As we reach July, marking the midpoint of a year packed with boxing action, it’s the perfect moment to highlight the standout moments from the first half of 2025.
The year has featured electrifying bouts, with several fighters leading the race for year-end honors. Fans witnessed high-profile clashes, including a battle for an undisputed title, and promising prospects challenging established contenders. Experts Andreas Hale and Nick Parkinson share their picks of the most memorable moments so far.
Top Fight
Hale: Chris Eubank Jr. versus Connor Benn was a thrilling encounter that lived up to all expectations. Held at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, the fight was fueled by deep family rivalries, with both fighters carrying on their fathers’ legacies. Eubank Jr. fought through a fierce battle to secure a unanimous decision in front of over 67,000 fans, delivering a gripping, high-energy performance that surpassed the hype.
- Parkinson: Fabio Wardley’s knockout loss to Huni was an intense, captivating heavyweight contest. Although Wardley scored points early, a single punch changed everything, culminating in a stunning knockout that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Best Fighter
Parkinson: Dmitry Bivol stands out for his strategic and persistent rematch victory over Artur Beterbiev. After losing the previous year, Bivol maintained pressure throughout, showcasing superior technique and endurance to regain the undisputed light heavyweight crown. Also notable was Francisco Rodriguez Jr.’s relentless performance in the UK, signaling a rising star for next year.
- Hale: Agreeing with Parkinson, Bivol earns kudos for his smart and aggressive rematch tactics against Beterbiev. Despite Naoya Inoue’s impressive knockouts, Bivol’s adaptation and skillful jab made his win crucial, setting up what promises to be a highly anticipated trilogy.
Best Knockout
Hale: Brian Norman Jr.’s fifth-round knockout of Jin Sasaki was a brutal display of power that raised the bar for the year. His devastating left hook secured the WBO welterweight title defense and sent a powerful message through the 147-pound division.
- Parkinson: Norman’s knockout wasn’t just impressive for its power but also for how confidently he executed it, silencing any doubts about his status among welterweights. His performance also sets the stage for potential future matchups at the top level.
Most Memorable Moment
Parkinson: Watching Chris Eubank Jr. step into the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his estranged father, Chris Eubank Sr., was a deeply emotional and unexpected sight. Their reunion, amidst huge anticipation, added a captivating layer to one of the year’s biggest British boxing stories.
- Hale: Echoing Parkinson, this father-son moment was a rare emotional highlight in boxing, adding depth and drama to Eubank Jr.’s intense bout with Benn.
Most Disappointing Moment
Parkinson: Canelo Alvarez’s first fight of the year against William Skull was underwhelming, lacking excitement despite Alvarez capturing the undisputed title in Saudi Arabia. The low punch output hinted at a strategic hold as he geared up for a major September bout.
- Hale: The Times Square boxing event, featuring stars like Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, failed to meet expectations both inside and outside the ring. Garcia’s loss to Roland "Rolly" Romero and Haney’s unconvincing win marked a forgettable weekend despite high hopes.
Best Prospect Performances
Hale: Moses Itauma’s swift second-round TKO of Mike Balogun was a defining moment, showcasing the young fighter’s potential to rapidly rise in the ranks as he prepares for a high-profile August showdown against former champion Dillian Whyte.
- Parkinson: Ben Whitaker delivered a clinical second-round stoppage of Liam Cameron in their rematch, proving his technical abilities and silencing doubts ahead of his promising career trajectory.
Best Fight Card
Parkinson: The February 22 card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlined by Beterbiev vs. Bivol, was packed with thrilling matches and impressive performances, from heavyweight bouts to a split draw in the middleweight division, making it one of the best fight nights of the year.
- Hale: Agreeing, the stacked Riyadh card delivered on excitement and significance, with the main event living up to the high stakes and providing a compelling chess match between two elite fighters.
Biggest News
Parkinson: While many key boxing events made headlines, Jake Paul’s promotion of women’s boxing emerged as a game-changer, bringing much-needed exposure and opportunities for female fighters, an area previously overlooked in major boxing events.
- Hale: Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring at age 46 to challenge a reigning champion stands out as a major storyline, signaling that boxing legends can still make a significant impact and inspiring fans worldwide.
Fan Take: The first half of 2025 has been a thrilling showcase of boxing’s evolving landscape, blending electrifying fights, emotional moments, and groundbreaking developments in both men’s and women’s divisions. These events not only highlight the sport’s rich history but also signal a dynamic future where new stars emerge and established icons continue to shape boxing’s legacy.
