As with technology, nature, or seasons, the sport of boxing is ever-changing. Prospects become contenders; contenders become champions; and champions become Hall of Famers. It’s the circle of life within the squared circle.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Tyson Fury turned professional as a 20-year-old in Nottingham, England. Well, it was December 6, 2008, the very same night that Oscar De La Hoya fought his final professional fight against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. One journey ended and another began.
Fast forward almost 15 years, and Fury, 34, is in the closing stages of his own career. He’s the reigning WBC heavyweight champion but much closer to the end than the beginning. His contemporaries: Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder are all in the very same position.
This begs the question: Who will replace them when they’re gone?
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Well, just as was the case when Fury, Usyk, AJ, and Wilder replaced Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers, we have a young team on stand-by. They’re not household names or digging into your pockets for pay-per-view dollars just yet, but they’re making up ground.
And not only is that the case in the heavyweight division, it’s the case in every division.
There are myriad young fighters on every rung of the professional boxing ladder, all under the age of 25.
- Red-hot prospects at the embryonic stages of their paid careers
- Unbeaten contenders with 100-percent knockout ratios
- World champions and two-time world champions
- Even an undisputed champion
So, if you’re worried about your favorite fighter fading into the twilight, then please take solace from the fact that boxing’s future champions are about to explode onto your TV screen. It’s only a matter of time.
The Sporting News now takes a look at the best of boxing’s 25 under 25.
*Must be under 25 as of July 1st.
25. Moses Itauma
- Age: 18
- Current Weight Class: Heavyweight
- Record: 3-0 (2 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: April 2023 vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (PTS 6)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The promoter spin on Mr. Itauma is that he’s destined to break a record that’s been held for over 36 years by the legendary Mike Tyson – to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time. When a 20-year-old Tyson won the WBC championship from Trevor Berbick in 1986, he wasn’t yet old enough to buy a beer in Las Vegas. A decorated amateur, Itauma has until May 20, 2025, to claim a record that many felt could never be beaten. At 6-5 and 250 pounds, he certainly has the physical tools to pose a threat.
24. Hopey Price
- Age: 23
- Current Weight Class: Featherweight
- Record: 5-0 (4 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: March 2023 vs. Thomas Masson (UD 10)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Price became a 2018 Youth Olympic champion after snaring a host of other amateur honors in the unpaid ranks. Highly touted, the Leeds-based southpaw was signed up by Matchroom Boxing and has put together 10 straight wins since turning over in November 2019. Trained and managed by David Coldwell, there’s plenty expected of Price, who graduated to 10 rounders in March when he dominated Thomas Masson to a near-shutout points triumph. An all-Leeds matchup against Jack Bateson could be next.
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23. Emiliano Vargas
- Age: 19
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 5-0 (4 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: February 2023 vs. Francisco Duque (UD 4)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The son of two-time super welterweight champion Fernando Vargas might not be moving at the same pace his father did during his early career, but he’s coming along just fine. With boxing and Mexican fire in his blood, Vargas has been around the sport since he could crawl and spent eight years in the amateur ranks. With his pedigree and bloodline, big things are expected from the talented youngster who can certainly punch his weight.
22. Floyd Diaz Jr.
- Age: 20
- Current Weight Class: Super Bantamweight
- Record: 9-0 (3 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: May 2023 vs. Luis Fernando Saavedra (UD 8)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: If you’re old enough to remember the latter half of Floyd Mayweather’s Hall of Fame career, then you might remember Floyd Diaz, who is nicknamed “Cash Flow.” While spending his formative years in the Mayweather Boxing gym, Diaz was showcased on HBO’s 24/7 series, while his mentor and idol was training for a world title fight. Only a child at the time, Diaz rattled off Mayweather-like combinations on the mitts, dazzling onlookers with his hand speed and skill. Well, the boy is now a man and he’s shown serious promise as a professional. Remember the name.
21. Richard Torrez Jr.
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Heavyweight
- Record: 5-0 (5 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: October 2022 vs. Ahmed Hefny (TKO 3)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Torrez represented the United States in the 2020 Olympics and brought home a silver medal. At 6-2 and approximately 225 pounds, the California-based southpaw lacks the size of a modern-day heavyweight, but he has bundles of talent and heavy hands. Against the 13-2 Ahmed Hefny, he showcased his signature body punching and quick hands, dropping the Egyptian fighter three times in as many rounds.
