As the boxing world gears up for an exhilarating 2025, the focus is on potential high-stakes matches that could reshape the landscape of the sport. Turki Akalshikh, a figure synonymous with Saudi Arabian sports investment, recently shared his aspirations for major fights, echoing a growing trend of ambitious matchmaking perspectives. Following suit, renowned promoter Frank Warren has laid out his own wish list. These insights not only highlight the ambition within boxing but also the excitement that fans can expect from the coming bouts.
Frank Warren has pinpointed three highly anticipated matchups that he believes should headline the boxing calendar: Oleksandr Usyk versus Daniel Dubois, Naoya Inoue facing Nick Ball, and Anthony Yarde going toe-to-toe with Joshua Buatsi. Each of these proposed fights carries its own narrative, making them compelling for different reasons. For instance, the heavyweight clash between Usyk and Dubois stands out due to Dubois’s current reign as the IBF heavyweight champion and Usyk’s status as the unified champion holding multiple belts.
Dubois, however, must first navigate a critical clash with Joseph Parker, which will be instrumental for his career trajectory. Critics argue that he may be overlooking this pivotal fight by publicly discussing Usyk. The pressure is on Dubois to deliver not just a win but a standout performance that could set up an eagerly awaited rematch. Both fighters have verbalized their willingness to face each other, setting the stage for potential excitement later this year.
Moving to the junior featherweight division, Naoya Inoue’s plans appear to be taking a different route. The reigning unified champion has announced engagements in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia, indicating a strategic approach as he looks to further elevate his profile. Nick Ball, holding the WBA title at featherweight, could potentially be in Inoue’s line of sight, yet there is no confirmed commitment on such a matchup. This uncertainty heightens the suspense around whether Inoue will ascend to the featherweight division where Ball is a formidable competitor. If they do meet, boxing enthusiasts are likely to place their bets on Inoue’s skill set, emphasizing his preeminence in the ring.
Finally, the prospective duel between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi augments the excitement within the light-heavyweight division. Both fighters have immediate obligations that need to be settled prior to any potential fight between them, with Yarde preparing for a trilogy bout against Lyndon Arthur and Buatsi set to take on Callum Smith. Should both emerge victorious, their bout would not only be thrilling due to their stylistic similarities but also because of the palpable tension and rivalry that surrounds them.
With Warren’s proposed encounters stirring discussion among fans, the question remains: which of these matchups will materialize? Boxing often finds itself in a complex web of negotiations, timelines, and individual priorities. While the excitement for these fights is palpable, the reality often clouds simple predictions. What remains is the hope that boxing can deliver on its promises, providing fans with spectacular showdowns that celebrate the sport’s rich heritage.
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