5 Boxers Who Will Face Difficult Competition in 2025

2025 seems to be a significant year in boxing already. Fans are looking forward to many dream fights next year since undisputed is the thing to do. The third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev could happen before the year is out. Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will compete for the undisputed heavyweight crown on July 19. Fans have been waiting years for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight, and it will finally take place on September 13 in Las Vegas. 

Boxing appears to be entering its golden age once again with the emergence of many famous stars. While some are chasing greatness, others are struggling to stay relevant, and boxers facing tough 2025 must overcome major hurdles to stay in the spotlight. Boxing fans can also enjoy the action of the ring with themed casino slots inspired by the sport. Use the only win bonus code for exclusive rewards and try your luck with knockout reels.

Boxers Facing Tough 2025: Examining Five Fighters

Boxers Facing Tough 2025: Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua struggled in 2024. In the second round, the Watford native defeated Francis Ngannou to continue his outstanding form from 2023. But things changed when he fought Daniel Dubois for the IBF Heavyweight belt. Dynamite beat AJ by knockout in the fifth round to keep his title, which was one of the biggest surprises of the year.

Many people thought the 35-year-old would want to fight again. Many news reports suggest AJ wants to face Tyson Fury, but he may have alternative intentions.  An event every boxing fan has wanted, and, surprisingly, they haven’t fought yet.  After Fury fell to Usyk in their second bout, it might happen. Fury seems to be denying the possibility of him returning, but it feels like if the money is there, he will be back to face AJ.

Joshua is 28-4 and needs a victory. AJ doubts himself after losing against Dubois. That loss must have made him even less sure of himself. With Tyson Fury’s drive, he might not be able to handle a fight right now.

The year doesn’t look good, even if the fight against “Gypsy King” doesn’t happen. AJ will only be able to fight a few giants who can give him the same amount of money and help his future.

Gervonta Davis

The world was shocked when Gervonta Davis struggled against Lamont Roach Jr., controversially scraping a draw, when many felt Roach did enough to get the win, with all the controversy in round nine, when Davis took a knee and turned his back on the action to have his face wiped.

Davis continues to post on social media about his lack of affection for the sport, but it appears he will be back on August 16 to face Roach in a rematch. The much hoped-for super fight with Shakur Stevenson feels further away than ever, but Tank needs to deal with Roach in the rematch and show he still has the desire to move onto bigger fights.

Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia has had a rough few months. He was meant to make his return in an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo after being out for a year because he was using PEDs. But an unfortunate wrist injury changed those plans, and the 26-year-old returned to big-time boxing on the May 2 Times Square card against Rolly Romero.

Following the surprising loss against Romero, Garcia announced he’d undergone surgery on his right hand. It remains unclear when we will see Garcia back in action, and the rest of 2025 could be a year of recovery for the Victorville native.

Andy Ruiz Jr.

How do we get here? One of the most exciting heavyweight boxers, who shocked Anthony Joshua by becoming the undisputed heavyweight king in 2019, is now chained up. After beating AJ, Andy Ruiz Jr. has gone off track from the plan he made in June 2019. After a few months, he lost his belts in a rematch against Anthony Joshua.

His draw with Jarrell Miller was underwhelming, and he was lucky to get the draw, with many feeling Miller had outworked Ruiz and deserved the win. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the talented “Destroyer.” It will be great to see him back in action this year, but if he does return, it will be a long road back to the top table in the heavyweight division.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul’s 2024 win against Mike Tyson propelled him into a new stratosphere. The actual fight was uncomfortable to watch, but the event was huge and showed what a big draw “El Gallo” has become, headlining a card on Netflix.

The criticism towards his level of opponent has not gone away – but it seems Paul refuses to let negativity affect his plans and he’s back in action on June 28 against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Yes, Chavez is an ex-world champion, but it remains to be seen what ability and desire remains in the Mexican.

Should Paul navigate past Chavez, we could see him back in action this year. It would be great to see him run it back with Tommy Fury or face a ranked contender in the cruiserweight division. Either way, the remainder of 2025 looks set to provide plenty of obstacles, but Paul has overcome many so far.

Problems That These Boxers Might Have to Deal With in 2025:

1. High-stakes fights against opponents who are technically better.
2. Old age and getting weaker, especially for fighters like Joshua and Ruiz.
3. Ring rust from not fighting for a long time or fighting at odd times.
4. Public support drops because of bad fight picks (like Jake Paul).
5. Psychological damage from past losses and public criticism.
6. Injuries that make it hard to train or make a comeback plan (like Garcia’s wrist and hand).

Boxers Facing Tough 2025: A Few Possible Career Paths If They Can Beat the Odds

Despite their many issues, each of these boxers can improve their situation. The correct ideas, techniques, and mental concentration might make 2025 a year of recovery instead of deterioration.

• Anthony Joshua – A mega win over Tyson Fury would silence the doubters once and for all.
• Gervonta Davis: A rematch win over Roach will hopefully lead “Tank” into a huge fight against Shakur Stevenson.
• Ryan Garcia: If he recovers well from the recent surgery, Garcia will need to show his old ability still remains.
• Andy Ruiz Jr.: It appears a long road back for the talented heavyweight, but the longer he stays inactive, the harder it will be.
• Jake Paul – A win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. needs to be followed up by real 50/50 fights to change opinions of him.

Boxing in 2025 is about legacy as much as records and belts. These five boxers facing tough 2025 may experience a turning moment in the remainder of this year that either revives their careers or exposes them to their limits. Fans will watch not just who wins, but also how each fighter handles pressure, attention, and expectations. One thing is certain: the ring will be loud this year.