As 2025 draws near, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about the potential comebacks of some of its most legendary figures. From former undisputed champions to fan-favorite icons, these seasoned athletes have left indelible marks on the sport, and the possibility of them stepping back into the ring has ignited excitement among fans worldwide.

But the question remains: will these boxing giants truly defy age and deliver unforgettable bouts, or is it the allure of hefty paydays that lures them back for one final fight? Let’s take a closer look at these boxing icons who could possibly make a stunning return to the ring in 2025.

Lennox Lewis

Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the 20th century, has hinted at a potential return to the ring if the price is right. The British boxing legend retired from boxing in 2003 after beating Vitali Klitschko. However, he is now contemplating a comeback after getting inspired by his peers in the boxing ring. The 59-year-old felt motivated as Mike Tyson made headline-grabbing, albeit controversial, returns to the ring against Jake Paul in November 2024.

While in an interview with the Guardian, Lewis said he would consider a return, joking, “I ain’t no fool. For me, money talks, bulls*** walks… That’s what I’m saying. I’d 100 percent consider it.” Though he’s been retired for nearly 20 years, Lewis stays in shape with regular exercise, including running and swimming. “I ran five miles this morning, swam a couple of lengths, 100m. Then I woke up and took a shower,” he shared with a chuckle.

As rumors swirl about Lennox Lewis making a comeback, the boxing world is filled with excitement. Could the former heavyweight champion be the next legend to return to the ring for one final fight? Only time—and possibly a lucrative offer—will reveal the answer.

Manny Pacquiao

Recently inducted International Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao isn’t done with boxing just yet. According to IFL TV, his team is actively pursuing a fight with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. While talking to BoxingScenes, Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Gibbons, mentioned that the 45-year-old Filipino legend wants the Barrios fight to be his final competitive bout, possibly in 2025. So what did he do about that?

While Pacquiao is also running for re-election as a senator in the Philippines, Gibbons believes the next few months would be the “perfect time” for the eight-division world champion to train. They’re targeting Barrios because of the potential to work with his promoter, Al Haymon, and Pacquiao’s past relationship with the PBC. Gibbons continued that if the fight happens, Las Vegas could be the possible venue. “Manny came in Vegas [against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba] (first fight in the US) he can go out in Vegas,” he added.

The 46-year-old’s last official fight was in August 2021, a loss to Yordenis Ugas, though he recently fought an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo in July, which ended in a draw. Despite the criticism of his performance, many still want to see him face Barrios. No matter what, fans are likely to tune in for a Pacquiao fight if it happens in 2025.

Floyd Mayweather

The Money is expected to return to the ring for another exhibition in 2025, and this time, his next opponent could be KSI, the British YouTuber and the co-founder of Prime. Since his retirement in 2017, Floyd Mayweather has fought exhibition matches against Logan Paul and John Gotti III. At 47, Mayweather still has the desire to fight, and if the money is right, he and his team would likely agree to the match.

Speaking in an interview with Fred Talks, Mayweather’s uncle, Jeff Mayweather, recently hinted at the possibility, saying, “That’s a fight that could possibly happen,” but emphasized that someone would need to create some buzz for the exhibition to take place. “Because I think the longer Floyd waits, I think he’ll just say I’m finally retired,” Jeff Mayweather explained.

The rivalry between Mayweather and KSI has been building since 2022 when Floyd easily ran over KSI’s younger brother, Deji, which may have sparked KSI’s desire for revenge. While the Pretty Boy’s last exhibition was against John Gotti III in August 2024 in Mexico, KSI hasn’t fought since losing to Tommy Fury in October 2023.

However, in another interview with SunSport, Jeff Mayweather expressed that no YouTuber could ever beat his nephew, saying, “There is no YouTube fighter on the planet that can beat Floyd.” While the fight isn’t confirmed yet, a big payday could change things.

Shannon Briggs

Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, who won the WBO title in 2006 briefly is also planning a comeback in 2025 after being inspired by his idol Mike Tyson. Known for his 88% knockout record, has been waiting for a big fight since 2016. After knocking out Emilio Ezequiel Zarate on the undercard of David Haye’s match in May 2016, Briggs was promised a fight with Haye, but it never happened. So who is he fighting?

According to WBN, now, Briggs is eyeing a fight with Christopher Lovejoy, who recently challenged him on social media. “I just bet $5k I knock you out,” Lovejoy told Briggs as a fight between the pair gathers pace. Briggs, who has been training and lost 30 pounds recently, plans to return to the ring in April 2025. The Cannon is currently preparing for a three-month training camp, with a potential fight against Lovejoy, who has a 20-1-1 record. However, the main concern is whether Briggs at 53 can be sanctioned to fight after a nine-year hiatus or not. As we all know, that didn’t stop Mike Tyson’s comeback at 58.

Mike Tyson

The 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion, lost to Jake Paul by unanimous decision in November. During his post-match interview with combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Tyson mentioned the possibility of facing Jake’s older brother, Logan Paul next. The pro-wrestler/YouTuber who was beside Jake Paul in the ring at the time, then replied: “Motherf–ker, I’d kill you Mike,” to which Tyson smiled in response, and added nothing more.

Logan Paul, with less boxing experience than Jake, has had two professional fights—losing to KSI in November 2019 and beating Dillon Danis by disqualification in October 2023. He’s better known for his WWE career, where he won the United States Championship.

However, looking ahead, it appears Logan Paul is set to face MMA superstar Conor McGregor in India in 2025. If this matchup comes to fruition, it would likely delay any potential fight between Mike Tyson and Logan Paul, as Tyson may need to wait for the conclusion of that high-profile bout before any negotiations can take place.

While these five boxing legends have each left an indelible mark on the sport, their potential comebacks in 2025 are still a mix of speculation and hope. Whether motivated by nostalgia, competitive spirit, or lucrative offers, only time will tell if they’ll truly return to the ring. What are your thoughts on it? Do let us know in the comment section.