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20. Callum Walsh
- Age: 22
- Current Weight Class: Super Welterweight
- Record: 7-0 (6 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: June 2023 vs. Carson Jones (KO 3)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: A decorated amateur star, Walsh turned professional in December 2021 and has been making noise with a series of crushing stoppage wins. The Irishman is trained by the legendary Freddie Roach and, for many, it’s a case of when he becomes champion not if. All six of his stoppages have come in three rounds of less, the last of which was a brutal third-round stoppage of the vastly more experienced Carson Jones. While Jones is long past his best, Walsh got the job done in style.
19. Hamzah Sheeraz
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Middleweight
- Record: 17-0 (13 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: July 2022 vs. Francisco Emanuel Torres (TKO 5)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Sheeraz is a powerful and confident middleweight who has shown plenty of promise since turning professional in 2017. The Essex-based star did suffer a scare against Francisco Emanuel Torres last summer, but the response was perfect. Sheeraz rose from a third-round knockdown to floor Torres in the same session and took his man out in the fifth. In his most recent outing, the young prospect handed River Wilson-Bent his first stoppage loss and he’s heading toward British championship level in a hurry.
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18. Amari Jones
- Age: 21
- Current Weight Class: Super Welterweight
- Record: 9-0 (8 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: May 2023 vs. Feriche Mashaury (TKO 2)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The tall and stylish Jones has been tabbed as the next big thing from the Bay Area. The young prospect has the requisite moves to flummox the opposition and the kind of hitting power that can end a fight in a flash. Over the past couple of years, Jones has spent invaluable time around lightweight king Devin Haney and the champ’s father, Bill. The experience gained from that union is every bit as important as the learning fights that the former amateur standout has been dominating.
17. Caroline Dubois
- Age: 22
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 7-0 (5 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: February 2023 vs. Feriche Mashaury (TKO 2)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: This is the younger sister of hard-hitting heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois and it’s clear that punching power runs in the family. A decorated amateur star, southpaw Dubois took gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics and won a host of other tournaments during her unpaid rise. Turning pro with BOXXER in 2022, the Shane McGuigan-trained fighter has been hailed by many as the future of the women’s game.
16. Micaela Lujan
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Super Flyweight
- Record: 11-1-1 (3 KOs)
- Titles Held: IBF Super Flyweight
- Signature Performance: August 2022 vs. Irma Garcia (MD 10)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The youngest reigning champion at super flyweight, Lujan’s best years are still ahead of her. Since winning the vacant IBF championship, at the expense of Debora Vandesa Gomez (SD 10), the Argentinian star has made two successful defenses. Against Irma Garcia, which was Lujan’s most recent bout, she overcame a capable veteran to post what was arguably a career-best triumph. Given her age and potential, Lujan is capable of becoming the star of this division.
15. Abdullah Mason
- Age: 19
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 8-0 (7 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: May 2023 vs. Erick Garcia Benitez (KO 1)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: He’s 19 years old and has the looks of a choirboy but don’t let that fool you. Mason is a brilliant young southpaw with blistering hand speed and – as his record suggests – stunning power. The best punches in boxing are the ones that are felt and not seen and these are what Mason delivers. On the undercard of Haney-Lomachenko, Mason scored a 92-second knockout of Erick Garcia Benitez, who was caught flush on the tip of the chin by a lightning right hook counter. This kid looks like a star in the making.
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14. Marc Castro
- Age: 23
- Current Weight Class: Super Featherweight
- Record: 10-0 (7 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: September 2022 vs. Kevin Montiel Mendoza (KO 5)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Castro is an exciting, sharp-shooting boxer-puncher. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing, the Fresno native has been showcased on the undercards of Canelo Alvarez and Bam Rodriguez among others. His most eye-catching triumph undoubtedly took place on the Canelo-GGG 3 undercard, when he knocked out Kevin Montiel Mendoza with a one-hitter quitter. What a right uppercut! Castro returns to action on the Baumgardner-Linardatou card in Detroit on July 15.
