Chris Eubank jr, Terence Crawford, Junto Nakatami

The Top 10 Male Boxers of 2025 — Ranked

September 20, 2025 Kris Isaksen

As boxing heats up in 2025, the race for Male Boxer of the Year is tighter than ever. From undisputed champions to dramatic comebacks, these fighters have made their mark through high-level competition, thrilling performances, and unforgettable wins. Here's a rundown of the top 10 boxers who are shaping the conversation this year — starting with the biggest name in the sport.

10. Isaac Cruz Comes Roaring Back

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz turned 2025 into a redemption story after losing his WBA super lightweight title the previous year. He beat Angel Fierro in a firefight, then dropped and shut out Omar Salcido to win the interim WBC belt. If a rumored December clash with Lamont Roach materializes, Cruz could close the year with serious momentum.

9. Jesse Rodriguez Makes a Statement

Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez only fought once in 2025, but it was a masterclass. He unified the WBC and WBO super-flyweight titles with a 10th-round stoppage of Phumelela Cafu, showcasing relentless pressure and slick combinations. It was a sharp reminder of why he's one of the sport's brightest young stars.

8. Naoya Inoue Delivers Fireworks

Naoya Inoue added three wins to his unbeaten record this year — including knockouts in Tokyo and Vegas, and a dominant decision over Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Every time he fights, it’s an event, and fans never look away. He’s still missing that defining rivalry in 2025, but the skill and spectacle are undeniable.

7. Ricardo Sandoval Shocks Japan

Ricardo Sandoval made his name known by travelling to Japan and upsetting flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji. His pressure and precision overwhelmed the hometown hero and marked a career-defining moment. It was a giant leap for Sandoval, who is now a serious force at 112 pounds.

6. Junto Nakatani Rules Bantamweight

Junto "Big Bang" Nakatani went 2-for-2 in 2025, stopping both David Cuellar and Ryosuke Nishida to unify the bantamweight division. His mix of southpaw timing and ruthless finishing ability makes him one of Japan’s elite. A blockbuster showdown with Inoue could be next — and it would be seismic.

5. Chris Eubank Jr Rises in the Spotlight

Chris Eubank Jr finally had his moment in a massive stadium fight against British rival Conor Benn. Not only did he win convincingly, but he walked out with his father — Chris Eubank Sr — in a moment of pure boxing theatre. With a rematch booked for November, Eubank has another chance to make history.

4. Shakur Stevenson Outsmarts the Critics

Shakur Stevenson reminded everyone of his genius by dismantling William Zepeda — a volume puncher many predicted would overwhelm him. Instead, Stevenson adjusted mid-fight and outclassed his opponent with poise and precision. He's now firmly in control at lightweight and still unbeaten.

3. Rolly Romero Stuns Ryan Garcia

Rolly Romero shocked the world when he upset Ryan Garcia, silencing critics who once mocked his unorthodox style. The Las Vegas native proved he’s more than just a wild personality — he's a legitimate world champion. Love him or hate him, Rolly had the last laugh in 2025.

2. Dmitry Bivol Earns Redemption

Dmitry Bivol came back from his 2024 loss to Artur Beterbiev with a razor-close victory in their rematch, becoming undisputed at light heavyweight. He reclaimed the WBA title and captured the WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring belts all in one go. Bivol’s revenge win was elite — and one of the year's most significant achievements.

1. Terence Crawford Shocks the World

Terence Crawford didn’t just move up weight — he leapt two divisions and beat Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight. It was a legacy-defining performance that outshone even his Errol Spence win. Few fighters in history have dared — let alone succeeded — in something so bold. Crawford is the clear frontrunner for Male Boxer of the Year.