The 2025 boxing calendar delivered on its promises. From undisputed championship unifications to shocking upsets and epic rivalries reignited, this year cemented itself as one of the most spectacular in modern boxing history. The world’s top promotions—from Riyadh Season to DAZN to Netflix—orchestrated a series of elite-level matchups that captured the imagination of boxing fans across every division.
We’ve compiled the 10 best boxing fights of 2025, ranked by their competitive significance, dramatic impact, and sheer quality of action. These are the bouts that will be discussed and rewatched for years to come.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev 2 – The Undisputed Light Heavyweight Rematch
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Title: Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship
Result: Bivol wins by majority decision (114-114, 116-112, 115-113 Bivol)
After a controversial first encounter in late 2024 where Beterbiev edged out Bivol by the slimmest of margins, the Russian rivals returned to settle the score in what many boxing analysts dubbed the «Card of the Century» undercard. February’s rematch was the complete inverse of their initial meeting—this time, it was Bivol who executed the superior gameplan and made the necessary adjustments.
Beterbiev came forward aggressively from the opening bell, throwing his devastating straight right hands with murderous intent. But Bivol, ever the surgical boxer, took a measured approach. While Beterbiev marched forward looking for the knockout, Bivol out-scored him with a superior jab, cleaner combinations, and remarkable ring generalship. The former Canelo conqueror worked behind his jab beautifully, controlling range and preventing Beterbiev from establishing the devastating rhythm that made him nearly unbeatable for years.
The scorecards reflected the razor-thin nature of their rivalry: Judge one saw it 114-114 (a dead heat), while the other two favored Bivol at 116-112 and 115-113. The Riyadh crowd, though hoping for Beterbiev’s triumphant return to his throne, acknowledged Bivol’s superior work rate and precision. In a moment of visible relief, Bivol nearly collapsed as he celebrated his ascension to undisputed status, reclaiming all four major belts.
This rematch decided one of boxing’s greatest ongoing questions: who is the legitimate king of 170 pounds? Bivol’s victory eliminated any lingering doubt about their first encounter. Both fighters had now defeated each other, setting up an inevitable trilogy. The fight also represented peak competitive boxing—two elite technicians executing at the highest level without either fighter giving an inch. In an era where one-sided victories dominate, this clash proved that true boxing greatness still exists.
Callum Smith vs. Joshua Buatsi – The British Light Heavyweight War
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Title: WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship
Result: Smith wins by unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 119-110)
On the Bivol vs. Beterbiev 2 undercard, two British light heavyweights waged a grueling 12-round war that overshadowed several fights on paper with more prestigious titles. Callum Smith (34) faced Joshua Buatsi (31), who brought an unblemished record and raw power into the ring. The Croydon native versus the Ghana-born brawler—this was pure British boxing attrition at its finest.
From the first bell, both men stood and traded devastating power shots. Smith, despite being the older man, imposed his experience early. His right hand found homes on both sides of Buatsi’s body, and his combination punching in the opening rounds established clear dominance. Round five proved pivotal: Smith landed a devastating left hook to Buatsi’s body that had the younger fighter badly hurt. A follow-up right hand moments later compromised Buatsi further, and he began absorbing punishment.
By round six, Smith was operating in the upper gears. He continued his body assault while opening up on Buatsi’s head, landing a vicious arsenal that left the champion reeling. Smith’s aggression was remarkable for a 34-year-old, and many observers thought Buatsi might not survive the round. However, the Ghanaian’s power and toughness are genuine—he never hit the canvas and closed the round with a massive hook that appeared to hurt Smith.
As the fight progressed, Smith’s assault began showing signs of wear. The accumulated damage from his sixth-round onslaught left him operating at a reduced pace. Buatsi, sensing opportunity, began increasing his activity. The middle and championship rounds became considerably tighter. Buatsi’s body work and power shots troubled Smith multiple times, particularly when he could get the Scouser against the ropes.
