Five Fighters to Watch in 2025: Boxing's Rising Stars and Comeback Kings

Five Fighters to Watch in 2025: Boxing’s Rising Stars and Comeback Kings



As the new year begins, the boxing world is gearing up for another exciting season filled with thrilling fights, comebacks, and rising stars. In 2024, we witnessed remarkable battles and standout performances that reshaped the rankings and cemented the legacies of top fighters. From breathtaking heavyweight showdowns to surprising victories, boxing fans were treated to an unforgettable year. Heading into 2025, five fighters to watch in 2025 stand out as ones to watch. These athletes are poised to dominate their divisions, make history, and deliver unforgettable performances.

Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) – Junior Middleweight

Errol Spence Jr., once considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, is preparing for a highly anticipated return to the ring. The former unified welterweight champion has been out of action since July 2023, when he suffered a devastating loss to Terence Crawford. That fight not only ended his unbeaten record but also raised questions about his future in the sport. Now, Spence aims to make a strong comeback by moving up to the junior middleweight division.

At 34 years old, Spence is no stranger to adversity. In 2019, he survived a near-fatal car crash but returned to the ring to defeat Danny Garcia in a dominant performance. Later, in 2021, he overcame a detached retina to unify welterweight titles against Yordenis Ugas. His resilience and determination have made him one of the most compelling fighters in the sport.

This year, Spence faces a formidable challenge in Sebastian Fundora, the towering WBC and WBO junior middleweight champion. Standing at 6-foot-5½, Fundora presents a unique test with his height, reach, and power. The fight is expected to take place in March or April, and if Spence can secure a victory after nearly two years away from the ring, it would mark one of the most significant achievements of his career.

Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) – Junior Welterweight

Devin Haney’s 2024 was a rollercoaster year filled with ups and downs. Once the WBC lightweight champion, Haney entered 2024 as an undefeated fighter with immense potential. However, his April bout against Ryan Garcia proved to be a turning point. Despite being the favorite, Haney was knocked down three times and lost the fight by decision. The result was later overturned to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, but doubts about Haney’s punch resistance lingered.

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Now fighting at junior welterweight, Haney is eager to redeem himself. Discussions for a rematch with Garcia are underway, with the bout likely to happen at 147 pounds. Garcia’s suspension for the failed drug test ends in April, setting the stage for one of the year’s most anticipated fights. If Haney can avenge his loss and deliver a convincing performance, he could reclaim his place among boxing’s elite and solidify his legacy as a top pound-for-pound fighter.

Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) – Heavyweight

Daniel Dubois had a career-defining year in 2024. The 28-year-old Englishman, once a highly touted prospect, finally lived up to the hype with a series of impressive victories. Dubois began the year with a win over Filip Hrgovic, earning himself a shot at Anthony Joshua. In September, he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Joshua in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium. The victory not only made Dubois the IBF heavyweight champion but also elevated him to stardom in the U.K.

Dubois isn’t slowing down in 2025. His first fight of the year is a title defense against former champion Joseph Parker, scheduled for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parker, who has experienced a resurgence in his career, poses a tough challenge, but Dubois is determined to prove his dominance. Beyond Parker, Dubois has his sights set on even bigger fights. A rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, this time for the undisputed heavyweight championship, is a possibility. Alternatively, Dubois could face Joshua again or even welcome former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who has hinted at a return to the ring.

Dubois’s combination of power, athleticism, and hunger makes him one of the most exciting heavyweights to watch. With his momentum from 2024, he’s poised to become a central figure in the division.

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Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) – Lightweight

Keyshawn Davis, a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, is quickly establishing himself as one of America’s brightest boxing stars. At just 26 years old, Davis has already built an impressive professional record and is now on the cusp of winning his first world title. In February, he’s set to face Denys Berinchyk, the WBO lightweight champion, at Madison Square Garden.

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Berinchyk, a skilled and durable fighter from Ukraine, represents Davis’s toughest opponent yet. Known for his jab and footwork, Berinchyk has neutralized high-output fighters like Emanuel Navarrete. For Davis, this fight is an opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage. His power was on full display in November, when he knocked out Gustavo Lemos in just two rounds during a homecoming event in Norfolk, Virginia.

With his charisma, talent, and growing fan base, Davis has the potential to become a major star in boxing. A victory over Berinchyk could open doors to unification bouts and high-profile matchups later in the year.

Five Fighters to Watch in 2025: Boxing's Rising Stars and Comeback Kings

Oscar Collazo (11-0, 8 KOs) – Strawweight

At just 5-foot-2, Oscar Collazo might be boxing’s smallest champion, but his accomplishments are anything but minor. The Puerto Rican southpaw captured the WBO strawweight title in his seventh professional fight, setting a record as the fastest Puerto Rican to win a world title. In November, he added the WBA belt to his collection with a seventh-round TKO victory over Knockout CP Freshmart.

Collazo’s dominance in the 105-pound division has brought attention to a weight class often overlooked by mainstream fans. However, his ambitions extend beyond strawweight. Like Naoya Inoue and Manny Pacquiao before him, Collazo aims to climb the weight classes in pursuit of bigger fights and greater recognition. Potential opponents at 112 pounds include Japanese champions, while a move to 115 pounds could set up a blockbuster clash with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.

For now, Collazo is shining a spotlight on Puerto Rico and proving that even the smallest fighters can make a big impact. His technical skills, knockout power, and relentless drive make him a compelling fighter to watch.

A Promising Year Ahead

The 2025 boxing calendar is already shaping up to be an exciting one, with these five fighters leading the charge. From Spence’s comeback story to Dubois’s heavyweight ascent, each athlete brings a unique narrative and set of challenges to the ring. Whether it’s redemption, title unification, or climbing the ranks, these fighters are ready to leave their mark on the sport. Boxing fans should buckle up for a year filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

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