By way of curtain-raisers to boxing in 2025, Naoya Inoue massacred a Korean hardly anyone outside south-east Asia had ever heard of until last weekend. On February 8, Derek Chisora will probably flatten Otto Wallin as he staves off retirement one more time.
Japan’s Inoue remains the undisputed world super-bantamweight champion and is still undefeated across 29 fights in a knockout career of dominance over four divisions. Chisora is still ranked among the top 10 heavyweights on the planet.
But in truth – while Inoue is rightly acclaimed as one of the top three pound-for-pound boxers on earth and 41-year-old Chisora keeps defying Father Time – the Japanese Monster should be fighting more elite opponents and it is worrying that the good old boy who calls himself War is still putting his health and life on the line in his ring dotage.
So, to inject life back into boxing and light up 2025, here are my Magnificent Seven:
Daniel Dubois (left) and Joseph Parker will face off in Saudi in four weeks’ time
1 and 2: Double Whammy in Saudi
February 22 (confirmed), Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Daniel Dubois v Joseph Parker, IBF Heavyweight World Championship
In his second title defence after his crushing of Anthony Joshua, our Dynamite Daniel must win against Parker, New Zealand’s reborn former world champion, to secure that mega-millions fight with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown later this year.
Dubois brutally took down Joshua last year and has earned a shot at the big time
Beterbiev (right) and Bivol met in a thunderous light-heavyweight clash in Saudi in October
Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol 2, Undisputed Light-Heavyweight World Championship
A rematch between the two best light heavies of this era for the undisputed world championship, after Beterbiev claimed that prize with a split decision over Bivol in Saudi in October.
Hurry back to Riyadh for this second helping of a classic dish. Although hopefully it will be served warmer than the first high-tech duel, in which Beterbiev out-manoeuvred his brother Russian and was rightly adjudged victorious — no matter how loudly Team Bivol screamed robbery.
3. For Old Time’s Sake
Chris Eubank Snr v Nigel Benn
June 15 (Father’s Day), Courtyard, Royal Hospital for Veterans, Chelsea, London
It’s time for Chris Eubank Snr (left) and Nigel Benn to make their trilogy fight a reality
Eubank Snr won the first fight in 1990 before a drawn rematch (pictured) in 1993
Wishful thinking this one, but not beyond all bounds of possibility since these famous dads would still have much more to offer than their kids in their artificially contrived and massively over-hyped clash now scheduled for April 26.
And let’s not forget that Chris Snr and Nigel have never stopped asking for their trilogy, after Eubank won by TKO in 1990 and the rematch was drawn.
4. FINALLY
Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua
June 24 (Midsummer’s Day), Wembley Stadium, London
Can AJ resurrect his declining career with one final blockbuster win over the Gypsy King?
Tyson Fury claims to have retired (again), but surely this offer would get him back in the ring
For Brit bragging rights and mega-cash out. Can the Gypsy King really resist a one-time only return from his latest retirement? When another hundred million dollars of Saudi oil money is in the pot? When this would be the biggest Wembley party of the year?
PS – Referee: Oleksandr Usyk. Why not the best heavyweight in the world to send this pair on their way into the sunset?
5. Cinco de Mayo
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez v Conor McGregor
May 5, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, USA
At last a big fight back on the Strip, where Canelo likes to celebrate Mexico’s patriotic Cinco de Mayo.
Canelo often celebrates Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas – what better way of marking the Mexican holiday this year than flattening former UFC champion Conor McGregor in a crossover bout?
McGregor (left) held his own against Floyd Mayweather before ultimately being outclassed
Under a revised three-knockdown rule, this fight would not be stopped before the Notorious Irishman is knocked down and senseless for a third time. Having been given as much time as he needs to stagger upright from the first two flattenings and into surplus punishment.
Well, it’s McGregor who has been begging for this fight in all its millions. Enjoy.
6. Independence Weekend
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez v Terence Crawford
September 13 (agreed in principle), Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, USA
Boxing doesn’t stay in Las Vegas like it used to but it is scheduled to be back again for one of the biggest fights of this or many another year.
Canelo is fiercely proud of his Mexican heritage, but Las Vegas is his fighting home
Canelo v Crawford (left) is one of the most hotly anticipated fights of recent years
Thanks, once more, to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his crock of Saudi gold.
Canelo and Bud have talked turkey. Crawford is willing to move up most or all two divisions of poundage for the enriching swansong to his career spanning undisputed world titles in two divisions.
More untold riches are tempting Alvarez into another huge fight to kick-off Mexico’s Independence Weekend in his boxing home from home. And they thought the F1 Grand Prix was the hottest night on the Strip.
Usyk (right) won the first meeting against Dubois in Poland in August 2023
7. Tis the Season to be Merry
Daniel Dubois v Oleksandr Usyk 2, Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship
December 20, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dynamite Daniel and Oleksandr the Cat are reunited at the end of a year which they knocked into shape just before it began.
Dubois will be seeking to avenge his previous defeat in 2023 against the conqueror of AJ and the Gypsy King, and join the hallowed ranks of undisputed world champions in the four-belt era.
Usyk to confirm his status as the boxer of this century – so far at least – by becoming an undisputed champion for a third time over two divisions.