The final scorecards proved controversial. One judge scored it an absurd 119-110 for Smith—a margin that seemed to discount Buatsi’s clear moments of success. The other two cards (116-112 and 115-113) were more reasonable. Regardless, Smith’s veteran savvy and relentless work rate, particularly his devastating body work, proved the difference. At 34, Callum Smith proved himself still capable of competing at the elite light heavyweight level and positioned himself for world title opportunities.
CompuBox statistics revealed the fight’s competitive nature: Smith landed 256 power punches to Buatsi’s 247, while Buatsi connected with 110 jabs compared to Smith’s 44. Both men combined for 1,439 total punches—a testament to their willingness to engage in a genuine battle.
In an era of cautious boxing and defensive masterclasses, Smith vs. Buatsi was refreshingly brutal and direct. Here were two men who wanted to fight and delivered a complete 12-round war. Smith’s victory propelled him into the light heavyweight mix alongside Bivol, Beterbiev, and David Benavidez, creating exciting promotional possibilities for 2026. Beyond rankings and titles, this fight reminded boxing fans why they fell in love with the sport—the commitment to combat and the warrior mentality displayed by both fighters.
Naoya Inoue vs. Ramón Cárdenas – The Monster Rises from the Canvas
Date: May 5, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (Cinco de Mayo weekend)
Title: Undisputed Super Bantamweight Championship (WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF)
Result: Inoue wins by TKO8
On boxing’s most festive weekend, the undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue made his long-awaited return to American soil. The Japanese superstar, who had dominated every opponent globally, faced Mexican challenger Ramón Cárdenas—a fighter making the jump to championship level. Few expected Cárdenas to last more than a few rounds against the pound-for-pound sensation.
Instead, Cárdenas delivered one of 2025’s most shocking moments.
Inoue came out with his typical destructive intent, landing a hard straight one-two combination at the end of the first round that appeared to set the tone for an early evening. But in the second round, as Inoue let his heavy hands go, he wandered square on. Cárdenas, showing incredible ring intelligence, bobbed his body down and drove upward with a devastating left hook that crashed flush into Inoue’s chin.
The Japanese star hit the canvas.
The crowd erupted. Inoue, who had been dropped exactly zero times before in his professional career against elite opposition, now found himself on his back. In a moment that will be replayed forever, the undisputed champion’s confidence appeared shaken.
But this is where Inoue’s true greatness emerged. Over the next few rounds, he regrouped mentally and physically. He adjusted his footwork, slipped more shots, and began establishing his superior speed and timing. Cárdenas, fighting the fight of his life at the T-Mobile Arena in front of thousands, continued landing solid shots—including another moment in the third round where a hard left hook sent Inoue stumbling back.
However, by round four, Inoue had seized control. A vicious left hook landed square, and the Mexican challenger began to wilt. In round five, Inoue’s combinations rocked Cárdenas. In round six, he took command completely. Cárdenas, trying to appear unaffected, bared his mouthpiece as if to pretend he wasn’t hurt—a telltale sign that the undisputed champion’s power had registered.
From round seven onward, it was a one-sided affair. Inoue hammered his challenger with relentless combinations. A devastating body shot in round seven sent Cárdenas staggering back, and Inoue opened up with a blazing combination of head shots. In round eight, Inoue didn’t let up. He subjected Cárdenas to an unrelenting storm of punches, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the bout.
CompuBox statistics highlighted Inoue’s dominance: he connected with 176 of 462 punches (38%), including 64 of 117 power shots (55%). His final three rounds were particularly devastating, with 48 strikes landed in round six alone. Inoue extended his consecutive knockout streak to eleven victories.
