Though it is easy to focus on the here and now, it is sometimes more rewarding and indeed important to look to the future and give some attention to the stars of tomorrow. Thankfully, boxing has enough of these potential stars to ensure the sport’s future is a bright one.
Lucas Ketelle: Heavyweight Dainier Pero will be a contender by the end of 2025 and he will be in the mix for compelling fights against top-15 opposition. Many people are overlooking him, but I think he will make a leap.
Owen Lewis: I hate to call him a prospect because he’s 27 years old now and has a title, but I have to think that Jaron “Boots” Ennis can’t possibly have a less productive year than he had in 2024. Ennis caught a lot of criticism for his rematch performance against Karen Chukhadzian – that just might make big-name fighters more willing to get in the ring with him. I think Boots will be up to the task when his stiffest challenges arrive.
Declan Warrington: Keyshawn Davis. His stoppage victory over Gustavo Lemos in November showed he’s maturing and ready to be moved at a greater pace. By the end of 2025 he ought to be seen as an appealing opponent for Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, William Zepeda and Andy Cruz – who can also be expected to make considerable progress in 2025.
Lance Pugmire: Moses Itauma. The 19-year-old heavyweight in Frank Warren’s stable has spoken of fighting eight times this year, and since his recent appearance effectively stood as co-main to Usyk-Fury II, the expectation of prominent promotion should whet the fight fan’s appetite for the hammer-punching left-hander who’s drawn comparisons to Mike Tyson.
Bernard Neequaye: Abdullah Mason. The 20-year-old lightweight has proven to be a force to reckon with this year – recording five consecutive stoppages. Mason is definitely a star in the making and I anticipate a great year for him in 2025 where he can earn a deserved title shot.
Eric Raskin: I’ll take a shot on Bakhodir Jalolov, who took a break from pro boxing in 2024 to focus on the Olympics, but is set to fight again in February and, at age 30, should be aiming to make his move sooner rather than later. His talent doesn’t jump off the screen like fellow heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma’s does, but he’s better positioned to start fighting contenders in the new year.
Matt Christie: Moses Itauma looks set for lift off. Though I’m not one of those who got carried away with his KO of the limited Demsey McKean, I’ve seen enough from Itauma to get very excited about his future.
Elliot Worsell: Moses Itauma. He is not only good, but he is busy and impatient, eager to get through the “boring” phase of a prospect’s career and sink his teeth into contenders as soon as possible. He is also winning fights the way you want to see prospects win fights: quick, decisively.
Tris Dixon: Itauma and Mason are both on the cusp, but for different reasons. Mason passed a significant exam last time out, climbing off the deck twice to win in a shootout while Itauma is just about blitzing everything that moves. It’s staggering he’s only 19.
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