It’s December 25th, and the festive spirit has taken over the entire world. Streets are adorned with twinkling lights, homes are filled with the aroma of holiday feasts, and the joyous hum of carols echoes everywhere. The boxing community is no exception, as fighters, trainers, and fans alike pause their intense routines to bask in the warmth of Christmas. 

From Jake Paul, who shares glimpses of his family’s holiday rituals on social media, to Ryan Garcia, posting heartfelt messages surrounded by loved ones, the day brings a rare stillness to the usually relentless world of combat sports. It’s a time to reflect, reconnect, and recharge before the punches and headlines resume. Here’s how boxers are spending the special day.

Jake Paul goes on an icy adventure

Social media sensation turned boxer Jake Paul has had an extraordinary 2024! The 27-year-old secured a decisive victory over Mike Perry in July and made headlines again last month by facing legendary heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Their historic showdown became the most-watched boxing match ever on Netflix, cementing Paul’s place in the sport’s history.

‘The Problem Child’ is making waves yet again, as rumors swirl about a potential showdown with former UFC champion Conor McGregor in India next year. For now, though, the Cleveland native is embracing the holiday spirit, spending Christmas riding a quad bike on ice with his loved ones.

Earlier today, Jake Paul took to Instagram to share a lighthearted clip of the icy adventure, accompanied by a heartfelt message to his fans. “We do our own stunts. Unsuccessfully lol. So grateful for family and fun this Christmas. Never grow up kids. That’s the key. Love you all from the Pauls,” he wrote.

Oleksandr Usyk gets back home

If Paul’s 2024 was good, Oleksandr Usyk’s was full of glory! The undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight defeated Tyson Fury via a split decision back in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The pair met again in the ring earlier this month to settle the score. 

It was his hard work that won him the rematch as well via unanimous decision, but it came right before Christmas. The fight felt like a Christmas present for his fans across the globe, as he proved himself to be the greatest heavyweight of the generation. However, the Christmas gift for him was making it back to his family. 

Usyk’s wife, Yekaterina Usyk, posted a handful of pictures of ‘The Cat’ playing with his children in their home. Boxing Kingdom reported, “Oleksandr Usyk has now arrived back home in Ukraine. Usyk finishes 2024 with two major legacy wins against Tyson Fury.” The 37-year-old has also accepted the challenge from Daniel Dubois for a rematch, so fans can expect more gifts from the pound-for-pound champion.

Ryan Garcia wishes for boxing’s prosperity

Unlike Paul and Usyk, Ryan Garcia’s 2024 was a rollercoaster ride, and he might not exactly be proud of how things went. He began the year by absolutely destroying his career rival Devin Haney during their fight in April earlier this year. However, within a week news about his positive PED tests took over the internet.

The NYSAC eventually overturned the decision into a no-contest, and Garcia was fined his entire purse and suspended from boxing. To add insult to injury, Haney sued Garcia, alleging battery, fraud, and breach of contract. The pair is expected to be involved in a court battle in the future. Despite all of this, Garcia seems to be in a good mood for Christmas. 

“For Christmas I just want boxing to go back to being the best sport in the world,” he wrote on X earlier today. “The one I fell In love with. Not this weak s**t.” 

Xander Zayas wants to keep the work going

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican native also seems to be wrapped up in the Christmas spirit. He is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win over Damian Sosa in September earlier this year in Madison Square Garden Theater, New York. Before that, he took on Patrick Teixeira to start his 2024 and secured a unanimous decision win. 

Some time ago, he was also in talks with Victor Ortiz Jr. for a bout on the stacked February card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, Israil Madrimov ended up getting the bout! While Xander Zayas might have been disappointed about losing a title shot, he didn’t let that affect his Christmas celebrations. 

“Merry Christmas 🎄 The work never stops, see you in 2025. 🇵🇷🔥,” he wrote on X earlier today.

Honorable mentions: Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas

Former world champion Yordenis Ugas was happy about the year-end fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. As he congratulated both fighters for the epic matchup, he wished his followers Merry Christmas. “Merry Christmas to all the fighters and to all the fans of this beautiful sport. God bless you all,” he wrote on X. 

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao was also celebrating the end of the year festivities as he wished all of his fans on behalf of his entire family. Sharing a picture of his family on X, the former world champion wrote, “Merry Christmas from the PACQUIAO FAMILY!”

That being said, it appears the boxing world is finishing the year on a happy note, regardless of how the year went. How about you? Are you celebrating Christmas?