2025 Boxing Highlights
The boxing scene has experienced an exhilarating start to 2025, showcasing a series of electrifying events and memorable matches that have captivated enthusiasts. From Dmitry Bivol’s impressive performance against Artur Beterbiev to the controversial knee incident involving Gervonta Davis, and Chris Eubank Jr.’s thrilling win over Conor Benn—each event has sparked discussions and excitement within the sport. In a quieter week for boxing, the Uncrowned team decided it was an ideal moment to reflect on the standout moments from the first half of the year—highlighting exceptional fighters, unforgettable bouts, and jaw-dropping knockouts. With various opinions, several categories saw multiple selections due to the overwhelming talent and drama in boxing this year.
Standout Categories
Fight of the Year
Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro & Kenshiro Teraji vs. Seigo Yuri Akui
Among the fiercest clashes, Isaac Cruz and Angel Fierro‘s showdown in February emerged as a gripping encounter. Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) and Fierro (23-3-2, 18 KOs) delivered a brutal display that has drawn comparisons to the legendary battles of Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. Their fight was characterized by relentless exchanges of powerful punches, including debilitating body shots and uppercuts, culminating in an astounding 1,410 punches thrown.
In another memorable match, Kenshiro Teraji faced Seigo Yuri Akui in a title bout that turned into a dramatic narrative. Positioned behind on the scorecards, Teraji (25-1, 16 KOs) made his move in the 12th round, delivering a decisive knockout after a grueling contest against Akui (21-3-1, 11 KOs), ensuring fans would remember this clash for years to come.
Event of the Year
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn
The match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn transcended the sport, embodying a riveting saga enriched with familial rivalry rooted in history. The April bout was enhanced by the long-standing feud of their fathers—Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn—reaching back to their legendary bouts in the 1990s. Despite the lingering effects of prior doping allegations dampening the build-up, the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric, especially when Eubank Sr. made a surprise appearance. The fight itself was an exhilarating encounter that captivated over 60,000 fans, underlining the significance of local support in boxing.
Fighter of the Year
Junto Nakatani & Dmitry Bivol
Junto Nakatani has marked himself as a standout competitor in 2025 with significant wins, establishing himself as a rising star in the boxing scene. Meanwhile, Dmitry Bivol solidified his status with an impressive victory over Beterbiev, avenging his only loss while capturing the undisputed light heavyweight titles. Bivol’s ability to overcome adversity showcased his resilience and skill, affirming his place among boxing’s elite.
Knockout of the Year
Brian Norman Jr. KO-5 Jin Sasaki
The knockout delivered by Brian Norman Jr. against Jin Sasaki was a jaw-dropping moment, as the 24-year-old champion left his opponent lifeless on the canvas, underscoring his punching power. This impressive victory has positioned Norman firmly within discussions around the welterweight division.
Upset of the Year
Rolly Romero UD-12 Ryan Garcia & Jose Armando Resendiz SD-12 Caleb Plant
Ryan Garcia, heavily favored against Rolly Romero, faced a shocking defeat that reshaped expectations in the boxing community. On the other hand, Caleb Plant‘s unexpected loss to Jose Armando Resendiz was another pivotal moment, as the underdog Resendiz derailed plans for a future clash against Jermall Charlo, marking a significant upset in the year’s boxing landscape.
As 2025 unfolds, the first half has already provided a rich tapestry of stories, rivalries, and breakthroughs that remind us of the sport’s enduring allure and unpredictability.
