Boxing Stars in May 2025
In a month of mixed outcomes for boxing stars, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez found himself at the center of debate after his lackluster victory over William Scull. The bout, marked by a notably low punch output, left many wondering if the once-dominant Alvarez still possesses the drive to engage like he did in his prime. At 34, he seems increasingly disengaged from the competitive fire that once defined him, with Terence Crawford perhaps gaining more traction from this bout than Alvarez himself, given the implications for their potential matchup.
Notable Wins
May 2025 also saw notable achievements for Rolando Romero and Teofimo Lopez, both of whom shone at the lackluster Ring Magazine card in Times Square. Romero delivered an impressive upset against Ryan Garcia, capitalizing on a faltering performance from Garcia, while Lopez secured a solid win over a tough Arnold Barboza Jr. This duo stands out positively against the backdrop of an otherwise disappointing boxing month.
Anthony Cacace added to the list of winners, emerging victorious in a closely contested match against Leigh Wood, thus cementing his position as a contender in the UK super featherweight scene. This victory not only secured Cacace the IBO title but also enhanced his reputation and opportunities within the division, as he eyes potential matchups with recognized champions.
Performing admirably was Dave Allen, who claimed a fifth-round stoppage against Johnny Fisher, marking what he considers a key moment in his career. While he downplays its significance compared to past victories, this win could open up new opportunities in a heavyweight division ripe with competition.
Angelo Leo also made headlines, extending his unbeaten streak with a victory in Japan against Tomoki Kameda, potentially setting him up for a unification bout in the featherweight class with other champions like Nick Ball and Steph Fulton.
Challenges in the Ring
On the women’s boxing front, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is leading a charge towards elevating the sport as he prepares for a massive showcase of female fights slated for July 11 at Madison Square Garden. This initiative could provide much-needed visibility and financial support for women in boxing at a time when their opportunities have become increasingly uncertain due to external influences, particularly with the influx of funding from Saudi Arabia.
However, it was not a good month for Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, both of whom faced setbacks in their latest outings. Garcia’s disappointing loss has only exacerbated doubts about his ability to maintain marketability, while Haney’s performance was deemed ineffective, raising concerns about his pursuit of future paydays.
The path ahead looks rocky for Josh Taylor as he grapples with a third consecutive loss, heightening speculation about his future in boxing. The Scottish boxing scene urgently seeks new stars to take up the mantle as the nation faces a drought of talent to rally behind.
Controversies and Future Prospects
Lastly, the WBC found itself in hot water after reinstating the retired Manny Pacquiao into their top-10 rankings. This controversial move has sparked discussions about the safety and ethics of allowing aging fighters to pursue titles long after their prime, a narrative echoed by boxing fans and advocates alike.
Furthermore, UFC’s Dana White faced potential turbulence in his boxing ambitions following a surprise announcement that Saudi Arabia has awarded the promotional rights for the Alvarez-Crawford superfight to another promoter. This development raises questions about White’s future endeavors in boxing and his relationship with key players in the sport.
