Five Light Flyweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

The light flyweight division – while not being spoken about as more commercial divisions such as lightweight and heavyweight – has plenty of talented fighters, such as current world champions Shokichi Iwata, Masamichi Yabuki and ex-world champion Sivenathi Nontshinga. Here are five fighters from the division to watch out for in the next 12 months and beyond.

Light Flyweight Boxing: Top Fighters to Watch in 2025

Erick Rosa

Unbeaten 24-year-old Dominican southpaw Erick Rosa (8-0, 2 KOs) is undoubtedly one of the most exciting small-weight fighters. He became the first boxer to win two regional title belts on his pro debut. His impressive amateur pedigree is noticeable in how he picks his punches. He’s accurate with his work and wastes very little. At 24, he is already the WBA light flyweight champion and unification bouts surely await in 2025.

Kyosuke Takami

Kyosuke Takami (8-0, 6 KOs) is fast coming through the rankings. His quick hands – with his power, have seen him KO six of his opponents thus far. He controls the distance well and stays disciplined behind his jab, but when he senses a chance, he’s proven he takes it.

Erick Badillo

Erick Badillo (17-0, 8 KOs) is a bit of a wild card, having never fought outside his country, Mexico. He doesn’t stop coming forward and mixes his attacks between the head and body. He won the silver light flyweight title against Neider Valdez Aguilar by fifth-round TKO.

It remains to be seen how far the 28-year-old can go, but whoever he fights is guaranteed a tough contest.

Roderick Bautista

Roderick Bautista (7-0, 5 KOs) is also known as “The Bone Crusher” and it’s easy to see why when you see him fight. He’s not afraid to be hit to get his shots off. When he lets his hands go, he throws in short, sharp bursts, and it’s entertaining to watch. He can be a little wild when he attacks. But when he throws, everything is with venom.

Sara Bailey

Sara Bailey (5-0, 0 KOs) is the final name on our list. The 30-year-old North Vancouver native has impressed since making her debut in 2022. She moves well during her fights and is thoughtful with her work. While not a big puncher, she moves well and has an impressive ring IQ. In her fifth fight, she beat Maria Bautista to become the WBA Light Flyweight World Champion. Unification fights will be the target in 2025.