Twenty-five prospects to watch in 2025 (Part 3)

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. Some, despite their lack of fights and inexperience in the pros, have favorable world-rankings, but 2025 could be the year they take that final step to the top.

Weight Class: Middleweight

Last Fight Result: KO3 Daniel Echeverria, August 2024

Jones’ activity slowed in 2024, but he might be the most interesting free agent in 2025. He has the record to take marquee 10-round fights. Now it is up to him and his team to decide how to progress from this point on.

Last Fight Result: TKO4 Angel Gonzalez, December 2024

Rivera, a 2020 Olympian, is something special. A technical fighter, who loves to put on a show. It would not be shocking to see him win a title in his next fight, perhaps before the midway point of 2025. Rivera is a marquee attraction in Puerto Rico and the lower weight classes. By the end of 2025, he should be making a case for being one of the best in the division.

Weight Class: Middleweight

Last Fight Result: UD10 Tyler Howard, November 2024

Also an Olympian, Isley has put it together with trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. Isley weaponizes his ability to keep fighters at a distance while keeping a pace that he controls well. Isley’s wins this year now have him ranked No. 7 by the WBO and No. 11 by the WBC.

Weight Class: Junior welterweight 

Last Fight Result: KO6 Romero Duno, August 2024

Next Fight: February 21 vs Mark Bernaldez

It might be premature to put Sandoval so high, but he seems worthy of the spot. He fought three times in 2024, not as often as we might have hoped. Yet his win over Javier Molina, a former U.S. Olympian, proved Sandoval is a top player in the junior welterweight division. 

Weight Class: Junior welterweight 

Last Fight Result: RTD3 Hector Edgardo Sarmiento

Next Fight: January 25 vs Jose Pedraza

Mercado won BoxingScene’s 2023 Prospect of the Year award and signed with Matchroom Boxing in September. He fought three times in 2024 and would have added a fourth in November if Jesus Saracho hadn’t missed weight, causing their bout to collapse. He’ll instead make his Matchroom debut against former multi-weight titleholder Jose Pedraza in January.

Weight Class: Heavyweight 

Last Fight Result: TKO1 Walter Burns, December 2024 

Pero’s record might not blow people away, as he went 5-0 with 5 KOs in 2024 over fighters most don’t know, but he is struggling to find opponents. When Pero is matched up, he makes the bouts look uncompetitive. Pero is the word-of-mouth guy of 2024. He is moving up the ranks, not just because of the professional fights, but because of the hype around him in the gym as well.

Weight Class: Super middleweight

Last Fight Result: KO5 Petro Ivanov, November 2024

Iglesias probably isn’t a prospect. He is a top-10 super middleweight. Iglesias knocked out two solid contenders in one round: Marcelo Coceres and Evgeny Shvedenko. He also stopped Sena Agbeko in two rounds and Petro Ivanov in five. Those are all contenders or fringe contenders, and Iglesias did it without seemingly breaking a sweat. 

Weight Class: Lightweight

Last Fight Result: KO7 Antonio Moran, August 2024

Next Fight: January 25 vs Omar Salcido

You could say Cruz isn’t a prospect either, because he is good enough to fight for a belt anytime. Prospect or not, his young record makes him one of the five best emerging fighters. Cruz fought twice this year, which feels a bit unproductive at this point in his career, but he is one of the best guys in the division.

Weight Class: Lightweight

Last Fight Result: KO2 Yohan Vazquez, November 2024

Next Fight: February 14 vs Manuel Jaimes

Mason is another great talent. He is a lightweight power puncher who draws comparisons to the greatest boxers. The only reason he isn’t at the top spot is because Yohan Vasquez dropped Mason twice in one of the most exciting rounds of the year. Other than that, there’s nothing bad to say about Mason.

Weight Class: Heavyweight

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions

Last Fight Result: TKO1 Demsey McKean, December 2024

Itauma is not even 20 and remains the most promising prospect in the sport at the moment. He just stopped Demsey McKean in one round, settling the prospect of the year conversation with a bang. Now the debate will be about how fast Itauma will move up in level of competition. He looks to be so good that he can fight the big names, but do you risk him losing and having to rebuild this early?