2025 is already shaping up to be a momentous year in boxing. With Undisputed being the trend next year, the fans expect to see many dream fights. Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev will have their rematch on the Super ‘Last Crescendo’ card. Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois might face each other for the undisputed heavyweight title. In addition, we might even get the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford match that the fans have yearned for years.

It really seems like with the entry of several big players, we are returning to the golden era of boxing once again. While it looks like a fantastic year for sport, it might leave certain fighters behind because of the added pressure. Pressure to do well and stand out in such a stacked year. Let’s look at 5 boxers, who we think will have a challenging 2025.

Anthony Joshua

2024 was a mixed year for Anthony Joshua. After having a sensational 2023, the Watford native continued the trend by defeating Francis Ngannou via a second-round KO. However, things changed when he faced Daniel Dubois for the IBF Heavyweight title. In one of the year’s biggest upsets, Dynamite knocked out AJ in the fifth round to retain his championship.

Many fans thought the 35-year-old would demand a rematch. However, it looks like AJ has unique plans, as several reports suggest he is chasing a match against Tyson Fury. A match that every boxing fan has dreamed of and it is a mystery how they haven’t faced each other yet. However, as Fury lost to Usyk in their rematch, it might finally happen.

But is that the right move for Anthony Joshua? Without a doubt, the 28-4 boxer’s career is on its last legs and he needs a win desperately. The lack of confidence that AJ currently possesses was evident against Dubois, and that loss must have pushed it even further. A fight against a motivated Tyson Fury might be too much for him at this point.

Even if the fight against ‘Gypsy King’ does not materialize, the year is not looking any better. AJ will have to choose from a limited option of heavyweights who can provide him with a similar payday and will push his career. Considering everything, he needs a miracle to get out of this ear unscathed.

Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis shocked the world when he announced his retirement, from boxing post 2025. The WBA Lightweight Champion is supposed to defend his title against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1 at the Barclays Center. However, he might have to think about his career trajectory after that fight.

Fans have been criticizing ‘Tank’ for selecting easy fights and payday for the past few years. He might want to change that discourse before his retirement and might choose some big names as his opponents. Who knows, maybe we might finally get him facing the likes of Shakur Stevenson or Devin Haney.

However, even though those fights will sell, it might expose the limitations of Gervonta Davis’s as a boxer. With stiffer competition against some technical superior boxers, the Baltimore native might bid goodbye to his undefeated record before retiring. If that happens, it might put his career plans in jeopardy. We know Gervonta Davis can push through adversity.

However, it looks like this year won’t be the same.

Ryan Garcia

It has been a rough couple of months for Ryan Garcia. After suffering a year-long because of consumption of PDE, ‘KingRy’ was supposed to make his comeback in an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo. The Victorville native wanted another warm-up fight after the Anpo match before his professional comeback. However, an untimely wrist injury changed those plans and the 26-year-old might directly make his comeback against a certified opponent.

Teofimo Lopez has already issued a challenge to Garcia. Furthermore, Devin Haney is also looking for a rematch to change the fallen discourse around him. He can even target a rematch with Gervonta Davis before retirement to remove that blemish from his near-perfect record.

However, all these fights might prove rather unfavorable for Garcia, who suffers against fighters with better technical skills or pressure-fighting styles. Despite Garcia’s victory over Haney, Haney seeks revenge and will be far more motivated this time. On the other hand, his defensive weakness will put him at a disadvantage against the likes of Lopez and Tank. Plus, we can’t sideline the fact that he has been out of action for a year now.

So unless Garcia wants to take this year slowly and build himself back up, things will get challenging for him.

Andy Ruiz Jr.

How do we get here? One of the most dynamic heavyweight fighters who shocked Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become the unified heavyweight champion is in shackles now. Since that victory over AJ, Andy Ruiz Jr. has derailed from his original path back in June 2019. He lost his belts in a rematch against Anthony Joshua a few months later and since then has only fought once a year.

The most shocking result came when he went to a 12-round-draw against Jarrell Miller in his last fight, showcasing his ring rust and struggle. Well, things are not going to get easier for the 35-year-old. While he searches for his next opponents, rumors heavily suggest Zhilei Zhang or Joe Joyce.

Both fights would have been favorable for Ruiz, 3 years ago. But with subpar conditioning and inconsistent focus ever since winning the title, these fights might prove too much for Ruiz. Zhang and Joyce are dedicated and well-prepared heavyweights, and Ruiz is not. Unless the Imperial native changes his focus, we might see a very underwhelming 2025 for him.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul reached new heights in 2024 after defeating legendary Mike Tyson in a historic fight. It became one of the most streamed boxing fights ever and the stocks of ‘The Problem Child’ have been constantly rising since then. However, he became one of the most hated fighters currently because he challenges either a non-boxer or a retired fighter.

Jake Paul has stated he wants to take this sport seriously now. So, we might see him turning his ways in 2025. With a likely trilogy against Tommy Fury or a rumored rematch against Nate Diaz in contention, we might see him facing some legitimate challengers this year.

However, everyone has a faint idea of how that might turn out. Paul is not a seasoned fighter, and we saw all his weaknesses against Tommy Fury in 2023. With him challenging more seasoned fighters, we might see similar results. For Jake Paul, there is no other way if he genuinely wants to improve and challenge for a world title. It is a risk that he must take, but it will surely make his 2025 far more challenging.

Who do you think will have the most challenging 2025? Can you think of any other fighter who will struggle similarly? Let us know your thoughts down below.