Alexander Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk only played one game in 2025, but the significance of that game was huge. He stopped Daniel Dubois, unified the heavyweight title, and established beyond doubt his place at the top of the sport.

Dubois entered the fight as an IBF champion and a much larger opponent. Usyk controlled the fight through movement, timing and accuracy before forcing a timeout. By the time the fight was over, Usyk had held every major heavyweight title, something few modern boxers can achieve.

His lack of activity in this discussion worked against him. Still, heavyweight unification carries a historical weight that no other division can match.

Dmitry Bivol

Dmitry Bivol scored one of the most important wins of the year by defeating Artur Beterbiev. The fight settled a long-standing dispute in the light heavyweight division and ended Beterbiev’s undefeated streak.

Bivol doesn’t rely on survival or careful boxing. He controlled range, disrupted Beterbiev’s pressure, and consistently won rounds with clean punches and footwork. The victory was clear and left little room for debate.

Defeating an undefeated, long-reigning champion at this level puts Bivol firmly in the running for the best fighter of the year.

Terrence Crawford

Terence Crawford took a big risk by moving up to face Canelo Alvarez, and the gamble paid off. Crawford defeated Canelo in the fight and scored a decisive victory.

Despite being at a size disadvantage, Crawford controlled the tempo of the game with excellent timing and movement. Canelo struggled to apply sustained pressure but never gained sustained control. The victory further cemented Crawford’s status as one of the most complete boxers of his era.

Crawford’s argument hinges on the quality of individual games rather than quantity, but few wins in 2025 will be as meaningful.

Naoya Inoue

Naoya Inoue produced his strongest overall work in 2025. He fought three times and was dominant in each game.

Inoue stopped Kim Ye-jun and Ramon Cardenas before defeating a highly skilled and dangerous opponent in Murodjon Akhmedaliyev. He has shown strength, precision and discipline all year long, without a single lapse in form.

While none of his opponents have the same global profile as some of the other candidates, Inoue’s consistency and activity make his arguments difficult to dismiss.

Rafael Espinoza

Rafael Espinoza had a quiet year, but still a productive one. He scored two stoppage wins over Edward Vazquez and Arnold Keguet.

Neither opponent elevated him into the mainstream conversation, but Espinoza performed as a champion should. He controlled both games and finished without letting the momentum swing.

His resume lacks signature wins, which may put him behind the top contenders, but his performances have been solid and decisive.

final assessment

There’s no unanimous answer for the 2025 Fighter of the Year. The answer depends on what is most important.

• Usyk achieved the most.
• Bivol achieved the most decisive elite victory.
• Crawford took the biggest risk and succeeded.
• Inoue produces the strongest year-round event.

The debate remains, and the uncertainty reflects the depth of this year’s top performances.