Five Welterweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

The welterweight division has produced legendary fighters, from Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard to Floyd Mayweather. In recent years, Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford have been its flag bearers. Despite being in a transitional period, the division remains exciting. Here are five fighters poised to make waves in the next 12 months and beyond.

Welterweight Boxing: Top Fighters to Watch in 2025

Rohan Polanco

Rohan Polanco (14-0, 9 KOs) is a Top Rank fighter from the Dominican Republic. A 2020 Olympian, “El Rayo” is now making a name for himself in the professional ranks. Polanco is an exciting talent who puts his shots together impressively and has shown a great finishing instinct in his fights.

Read More: Five Light Heavyweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

Paddy Donovan

Paddy Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs) is a welterweight rising fast through the ranks. The 25-year-old Irishman is an entertaining southpaw – who possesses slick movement and an ability to put his punches together. His wins over Danny Ball, Lewis Ritson and Williams Andres Herrera have shown he came through sticky moments in his fights. His accuracy and work rate have proven decisive in remaining undefeated thus far, and a huge fight against Lewis Crocker is set for March 1.

Pat McCormack

Pat McCormack (6-0, 4 KOs) has an impressive amateur pedigree. He won gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 European Games. Silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics followed, but since turning professional, he hasn’t been the most active. His potential ceiling is huge, with impressive hand speed and footwork, which ensures he can navigate himself effectively out of trouble.

Read More: Five Super Welterweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

Art Barrera Jr.

Art Barrera Jr. (7-0, 5 KOs) signed with Top Rank on June 5, 2024, and has continued the impressive unbeaten start to his professional career. When the Barrera signing was announced, Bob Arum spoke with excitement regarding the signing: “Art is an elite talent with an incredible team. He has all the makings of a superstar.” 

Arum continued: “He’s shown his prodigious talent on three Top Rank cards this year, and I can’t wait to see him back in action July 13 in Las Vegas.” Barrera looks ready for a productive 2025.

Stephanie Pineiro

The final name on our list is 34-year-old Puerto Rican southpaw Stephanie Pineiro (8-0, 2 KOs). “The Medicine” recently appeared on the Richardson Hitchins vs. Liam Paro undercard, dominating Kalindra Faria (2-3, 0 KOs). Pineiro is in a talent-laden division, but with every win, she gets one step closer to mixing at the top table in the women’s welterweight division.