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ESPN Highlights 2025 Boxing Contenders for Fighter of the Year

WHAT'S THE STORY?

What's Happening?

With four months remaining in the 2025 boxing calendar, no clear frontrunner has emerged for the Fighter of the Year title. Notable performances include Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Daniel Dubois and Dmitry Bivol's win against Artur Beterbiev. Upcoming fights, such as Terence Crawford's challenge against Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship, could influence the decision. Other contenders include Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, Katie Taylor, Naoya Inoue, Moses Itauma, Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, and Shakur Stevenson, each with potential fights that could bolster their candidacy.
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Why It's Important?

The Fighter of the Year award is a prestigious accolade in boxing, recognizing the athlete with the most outstanding performance over the year. This year's contenders reflect a mix of established champions and rising stars, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sport. The outcomes of these key matches could significantly impact the careers of the fighters involved, offering them increased visibility and potential financial rewards. The competition also underscores the global appeal of boxing, with fighters from various weight classes and backgrounds vying for the title.

What's Next?

As the year progresses, the boxing community will closely watch the outcomes of the remaining major fights. Terence Crawford's bout against Canelo Alvarez is particularly anticipated, as a victory could solidify his status as one of the greatest boxers. Other fighters, like Naoya Inoue and Moses Itauma, have opportunities to enhance their reputations with upcoming matches. The decisions made by promoters and fighters regarding their next opponents will be crucial in shaping the final contenders for the Fighter of the Year award.

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