Five Bantamweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

The bantamweight division has a plethora of talented fighters, with Junto Nakatani (WBC), Seiya Tsutsumi (WBA), Yoshiki Takei (WBO) and Ryosuke Nishida (IBF) leading the way as the current world champions. Here are five fighters from the division to watch out for in the next 12 months and beyond.

Bantamweight Boxing: Top Fighters to Watch in 2025

Bantamweight Boxing: Andrew Cain

Andrew Cain (13-1, 12 KOs) suffered his only defeat – by a split decision against Ionut Baluta. Since then, the heavy-handed Liverpudlian has won three fights by stoppage and showcased what an impressive fighter he is. The Merseyside fighter puts his shots together well and throws everything with venom, whether to the head or body. He’s venomous and spiteful, as seen when he destroyed Ashley Lane. He will return on Match 15 in a fascinating clash against Charlie Edwards.

Bree Howling

Unbeaten Candian Bree Howling (8-0, 2 KOs) is making a name for herself in the bantamweight division. Under the guidance of Boxlab Promotions and Marshall Kauffman’s King Promotions, the 26-year-old looks ready for a memorable 2025. Last year, she fought three times and will return to the ring against rival Brittany Sims on March 14.

Marshall Kauffman of King Promotions has recently praised the Canadian:“Bree Howling is on her way to becoming the next big female boxing star from Canada.”  Kauffman continued: “She has the skill, determination, and star quality that will take her far in this sport. I know she belongs with the elite fighters in her division.”

Rianna Rios

Staying in the female division, Rianna Rios (8-0, 1 KO) is climbing the rankings and will face Nancy Franco on February 8. A successful amateur career saw Rios become a national champion in the USA. The amateur pedigree is clear when you watch her box, and Rios will aim to be more active in 2025 and challenge the best in the division.

Riku Masuda

Japanese southpaw Riku Masuda (6-1, 6 KOs) suffered an early career defeat against Seiya Tsutsumi but has since bounced back in style, winning his next three fights by stoppage. His victory over Jonas Sultan showed just how devastating his power can be, with a left hand to the body, leading the referee to wave the fight off. Masuda is an effective pressure fighter, and despite that early career defeat, a world title shot will surely not be too far away for the Hiroshima native.

Tenshin Nasukawa

26-year-old Tenshin Nasukawa (5-0, 2 KOs) was a world-renowned kickboxer before moving to boxing. He is remembered by many for being stopped by Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout in 2018. The southpaw then turned professional in 2023 and has impressed since, winning all five contests. The way he has dominated more experienced fighters has been most telling – but he will take a huge step up in class to face ex-WBO champion Jason Maloney on February 24 at the Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku.