this fight could.
Teofimo Lopez moving up to welterweight creates an electric clash with the undefeated Jaron Ennis. With their styles and social media heat, it’s pay-per-view gold.
4. Jermall Charlo vs. Caleb Plant
Caleb Plant slapped Jermall Charlo. Enough said.
With years of bad blood, this fight has all the ingredients of a grudge match worth tuning in for, even despite Charlo’s inactivity.
[embedded content]
5. Jermell Charlo vs. Terence Crawford
Terence Crawford humiliated Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023 and mocked Jermell Charlo in the process. Now holding a belt at 154 pounds, it’s time for Crawford to back up his words and for Charlo to defend his pride.
6. Gervonta Davis vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko
This is one we nearly had in November. If Lomachenko opts against retirement, a big-money matchup against the brash “Tank” could reignite his career.
For Davis, it’s a chance to add a future Hall of Famer to his résumé while finally testing himself against a true technician.
7. Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda
Booked, postponed, repeat.
Injuries have repeatedly delayed this fight, but 2025 could finally give William Zepeda his shot at legitimacy while offering Shakur Stevenson a chance to return to form after two lackluster outings.
8. Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani
The battle of Japan’s two biggest stars.
Naoya Inoue’s undisputed 122-pound crown and Junto Nakatani’s pound-for-pound reputation on the line.
This fight isn’t just a spectacle. It’s history in the making for Japanese boxing.
9. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
“Chocolatito” is the gatekeeper of greatness at 115 pounds.
“Bam” has already toppled two legends in Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada on his pound-for-pound quest, but Roman Gonzalez would cement his legacy. It’s a generational clash that boxing purists would savor.
10. Gilberto Ramirez vs. Jai Opetaia
The cruiserweight division rarely gets the spotlight, but this unification fight has the goods to change that. Gilberto Ramirez’s pressure against Jai Opetaia’s precision could deliver one of the year’s best action bouts.
11. Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2
Daniel Dubois’ controversial low blow and Usyk’s subsequent victory left questions unanswered after their infamous August 2023 meeting.
A rematch settles it all, with unified heavyweight champ Usyk aiming to regain undisputed status and IBF champ Dubois seeking vindication.
[embedded content]
12. Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn
PED scandals derailed the first attempt to book this one, but the rivalry since has only grown stronger.
With Conor Benn finally cleared to fight, this catchweight clash promises bad blood and a massive UK showdown.
13. Claressa Shields vs. Alycia Baumgardner
A heavyweight vs. a super featherweight sounds absurd, but these former friends turned enemies make it compelling. Claressa Shields is willing to drop to 147 pounds, and Alycia Baumgardner is ready to meet her.
It’s a dream matchup for women’s boxing.
14. Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3
Two fights, two record-breaking nights. Two Katie Taylor victories, two controversies.
In the eyes of some, Amanda Serrano’s case for winning both bouts is undeniable. Their third meeting would settle the debate and likely shatter even more benchmarks for women’s boxing.
[embedded content]
15. Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer 2
Welterweight unification rematch. Two warriors who throw leather from the opening bell.
It’s not just a technical battle but a guaranteed barnburner that’s needed after Natasha Jonas edged Mikaela Mayer with a split decision in Liverpool in January 2024.