13. Jesus Ramos
- Age: 20
- Current Weight Class: Super Welterweight
- Record: 20-0 (16 KOs)
- Titles Held: N/A
- Signature Performance: March 2023 vs. Joseph Spencer (TKO 7)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Ramos has an action-packed but composed style that belies his young years. The Arizona-based southpaw likes to apply pressure with his feet and corner the opposition before unleashing powerful two-fisted bursts. As the competition has improved in scheduled 10-round bouts, Ramos is still dominating and that is a very good sign as he heads toward the elite level. On the Benavidez-Plant card in March, the 20-year-old dropped and stopped Joseph Spencer in a battle of unbeaten contenders.
12. Adam Azim
- Age: 20
- Current Weight Class: Super Lightweight
- Record: 8-0 (6 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: February 2023 vs. Santos Reyes (UD 10)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Azim may have just arrived on the scene and doesn’t have a great deal of professional experience but the British fighter is certainly one to watch courtesy of his excellent boxing ability, speed and technique. It’s still incredibly early in his career but his first eight fights have demonstrated that he’s a potential problem for the 140-pound weight class. The division is stacked and he’s only 20 years of age so there is plenty of time for Azim to climb the ranks. A hand infection sidelined him this year but expect him to be back sooner rather than later.
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11. Raymond Ford
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Featherweight
- Record: 14-0-1 (7 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: April 2023 vs. Jessie Magdaleno (UD 12)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: There were questions surrounding whether or not Ford was worthy of the hype after a split draw in 2021 against Aaron Perez and a split decision victory over Edward Vazquez in early 2022. That wasn’t an indicator of what was to come as Ford was a man on a mission following the Vazquez with a trio of dominant performances, including his domination of former champion Jessie Magdaleno earlier this year. He’s climbing up the rankings and could find himself against someone close to the top of the top of the WBO featherweight rankings sooner rather than later.
10. Otabek Kholmatov
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Featherweight
- Record: 11-0 (10 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: March 2023 vs. Thomas Patrick Ward (TKO 5)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The young fighter from Uzbekistan has been destroying his opposition, punctuated by his absolute steamrolling of the previously unbeaten Thomas Patrick Ward earlier this year. He started his pro career in August 2021 and has been wrecking everyone placed in front of him. Sooner or later someone of stature will be placed in front of him and it might be sooner. Kholmatov is mandatory challenger for WBA champion Leigh Wood, and the sanctioning organization ordered that bout at the end of May.
9. Diego Pacheco
- Age: 22
- Current Weight Class: Super Middleweight
- Record: 18-0 (15 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: March 2023 vs. Jack Cullen (TKO 4)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Pacheco was one of Eddie Hearn’s best young signings that flew under the radar for the first few years he was featured on undercards of prominent stars. But coming out of the pandemic, Pacheco and his 6-4 frame have been pummeling the opposition with seven straight finishes. It won’t be long before the 168-pound weight class will have to take him seriously. Canelo won’t be around forever.
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8. Ginjiro Shigeoka
- Age: 23
- Current Weight Class: Minimumweight
- Record: 9-0 (7 KOs)
- Titles Held: Interim IBF Minimumweight
- Signature Performance: April 2023 vs. Rene Mark Cuarto (KO 9)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: There’s more than one big puncher coming out of Japan and he goes by the name of Ginjiro Shigeoka. Although he’s not as much of a destructive force as Naoya Inoue, he still packs a ton of power in his tiny 5-foot frame. He’s ultra-violent and has a crowd-pleasing style. That style got him in a bit of trouble against Rene Mark Cuarto earlier this year when he was dropped in the first round. But the 23-year-old collected himself, stormed back, and got a late stoppage to capture an interim title. It’s fully expected that Shigeoka will get to face Daniel Valladares next for the IBF title. The last time they met, the fight was ruled a No Contest after an accidental clash of heads. The rematch is expected to be a high-octane affair that can possibly solidify Shigeoka as the next big boxing star out of Japan.
7. Brandun Lee
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Super Lightweight
- Record: 28-0 (23 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: April 2023 vs. Pedro Campa (UD 10)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Lee has a fantastic offensive toolbox that has led to an impressive knockout-to-win ratio of 82%. But he’s going to have to be more of a powerhouse that steamrolls opposition if he plans to make noise in a suddenly crowded 140-pound weight class. He took his first step toward that goal when he outboxed Pedro Campa to take a unanimous decision earlier this year. As he approaches the 30th fight of his professional career, he’ll likely need a few more impressive outings against increasingly better opposition before he can put his name into title contention at super lightweight.