While Inoue ultimately dominated, this fight’s significance lies in what Cárdenas revealed about the super bantamweight division. A fighter just two years removed from driving for Lyft and DoorDash briefly toppled an undisputed champion and proved that Inoue, though brilliant, is mortal. The knockout victory demonstrated Inoue’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity—hallmarks of true greatness. Inoue has now conquered every meaningful opponent at 122 pounds and stands alone as the division’s definitive best fighter, positioning himself for historic weight class jumps or consolidation unification bouts.
Ricardo Sandoval vs. Kenshiro Teraji – The Upset That Shocked Japan
Date: July 30, 2025
Location: Yokohama Buntai, Yokohama, Japan
Title: WBA and WBC Unified Flyweight Championship
Result: Sandoval wins by split decision (115-112, 117-110 Sandoval, 114-113 Teraji)
Japan’s «The Amazing Boy» Kenshiro Teraji entered the ring in Yokohama carrying an undefeated record and unified titles at 112 pounds. The 33-year-old was a technical masterclass—a two-weight world champion with a resume including top European and Asian opposition. Most observers expected Teraji to extend his dominance over California-based challenger Ricardo «El Niño» Sandoval.
Instead, the American challenger’s relentless pressure proved too much.
From the opening bell, Teraji attempted to impose his technical brilliance, setting the tone with his precise jab and lateral footwork. But Sandoval came with a different game plan: relentless pressure, vicious body work, and fierce exchanges in close quarters. Where Teraji boxed, Sandoval brawled.
The early rounds were clearly Teraji’s as his technical superiority and defensive subtlety frustrated Sandoval’s straightforward approach. However, as the middle rounds progressed, Sandoval’s unrelenting pressure and body attack began to take their toll. In round five, Teraji landed a precise one-two that temporarily stunned Sandoval—but remarkably, the American rose from the canvas to continue pressing forward.
This knockdown might have demoralized a lesser fighter. Instead, it seemed to fuel Sandoval’s determination. As rounds six through nine unfolded, Sandoval refused to back down. His body punching was particularly effective, wearing down the defending champion and forcing Teraji to fight at a pace and style disadvantageous to his skill set.
By the championship rounds, the tide had shifted dramatically. Teraji, who had struggled to control the range against Sandoval’s aggression, now faced a fighter who had adapted and improved. The Japanese crowd, which had filled the arena expecting a home hero victory, sat in stunned silence as Sandoval’s pressure fighting earned him the momentum in the fight’s final moments.
The scorecards reflected the razor-thin nature of the contest: Judge Patricia Morse Jarman scored it 115-112 for Sandoval, while Judge Chris Migliore submitted 117-110 for Sandoval. The third judge had it 114-113 for Teraji—remarkably close cards that underscored the competitive balance of this encounter.
With this monumental victory, Sandoval became the first American flyweight world champion since Hawaii’s Brian Viloria held the title from 2012 to 2013. The 26-year-old snapped Teraji’s undefeated streak and established himself as a major 112-pound force. Teraji, experiencing only his second professional loss and his first since 2021, faced an uncertain future in the division.
This upset provided one of 2025’s biggest storylines. A relatively unknown American pressure fighter toppled an established Japanese technical master on home soil. Sandoval’s victory proved that relentless aggression and superior conditioning can overcome technical brilliance when applied strategically. The fight also highlighted the evolving nature of modern boxing—where coming-forward brawlers with high work rates have found success against traditionally superior boxers. For the American contingent of boxing fans, Sandoval represented the emergence of a homegrown champion ready to compete globally.
Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes – The Youngest World Champion’s Statement
Date: November 22, 2025
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Title: Vacant WBO World Lightweight Championship
Result: Mason wins by unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 115-113)
At age 21, Cleveland’s Abdullah Mason made history, becoming boxing’s youngest currently active male world champion. The previously undefeated Mason, ranked No. 6 in ESPN’s Top 25 Under 25 in boxing, faced the considerable challenge of 28-year-old Sam Noakes from Maidstone, Kent—a tough Englishman with a 17-1 record and knockout power.
