Floyd Mayweather Jr. not only redefined what it meant to be an elite athlete but also revolutionized how boxers market themselves, both in and out of the ring. Arguably one of the best boxers in history, he is known also for his business acumen, and unmatched ability to generate huge pay-per-view revenue. With his departure in 2017 from professional boxing, Mayweather left behind a massive void as a face of boxing for his generation that will be challenging to fill. Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez did his best to fill the void, but he too has only a few years left. As the sport continues to evolve, the search for the next true “face of boxing” has already begun.

The sport of boxing is rich with talent. Several fighters could emerge in the coming years as the next global icon in the sport. Seeing the opportunity, we asked AI, specifically ChatGPT 4.0, to name the boxers who could rise to become the next face of boxing after Money Mayweather. And this is what ChatGPT had to say…

1. Shakur Stevenson – The Silent Assassin

Shakur Stevenson, the current WBC Lightweight champion, has all the necessary traits to become a boxing superstar. Known for his ability to control the pace of a fight and frustrate his opponents with his elusive style, “Stevenson is often likened to a younger Floyd,” ChatGPT stated boldly, particularly when it comes to his ability to make adjustments and outthink his opponents. As for why the three-division champion fits the role? The answer is simple.

“His unparalleled ring IQ and defensive mastery make him one of the most frustrating opponents in boxing,” the AI added. A fighter of his caliber is often considered a generational talent. His performance in the ring, including his dominant knockout victory over veterans like Jamel Herring in October 2021 in Atlanta, and his notable victories over opponents like Oscar Valdez and Robson Conceicao have cemented his status as one of the sport’s most technically sound boxers.

However, marketability is a factor. Despite being seen as a boring fighter, due to a last few unexciting bouts, the model stated, “While not the loudest personality, his quiet confidence appeals to purist fans, setting him apart in a loud, flashy boxing world.” In the end, while asked about his future path, AI mentioned that Stevenson’s path to superstardom could include a super fight with Gervonta Davis and even Devin Haney.

2. Ryan Garcia – The Crossover King

Ryan Garcia is perhaps the most marketable boxer on this list, all thanks to his massive social media following. With almost 12.3 million Instagram followers and a significant presence on TikTok and YouTube, Garcia’s reach extends well beyond traditional boxing audiences. So why is he the next potential Floyd Mayweather?

According to ChatGPT, “His flashy combinations, Hollywood looks, and relatable persona resonate with Gen Z,” making him appealing to younger audiences. Garcia’s ability to connect with his fans on social media, where he regularly posts workout videos and collaborates with other influencers allows him to maintain a close bond with his audience.

Another reason is resilience. Despite a painful loss to Gervonta Davis in April 2023, with Garcia down in rounds 2 and 7, the Victorville native demonstrated his power with a knockout victory over Oscar Duarte in December of the same year. And who can forget his dominant performance against Devin Haney in April 2024? His determination to bounce back and face top-tier competition sets him apart from other rising stars who are often hesitant to take risks.

The last reason, according to AI, is the entertainment value. “Garcia’s fights are always crowd-pleasers,” the model explained. Which is true. Because KingRy is known for his highlight-reel knockouts. 24-1, 20 KO you see. He certainly brings the ‘rockstar’ energy, both inside the ring and outside it. Despite being surrounded by doping issues and canceled fights, the 26-year-old’s potential as the face of boxing is unavoidable according to ChatGPT.

3. Naoya Inoue – The Global Phenom

Naoya Inoue, the reigning pound-for-pound king and a four-division world champion, is one of the most electrifying fighters in the sport today. With his brutal knockout power and flawless technique, the current undisputed Super Bantamweight champion has been devastating in every division he’s competed in. While he has already achieved superstar status in his native Japan, his performances have gained him fans from all over the world, and his rise shows no signs of slowing down. So let’s find out why ChatGPT considers him perfect for the role.

No doubt the Monster’s knockout power is simply extraordinary. 28-0 with 25 KOs, make him one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing. “With his near-flawless record and devastating power, Inoue is redefining what it means to be an international superstar,” the model asserted.

Cross-cultural appeal is another factor to consider for AI. “As boxing grows internationally, Inoue’s ability to unite fans across continents positions him uniquely,” it explained. In the end, while asked about potential matchups, ChatGPT didn’t mention any specific names but mentioned that “Dominating in multiple weight classes could make him a household name worldwide.” But given the considerable factors, it could surely give him the edge to become a global ambassador for boxing in the coming years.

Since Gervonta Davis possibly is retiring after 2025, the next face of boxing after Floyd Mayweather is indeed a subject of intense debate, whether it’s Shakur Stevenson, Ryan Garcia, or Naoya Inoue. However, the future of boxing looks bright, with each of the fighters presenting their own skill sets and dedicated fan-following. So, who do you think has the most potential to become the next face of boxing after Floyd Mayweather? Let us know your thoughts below!