ESPN has released its annual list of the Top 25 Fighters Under 25, drawing significant attention from British boxing enthusiasts, particularly because of who has claimed the top spot.
Since March 2024, Moses Itauma has competed six times over nine rounds. In August, he climbed the rankings by swiftly defeating seasoned fighter Dillian Whyte in under two minutes. His upcoming bout is set for January 24th against American Jermaine Franklin Jr., where he aims to prove his hype is warranted.
Itauma stands out as one of the most thrilling young heavyweights, viewing former champion Tyson Fury as a key figure in the division’s future. After Itauma’s victory over Whyte, Fury declared on Instagram that Itauma would “kick all the old guys” out, listing big names like Usyk, Joshua, Miller, Chan, and Ortiz, emphasizing that youth will dominate over experience.
The list also highlights other promising British fighters under 25, with Andreas Hele and Nick Parkinson offering insights and analysis.
1. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs)
Heavyweight contender, 20 years old
2024 rank: 10th
Despite not being old enough to drink in the US, Itauma’s explosive performance in 2025 pushed him to the list’s summit. Standing 6-foot-4 and fighting as a southpaw, he possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and power, marking him as the division’s future. His decisive wins over Mike Balogun and two-time interim heavyweight champion Whyte in 2025 confirmed his skill and mental sharpness. His upcoming fight aims to further cement his rise, and with four more years eligible for the under-25 list, his career trajectory looks very promising.
10. Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs)
Junior welterweight champion, 23 years old
2024 rank: 9th
Azim’s fan-friendly style includes quick hands, a powerful left hook, and sharp reflexes. He fought twice in 2025, including a notable ninth-round TKO against former IBF champion Sergei Lipinets and a hard-fought victory over Kurt Scobie. Azim’s steady rise suggests tougher challenges ahead, with a potential popular bout against British rival Dalton Smith on the horizon.
12. Caroline Dubois (11-0-1, 5 KOs)
WBC Women’s Lightweight Champion, 24 years old
2024 rank: 16th
Dubois defended her WBC lightweight title twice in 2025, having been promoted from interim to regular champion after Katie Taylor vacated the belt. Though she hasn’t fought since March, a future unification match against WBO lightweight champion Terry Harper could be one of women’s boxing’s biggest events in 2026.
18. Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs)
Junior middleweight contender, 24 years old
2024 rank: 22nd
Irish-born southpaw Walsh, trained by Freddie Roach, fought mainly in the US and saw his profile rise after a unanimous decision win over Fernando Vargas Jr. Walsh’s quick knockout of Dean Sutherland early in 2025 displayed his power and speed, while his steady progress could lead him to fight top contenders next year.
Fan Take: This year’s ESPN Top 25 Under 25 list spotlights an exciting new wave of fighters ready to reshape boxing’s future, particularly with heavyweights like Moses Itauma poised to dominate. For fight fans, it signals thrilling matchups ahead that blend youth, skill, and raw power, promising fresh narratives and rivalries to follow in the coming years.
