Five Minimumweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

The minimumweight division has rarely attracted the plaudits it deserves but it has begun to get the recognition it deserves with WBA/WBO and Ring magazine champion Oscar Collazo gaining the plaudits for his exceptional performances. Here are five fighters from the division to watch out for in the next 12 months and beyond.

Minimumweight Boxing: Top Fighters to Watch in 2025

Minimumweight Boxing: Hasanboy Dusmatov

Hasanboy Dusmatov (6-0, 5 KOs) is a threat to everyone in the minimumweight division. His last fight in the pro ranks was against Siphamandla Baleni, winning via a shutout decision. The Uzbek fighter dazzled at the 2024 Olympics, winning the gold medal and becoming a two-time Olympic champion. Despite his diminutive stature, he uses his feet well to close the distance and has proven he carries plenty of power. 2025 needs to be a big year for the 31-year-old.

Ginjiro Shigeoka

Ginjiro Shigeoka (11-1, 9 KOs) was in dominant form until he suffered a surprise defeat against Pedro Taduran, losing his IBF title. Light on his feet, fast hands and plenty of power make him a nightmare for anyone in the division. Despite the defeat last time out, expect the 25-year-old southpaw to return to action in 2025.

Kristina O’Hara

Kristina O’Hara (4-0, 0 KOs) has enjoyed a perfect start to her career. She has good upper-body movement and picks her shots well. Her win over Cristina Navarro was a great example of her boxing abilities as she dictated the tempo of the fight, landing the more eye-catching punches. “Sugar K” is patient with her work and needs an active 2025 to keep progressing.

Takeshi Ishii

Takeshi Ishii (9-1, 7 KOs) is another Japanese fighter to watch in 2025. Following his shock defeat to Lito Dante in 2023, he has won his next two fights, including a career-best win vs. John Kevin Jimenez. He’s explosive in the pocket, letting his hands go – but can be too easy to hit. One thing guaranteed when Ishii fights is fireworks. An entertaining 2025 looks like a certainty for the Ukiha native, starting with his fight on March 11 against Shunsuke Isa.

Alex Winwood

Australian Alex Winwood (4-1, 2 KOs) made his mark in the amateur code and has continued that rapid progress in the pro ranks. Following his debut stoppage win over Stinky Mario Bunda, Winwood won his next three fights before taking on Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBA title. The Australian was knocked down in rounds 7 and 9, ultimately losing by a majority decision (113-113 and 114-112 x2). Despite the recent defeat, Winwood fought bravely and will surely bounce back in 2025.