The Race for Fighter of the Year

With four months remaining in the 2025 boxing calendar, the competition for Fighter of the Year is heating up. Several boxers have delivered standout performances, but no single fighter has yet to claim the title definitively. Here’s a look at the top contenders and what they need to do to secure the coveted award.

Terence Crawford: The Ultimate Challenge

Terence Crawford is set to face Canelo Alvarez on September 13 in Las Vegas for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Moving up two weight classes to take on Canelo, a pound-for-pound great, would be a monumental achievement. A victory here would not only cement Crawford’s place as Fighter of the Year but also elevate his status among the all-time greats.

Katie Taylor: Seeking Redemption

Katie Taylor, the undisputed junior welterweight champion, is eyeing a rubber match with Chantelle Cameron. Taylor’s only professional loss came against Cameron, and a decisive win in their third encounter would solidify her claim to the Fighter of the Year title.

Naoya Inoue: The Monster’s Rampage

Naoya Inoue, known as "The Monster," has been on a tear in 2025, with knockouts of Ye Joon Kim and Ramon Cardenas. He faces Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14 and is expected to defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship in December. A fourth victory this year would make Inoue a strong contender for the award.

Other Notable Contenders

• Rolando "Rolly" Romero: If he lands and wins a fight against Manny Pacquiao, Romero could enter the conversation.
• Moses Itauma: The young heavyweight has shown immense potential and could make waves with a victory over a top-10 opponent.
• Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez: With an impressive record, Rodriguez could stake his claim with a win over Fernando Martinez.
• Shakur Stevenson: Moving up to 140 pounds or defending his 135-pound title against a top contender could put Stevenson in the mix.

Conclusion

The 2025 boxing season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With several major fights still on the schedule, the race for Fighter of the Year is far from over. Keep an eye on these contenders as they battle it out in the ring for boxing’s highest honor.