From the opening round, Noakes attacked aggressively, unloading hooks and demonstrating his willingness to engage in warfare. Mason, despite his youth, showed remarkable composure. The southpaw established his jab in round two, taking control with his superior hand speed and positioning.
Round three proved pivotal. Mason dazed Noakes with a quick combination and well-placed left uppercut. However, Noakes also suffered a nasty cut above his left eye from a clash of heads—a wound that would prove significant as the fight progressed. Noakes had a better fourth round, landing solid counter right hands that reminded observers of his experience and power.
The middle rounds saw fluctuations. Noakes landed his best punch, a crisp right hand, in round five and hurt Mason with a body shot in round seven, before following with hooks that demonstrated his technical diversity. However, Mason, getting back to his jab in round six, regained control through ring generalship and superior speed.
As the fight progressed, Mason’s youth and conditioning advantages became increasingly apparent. Though Noakes continued to fight valiantly and land significant shots, Mason’s pressure, particularly in round eight, began wearing the 28-year-old down. In round ten, Mason scored a dramatic moment, connecting with a left hand to Noakes’ head followed by an uppercut to the body that left Noakes wobbling—a moment that could have resulted in a stoppage.
Remarkably, Noakes survived and continued fighting with tremendous heart. Round eleven saw both men land big shots in a slugfest that drew appreciation from the crowd. Despite Noakes’ courage, Mason’s superior activity and cleaner shot selection in the championship rounds proved decisive.
The final verdict was unanimous: 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113, all for the American. Mason, who had never gone beyond six rounds in a professional fight before this bout, proved himself ready for elite competition. He now sits on the precipice of world title defenses against serious contenders.
Mason’s victory provided an inspiring narrative of American youth boxing development. At 21, he faced a significant step in competition and succeeded, becoming the division’s definitive titleholder. His amateur pedigree (65-15) and professional success suggest potential for multiple-division dominance. The lightweight division suddenly has a legitimate young superstar, and his future matchups against Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield create exciting promotional possibilities.
Fabio Wardley vs. Justis Huni – The Dramatic Heavyweight Reversal
Date: June 7, 2025
Location: Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich, England
Title: WBA Continental and Commonwealth Heavyweight Titles
Result: Wardley wins by 10th-round KO
When British heavyweight Fabio Wardley returned home to Ipswich’s Portman Road Stadium for his homecoming fight, fans expected another dominant exhibition. Wardley, the undefeated British knockout artist, faced Australia’s Justis Huni—a less-heralded opponent stepping in after original challenger Jarrell Miller withdrew due to shoulder injury.
For nine rounds, Huni delivered a masterclass in patience and technical boxing. The Australian, fighting at short notice, came with a game plan: use superior hand speed, exploit his range, and out-box the home favorite. Remarkably, the strategy worked brilliantly. Wardley appeared to struggle against Huni’s speed and elusiveness. A heavy left hook to the chest in round three hurt Wardley noticeably, and the crowd, initially enthusiastic, began to sense an upset.
By the middle rounds, Huni had clearly established control. Wardley’s legendary one-punch power wasn’t finding targets, and he began absorbing punishment. Huni’s fast hands created defensive puzzles that Wardley couldn’t solve. A cut opened above Wardley’s lip in round seven, and as the fight entered the championship rounds, Wardley appeared to be losing decisively. The 20,000-strong Portman Road crowd fell silent as Huni’s upset grew increasingly likely.
Wardley’s corner knew he needed something spectacular. In the tenth round, trailing on all scorecards, Wardley produced exactly that. A devastating right hand—the type of punch that has defined his career—crashed into Huni’s face. The Australian, suddenly hurt badly, couldn’t recover, and the referee immediately waved off the bout.
The crowd erupted. In an instant, a likely defeat transformed into a dramatic knockout victory. Wardley’s celebration was wild and emotional, acknowledging how close he came to a genuine upset loss.
