Five Lightweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

The lightweight boxing division has continued to be a talking point in the sport, with many intriguing matchups taking place and rivalries boiling over online. Looking ahead to 2025, Big Fight Weekend brings you five lightweight boxers to watch out for in the coming year.

Lightweight Boxing: Top Fighters to Watch in 2025

Lightweight Boxing: Andy Cruz

Matchroom Boxing made a big noise when they signed Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs). The lightweight fighter has impressed under the guidance of Bozy Ennis, dominating all four opponents thus far, and will take the biggest step up in his professional career when he faces Omar Salcido on Jan. 25 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom.

Emiliano Vargas

Emiliano Vargas (12-0, 10 KOs) the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas has shown he can create his own legacy. He puts his punches together well and throws his shots with venom. At 20 years old, “El General” is rising in the lightweight rankings and will get plenty of exposure thanks to his ability and the expert matchmaking of his promoter Top Rank. 2025 looks set to be a big year for the Oxnard native.

Jadier Herrera

Another Cuban has made our lightweight list to watch in 2025. Jadier Herrera (16-0, 14 KOs) the Queensberry fighter is as highly regarded as they come and is set for a huge 2025 under the tutelage of Frank and George Warren. The 22-year-old has showcased a vast array of skills in his 16 professional wins. His KO percentage proves he has the power. The heavy-handed Cuban is set to appear on the Nick Ball vs. TJ Doheny bill, where he will be defending his WBA Intercontinental title against an as-yet unnamed opponent.

Sam Noakes

Sam Noakes (16-0, 14 KOs) continues to move through the lightweight division towards a world title shot. Last time out, the heavy-handed Kent fighter boxed diligently throughout to comfortably defeat the experienced Ryan Walsh via unanimous decision (120-108 x2 and 119-109). He has scored many impressive KOs in his career thus far, including his dominant fourth-round TKO win over the previously undefeated Lewis Sylvester at the beginning of 2024.

Stephanie Han

Stephanie Han (9-0, 2 KOs) has enjoyed a productive 2024, winning all four of her fights in 2024, and will have her first fight of 2025 on February 22 at the County Coliseum, El Paso. She successfully balances being a professional boxer, an El Paso Police Officer, a mother and a wife. The El Paso native is adept at putting effective combinations together. Can Han make a splash at world level in 2025?