Twenty-five prospects to watch in 2025 (Part 1)

As 2024 comes to an end, it’s time to take a look at some of boxing’s most talented and potential-packed up-and-comers. These prospects, whom BoxingScene ranks according to our estimation of their current status, have laid the groundwork for an exciting and impactful 2025.

This is the first in a three-part series.

Weight class: Lightweight

Last fight result: UD8 Ricardo Quiroz, July 2024

Sheehy fought just twice in 2024, which is disappointing. He also had an issue on the scale that canceled his fight with Manuel Jaimes, but he is training beside Xander Zayas and has a deep amateur background. Sheehy needs to get going in 2025.

Weight class: Junior featherweight

Last fight result: KO2 Garen Diagan, December 2024

Cabrera is a fighter who, if he develops the right way, appears capable of fight for a world title belt. Completely untested, but the best raw prospect on Golden Boy’s roster.

Weight class: Junior welterweight

Last fight result: UD8 Yomar Alamo, September 2024

The 2021 U.S. Olympian hasn’t progressed as fast as many thought, but all the same, he is still someone to watch and should be in a 50-50 fight this year. Johnson has the tools and pedigree – he just has yet to apply them to the professional game.

Weight class: Middleweight

Last fight result: TKO1 Omar Nguale Ilunga, December 2024

Next fight: January 31 vs Derrick Osaze

Already a 10-round fighter in just 10 pro fights. Liddard is a promising middleweight in a division that needs talent. What most sticks out about Liddard is his composure. For a fighter this early in his career, he stays calm like an experienced contender.

Weight class: Super middleweight

Last fight result: TKO4 Mardoche Ilunga, November 2024

A fighter with star potential, but also someone who will have to evolve and not just look for the knockout when fighting crafty opponents. Lugo could go so many different ways as a professional, but given his success as an amateur, bet on him being good.

Weight class: Middleweight

Last fight result: TKO8 Quilisto Madera, November 2024

Tucker has taken on a lot of tough opponents early in his career. He might have lost a fight, but it doesn’t discount his ability and willingness to test himself in the modern era. He started at welterweight and now is at middleweight. His journey has been anything but that of an average prospect.

Weight class: Junior middleweight

Last fight result: KO2 Przemyslaw Runowski, September 2024

Next fight: March 16 vs TBA

He sure is fun. He gets knockouts. UFC head honcho Dana White loves him, but we need to see him in a fight of the same level as Ismael Villarreal. That fight was tricky for Walsh, and he hasn’t had a step up in competition since then.