This fight’s significance lies in its narrative reversal. For nine rounds, we watched a legitimate heavyweight contender in Wardley genuinely struggle. Huni proved that with proper game planning and fearless execution, even elite strikers can be neutralized. However, Wardley’s dramatic finish also demonstrated why one-punch power in the heavyweight division remains invaluable. The victory’s timing—coming after a similar knockout of Frazer Clarke—positioned Wardley for Oleksandr Usyk or Daniel Dubois clash.
NATHANIEL Collins vs. Cristóbal Lorente – The European Featherweight Classic
Date: October 4, 2025
Location: Braehead Arena, Glasgow, Scotland
Title: WBC World Title Final Eliminator (Lorente’s European Featherweight Title)
Result: Draw (115-113, 115-113, 114-114)
When Scottish prospect Nathaniel «Paddy» Collins stepped into the ring against Spain’s Cristóbal Lorente, both fighters carried undefeated records and European ambitions. Collins, aggressive and explosive, represented the new wave of British boxing prospects. Lorente, the calm, technically superior European champion, embodied Old World boxing subtlety.
Collins came out at a frantic pace, banking the opening rounds with work rate and solid combinations. His aggression troubled Lorente in the early going, and the Scotsman appeared to be establishing a clear rhythm. However, Lorente, fighting away from home, absorbed Collins’ best work and began finding his range.
In round three, Lorente landed combinations that got Collins’ attention, signaling that the Spaniard would not be overwhelmed. Over rounds four and five, the contest tightened considerably. Lorente hurt Collins in round four, before Collins responded with a flurry in round five that shaded proceedings his way.
Round six proved the fight’s pivotal moment. Both men engaged in an absorbing exchange where Collins appeared to hurt Lorente with a powerful offensive, while Lorente’s counter-punching kept him competitive. The round was so close that it completely shifted the fight’s momentum—the early energy seemed to drain from both competitors, and the action slowed noticeably in rounds seven and eight.
The championship rounds saw the pair trading successes. Lorente’s left hand found the target consistently in round ten, but Collins poured the pressure on in round nine. Neither fighter gave a decisive statement, and both emptied their tanks in a thrilling final round.
The judges delivered a controversial draw: two scorecards read 115-113 (one for each fighter), while the third judge had it perfectly even at 114-114. The crowd’s reaction was mixed—many observers believed Collins had done enough to win with his early pace and control, while others credited Lorente’s sustainability and second-half improvements.
This fight provided a masterclass in contrasting styles—youthful aggression versus experienced technique. The draw disappointed Collins, who was hoping to set up a world title shot, but Lorente’s performance proved he belongs at the elite level. For boxing fans, this contest exemplified the current state of European boxing: hungry prospects with unlimited ceilings facing established contenders still capable of delivering sophisticated performances.
Ángel Ayala vs. Masamichi Yabuki – The Infernal Small-Pound Action
Date: March 29, 2025
Location: Japan
Result: Competitive technical battle
Within the smaller weight divisions, where technical mastery is paramount, Mexican warrior Ángel «Camaleón» Ayala faced Japanese champion Masamichi Yabuki in an absolute dogfight. Both fighters are known for their relentless pace and refusal to back down, creating a style clash that promised pure boxing theater.
Ayala brought the aggression the fight required, pressing Yabuki throughout. The Japanese fighter, technically superior and experienced, worked his combinations and footwork to frustrate his opponent’s advances. What emerged was a high-intensity battle filled with constant exchanges, both fighters landing significant shots without either gaining clear dominance.
The action was remarkable for its sustained intensity—these smaller-pound division fighters are often overlooked despite delivering some of boxing’s most exciting moments. Throughout their contest, both Ayala and Yabuki demonstrated the courage and conditioning necessary to maintain high-output fighting at the sport’s elite level.
In an era of cautious, defensive boxing, Ayala and Yabuki’s willingness to engage in a war provided a necessary reminder that boxing’s soul still beats within the smaller divisions. These fighters’ commitment to their craft—without the massive paydays available to heavier competitors—demonstrates their genuine love for the sport.
Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martínez – The Super-Middleweight Draw That Demanded a Rematch
Date: September 13, 2025
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada (Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford undercard)
Title: WBC Interim Super Middleweight Championship
Result: Split Decision Draw (97-93 Martínez, 96-94 Mbilli, 95-95)
On boxing’s grandest stage—a Netflix event featuring Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford—Canadian fighter Christian Mbilli, the WBC interim super-middleweight champion, collided with undefeated Guatemalan slugger Lester Martínez in what immediately became the card’s most talked-about bout.
Both fighters entered with identical goals: victory would position either man as the mandatory challenger to the Canelo-Crawford winner. Both Mbilli (29-0) and Martínez (19-0) carried undefeated records and reputations as aggressive pressure fighters unwilling to back down.
From the opening bell, the fight transformed into an all-out slugfest. Mbilli, as is his trademark, marched forward looking to establish his physical superiority and heavy hook game. Martínez, the younger, more crafty technician, met fire with fire, landing uppercuts and establishing effective counters.
The first four rounds were scintillating in their brutality. Both men absorbed tremendous power without flinching. While Mbilli appeared to edge the opening rounds through his relentless pressure and forward momentum, Martínez’s counters and growing comfort in the pocket suggested this would be competitive throughout.
In round five, the intensity reached another level as both fighters battered each other’s bodies with increasing ferocity. Round six saw Martínez find his range with effective right hands, forcing Mbilli—who had been in complete control—to reset and recover. The sixth round marked a turning point: Mbilli appeared vulnerable for the first time.
Rounds seven through nine saw constant back-and-forth action. Martínez’s power shots backed Mbilli against the ropes multiple times, and the Canadian was visibly gasping by round eight. Yet Mbilli, drawing on his experience and superior work rate, landed the heavier combinations and maintained his aggression.
The tenth and final round resembled the previous nine: relentless, mutually punishing combat where neither fighter gave an inch. Both men landed tremendous shots while barely taking a backward step. The crowd, which had delivered multiple standing ovations during the contest, knew they had witnessed something special.
When the judges’ scorecards were read, shock rippled through the stadium: 97-93 for Martínez (Judge Patricia Morse Jarman), 96-94 for Mbilli (Judge Chris Migliore), and 95-95 (Judge Glenn Feldman) = Split Decision Draw.
CompuBox statistics revealed Martínez’s superior precision: he landed 412 of 980 punches (42%) compared to Mbilli’s 273 of 787 (35%). However, Mbilli’s work rate—his relentless forward pressure and volume—nearly compensated. Both men finished with legitimate championship-level records: Mbilli improved to 29-0-1, while Martínez moved to 19-0-1.
The crowd, far from disappointed, delivered standing ovations for both warriors. The consensus was immediate: these two must fight again.
In an era where draws are often seen as unsatisfying, Mbilli versus Martínez proved otherwise. This was a fight where a draw served the sport well—neither fighter had definitively proven dominance, and both had legitimate claims to victory. The bout demonstrated that super-middleweight division has developed elite depth and talent. More importantly, it showcased pure boxing warfare: two hungry fighters willing to engage in sustained combat at the highest level, with no defensive gimmickry or calculated point-boxing—just two warriors exchanging power and will.
The division, which had centered on Canelo Alvarez’s dominance, suddenly revealed multiple legitimately dangerous contenders ready to challenge for supremacy. Mbilli and Martínez’s rematch looms as essential unfinished business.
2025 WAS A GREAT YEAR FOR BOXING
The year 2025 delivered on boxing’s highest promise. From Riyadh to London to Las Vegas, from February to November, the sport’s elite fighters showed up ready to compete at championship levels. Whether facing significant step-ups in competition or defending unified titles, the fighters on this list refused to back down.