6. Xander Zayas
- Age: 20
- Current Weight Class: Super Welterweight
- Record: 16-0 (10 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: August 2022 vs. Elias Espadas (TKO 5)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: At 20 years of age, Xander Zayas is primed to be the next big Puerto Rican star. He’s big, strong, and almost certain to outgrow his current weight class. But we’ve seen significant improvement in each fight as he has gone from mowing down his opposition with his size and strength to putting together an offensive game plan that outclasses the opposition. He’s still a work in progress but the work he’s put in is impressive. The potential is certainly there and it’s a matter of showing steady growth before he ends up challenging for a major world title.
5. Keyshawn Davis
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 8-0 (6 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: April 2023 vs. Anthony Yigit (TKO 9)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: In terms of raw talent, Keyshawn Davis has it. He has yet to face top-tier opponents but the 2020 Olympic silver medalist (Davis lost via SD to Andy Cruz in the gold medal bout) appears to be destined for greatness. He’s equal parts poised and vicious with power, speed, defense, and a high boxing IQ. With some of the heavy hitters departing 135 pounds, the crown appears to be his for the taking. The next 12-18 months will be imperative for his development, but he will certainly be showcased at the top of the show moving forward.
4. Ryan Garcia
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 23-1 (19 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: January 2021 vs. Luke Campbell (TKO 7)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Although Garcia was stopped by Gervonta “Tank” Davis earlier this year, the 24-year-old demonstrated that he possesses the qualities to be a superstar in the sport. He took a risk and welcomed a competitive disadvantage just to give fans the fight they wanted to see most. Remember, Canelo Alvarez was dominated by Floyd Mayweather early in his career and used that loss as fuel to become one of the biggest stars in boxing. Garcia has some work to do but his raw talent is undeniable. If he can smooth out the raw edges, Garcia stands to be a menace. He’s outgrown 135 pounds and has stated that he will focus on 140 for his rebuild.
3. Jared Anderson
- Age: 23
- Current Weight Class: Heavyweight
- Record: 14-0 (14 KOs)
- Titles Held: None
- Signature Performance: August 2022 vs. Miljan Rovcanin (KO 2)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: Fourteen fights, fourteen wins, fourteen knockouts. That’s impressive. The heavyweight division’s top stars are all beginning to age out and there will need to be new blood in the land of the giants. “The Real Big Baby” certainly fits the bill with his combination of size, speed, and punching power. He’s decimated everyone they have put in front of him and he’s only getting better. He’ll eventually have to face someone who is more than a speed bump on his journey to becoming a world champion and that should be expected in the next 12-18 months.
2. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
- Age: 23
- Current Weight Class: Flyweight
- Record: 18-0 (11 KOs)
- Titles Held: WBO Flyweight, former WBC Super Flyweight
- Signature Performance: June 2022 vs. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (TKO 8)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: It’s scary to think that Rodriguez still has another year of eligibility for this list. He stormed the scene in 2022 when he upset Carlos Cuadras on five days’ notice to claim the vacant WBC Super Flyweight title and then punctuated his divisional dominance by destroying Srisaket Sir Rungvisai a few months later. His last two performances against Israel Gonzalez and Cristian Gonzalez — the latter being for the vacant WBO Flyweight title — weren’t as dominant or sensational but he remains one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. A unification clash with Sunny Edwards has tons of appeal and could further stake his claim as one of the best in the world while knocking at the door of the pound-for-pound list.
1. Devin Haney
- Age: 24
- Current Weight Class: Lightweight
- Record: 30-0 (15 KOs)
- Titles Held: Undisputed Lightweight
- Signature Performance: May 2023 vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko (UD 12)
Expectations & Why They Are On The 2023 List: The youngest undisputed champion ever in the four-belt era is, by far, the class of this list. Although some will suggest that he escaped with a victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko, the fact remains that his pedigree at age 24 is astounding. He ran roughshod over George Kambosos twice to become the undisputed champion before finally getting his opportunity to silence the naysayers against Lomachenko. There will still be some doubters but considering all that he’s accomplished, Haney simply cannot be denied. He could give Lomachenko a rematch to slam the door shut on the rivalry or head up to 140 pounds where he could challenge the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Rolly Romero, Regis Prograis or Subriel Matias in a quest to obtain all the titles at junior welterweight. The world is truly Haney’s oyster.
