Boxing is a sport where titles can change hands in the blink of an eye, with champions rising to glory or falling from grace in a single bout. Several high-profile champions are set to face their toughest challenges yet in 2025. These fighters have built their legacies of dominance through grit, power, and skill, but the road ahead is fraught with formidable contenders.

While we’re always interested in anticipating potential champions who could possibly win titles, it’s interesting to look at those champions who are likely to lose in their next fights. Here’s a detailed look at five champions whose reigns are at serious risk in the upcoming year.

1. Shakur Stevenson – WBC Lightweight Champion

Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight boxing champion, promises a “Vintage Kur” performance against Floyd Schofield on February 22nd in Riyadh. With a defensive, hit-and-not-get-hit style of Floyd Mayweather, the 27-year-old has often faced criticism for being unexciting. However, fans are hoping he adopts a more aggressive approach this time to entertain His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s high-profile DAZN card, where crowd-pleasers often get top billing.

Though Stevenson is a good fighter, his status among boxing elites is still questionable. Why? It’s because he is 95% defense and 5% offense. His narrow win against Edwin De Los Santos in late September last year is living proof of his inability to dominate the fight. Instead, he was booed by fans out of the T-Mobile Arena that night in Las Vegas.

On the other hand, Schofield, known as ‘Kid Austin’, is seen as a rugged and athletic challenger for Shakur Stevenson. While Stevenson’s style ensures victories, his ability to entertain is crucial for future opportunities on major cards. Whether he can change and perform a more fan-friendly fight is for us to find out and him to deliver. Lastly, with Schofield’s rising prominence and unblemished record, it can be suggested that Stevenson will face a stern test in this bout, putting his championship status at potential risk.

2. Artur Beterbiev – Unified Light Heavyweight Champion

Artur Beterbiev claimed the title of the world’s undisputed light-heavyweight champion after a contentious majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol in October 2024 in Riyadh. Already holding the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles, Beterbiev also added Bivol’s WBA championship to his collection. The fight’s final rounds proved decisive, with Beterbiev overpowering Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) through relentless pressure and heavy punches.

In a post-fight interview, Bivol was asked why his activity was reduced in the last three rounds. To answer that, he claimed he was “seeking perfection” by staying elusive and avoiding damage. However, his defensive approach backfired, as it limited his offense and allowed Beterbiev to dominate rounds 10 through 12. Despite claims from Bivol’s supporters that he was blocking shots and making Beterbiev miss, the champion’s power punches visibly took a toll on Bivol. Eddie Hearn, frustrated by the decision, called for a rematch, arguing that the judges unfairly favored Beterbiev’s aggression over Bivol’s strategic approach. While some fans criticized Bivol’s style as unentertaining, the judges awarded the fight to Beterbiev for his pressure and decisive punches in the latter half of the bout.

Dmitry Bivol poses a threat to Artur Beterbiev with his exceptional footwork, defensive skills, and precise counter-punching. Unlike Beterbiev’s aggressive, knockout-oriented style, Bivol’s ring IQ and endurance allow him to avoid sustained damage and control pace. His ability to adapt mid-fight could neutralize Beterbiev’s power advantage over 12 rounds. Given the high stakes, Beterbiev’s unified titles are on the line in the Riyadh fight card in February 2025, with what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.

3. Daniel Dubois – IBF Heavyweight Champion

Daniel Dubois’ journey to the IBF Heavyweight title has been marked by power-packed performances, but his title is under threat. When Usyk had to vacate his title to fight Tyson Fury in May, Dubois became the IBF champion by beating Filip Hrgovic and defended the belt against Anthony Joshua in September.

On February 22, 2025, he will face Joseph Parker, who has been revitalized with five consecutive wins. Parker’s experience and resilience could outmatch Dubois’ raw power. With about against Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa already scheduled, Dubois’ attempt to provoke Usyk for a rematch, surprised many, given his prior stoppage loss to the Ukrainian. Even if he gets away it Parker, in a potential showdown with Usyk fans could see the Ukrainian dismantle him tactically and snatch the IBF title back from him. That’s why Dubois must refine his strategy to retain his title.

4. Lamont Roach Jr. – Super Featherweight Champion

Lamont Roach Jr. has established himself as a resilient champion, but his March 1, 2025, bout against Gervonta “Tank” Davis at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, looms large. Davis (30-0, 28 KO) undefeated and known for his knockout power, is a massive threat to Roach’s title. Issues surrounding the fight’s scheduling could delay the bout. Originally scheduled for December 2024 in Houston, the fight was postponed even before being called off, leaving fans speculating about the reasons. Fans, however, expressed relief at the cancellation, urging Tank Davis to face tougher opponents.

Meanwhile, Roach appeared unaware of the situation, and Oscar De La Hoya even offered Davis a new fight. But Roach still remains at risk of losing the title, whether against Davis or any other strong contender. Roach will need to employ defensive mastery and exploit any openings to maintain his grip on the title.

5. Devin Haney – WBC Super Lightweight Champion in Recess

Devin Haney has cemented his place as one of boxing’s elite but faces immense challenges in the stacked super lightweight division. Fighters like Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor bring relentless pressure and power that could exploit the 26-years-old’s occasional lapses in close matches. Haney’s title is in jeopardy if he faces someone with relentless pressure or high power. To remain on top, he must refine his technique and maintain consistency in every bout.

So what do you think? Which of these champions is most likely to retain their title in 2025, and why? If you could attend one of these boxing title fights, which would it be, and what factors influence your choice?