Like many other sports, boxing is filled with examples of highly sought-after matchups that never came to fruition. Fans eagerly awaited these fights. But for one reason or another, they failed to materialize. Over time, missing the fighters’ prime years, these bouts often faded into obscurity. As the new year begins, fans are more hopeful than ever that some of these dream fights might finally become reality.

No one can say certainly whether these matchups will happen. However, it seems there’s now a workaround. With the Oleksandr Usyk–Tyson Fury 2 last year, artificial intelligence (AI) finally caught up with boxing. As far as its role in the sport is concerned, it might still be at a nascent stage. With passing time, its scope and span perhaps witness expansion. For the time being, at least hypothetically, AI offers a way to predict how certain fights might unfold and which ones could take place. Let’s dive into a few fights that the technology suggests could take center stage in 2025.

Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez

At the top of the list is a fight that fans have been clamoring for: Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez. For many, this would be a dream matchup. Hopes for this clash peaked when Benavidez became Alvarez’s WBC mandatory challenger. Unfortunately, the fight never materialized. Instead, Alvarez defended his title against Jaime Munguia and later Edgar Berlanga.

Further complicating matters, Alvarez’s financial demands created additional obstacles. As no fight with Alvarez appeared on the horizon, Benavidez eventually moved to the light heavyweight division, where he is now scheduled to face David Morrell on February 1.

AI analysis views an Alvarez-Benavidez fight as a fascinating clash of styles. Alvarez, the methodical Mexican superstar, would rely on his devastating body shots and calculated approach to wear down his opponent. Meanwhile, ‘The Mexican Monster’, would bring his relentless aggression and try to trap Alvarez on the ropes. Alvarez’s exceptional head movement and angular shifts would undoubtedly pose an interesting challenge for Benavidez.

If this fight ever takes place, especially in Riyadh, it’s certain to be a blockbuster.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Zhilei Zhang

In May 2024, boxing fans celebrated the crowning of an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in 25 years. Oleksandr Usyk solidified his legacy with a decisive victory over Tyson Fury, repeating the performance later in the year. Now, at 38 years old, the Ukrainian champion could be nearing the twilight of his illustrious career.

Usyk has hinted at returning to the cruiserweight division. However, he still faces the daunting task of defending his heavyweight titles against top contenders. One of the most formidable challengers is ‘Big Bang’ Zhilei Zhang. Like Usyk, Zhang is an Olympic medalist. Despite two career defeats, his dominant KO victories over Joe Joyce in 2023 and his decisive win against Deontay Wilder in 2024 have cemented his status as a serious contender.

Currently ranked as the WBO’s number one contender, Zhang has the skills and credentials to pose a significant challenge to Usyk. A fight between these two southpaws would appeal to a global audience, particularly given the growing popularity of boxing in Asia. Both fighters are no strangers to Riyadh, making it an ideal location for this potential showdown.

Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson

Another dream matchup is Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson, a fight that fans have long anticipated. With his unbeaten record and explosive power, is one of boxing’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Stevenson has proven himself a rising force, winning titles in two divisions before moving up to lightweight in 2023, where he secured a third world championship.

A unification fight between Davis and Stevenson may be inevitable. However, it also promises to be a spectacle for the ages. Davis’s reputation as a devastating finisher would be tested against Stevenson’s technical brilliance and defensive mastery. Although discussions about this fight began last year, they ultimately fizzled out.

If this bout becomes a reality, it will be a technical and tactical masterclass that boxing purists and fans will talk about for years to come.

Bonus: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury II

While Jake Paul wrapped up 2024 with a high-profile victory over Mike Tyson in a special-rules bout, Tommy Fury‘s career faced a setback. Fury, who was scheduled to face UFC star Darren Till in January 2025, pulled out of the fight, citing concerns over Till’s comments about using MMA tactics. Fury’s last fight was over a year ago, when he defeated KSI in October 2023.

Given the history between Paul and Fury, a rematch makes perfect sense. Their first encounter ended with Fury winning by split decision, handing Paul his first loss against a professional boxer in February 2023. Paul has faced criticism for not fighting prime, active boxers. A rematch with Fury would allow him to silence skeptics and prove his legitimacy.

With both fighters familiar with Riyadh, hosting the rematch in the Middle East could help expand their global appeal and solidify their legacies. These predictions cater to a wide range of fans, from passionate enthusiasts to casual viewers, ensuring widespread interest. They also underscore Riyadh’s growing reputation as a premier destination for high-profile boxing events, reinforcing its position on the global stage.

Which of these matchups excites you the most? Share your thoughts on the fights you hope to see in 2025!