The Future of Boxing: New Talent to Watch in the Sport

8 February 2025

Boxing, often dubbed "the sweet science," has a long, storied history that has gifted us legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather. But as these big names fade into the annals of boxing lore, a new generation of fighters is emerging, ready to carve their own paths into the sport’s legacy.

As fans, it's easy to get caught up in the nostalgia of yesteryear, but the future of boxing is bright. The new talent bubbling up to the surface promises to deliver knockout performances, jaw-dropping moments, and unforgettable rivalries. But who are these rising stars? Let’s dive into the future of boxing and identify some of the new talents you should be watching closely.

The Changing Landscape of Boxing

Before delving into specific names, it's essential to understand the landscape that these fighters are stepping into. Boxing, like any sport, is evolving. The days of purely traditional boxing gyms are being supplemented by modern training techniques, sports science, and a heavier emphasis on marketing, which has introduced social media influencers and YouTube stars into the ring—yes, looking at you, Jake Paul.

While some purists may scoff at this, the reality is that boxing is undergoing a transformation. The sport is more global than ever, with talents rising from all corners of the world, not just the US, UK, and Mexico. We’re seeing a blend of styles, from traditional brawlers to slick, defensive wizards, and everything in between.

This new wave of fighters is not just about raw power or technique; they’re also savvy marketers, building fan bases through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok. They know how to sell a fight, and in the modern era, that’s half the battle.

New Talent to Watch in Boxing

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let's get to the good stuff. Who are the rising stars you should be keeping an eye on? These fighters are making waves in the sport, and some may very well become the next household names.

1. Shakur Stevenson

If you haven’t heard of Shakur Stevenson yet, you’re missing out on one of the most talented fighters of this generation. A former Olympic silver medalist, Stevenson has already won world titles in multiple weight classes, and he’s just getting started.

Stevenson is known for his sharp, intelligent boxing style. He’s not the type of fighter who will go toe-to-toe in a slugfest. Instead, he uses his superior footwork and defensive skills to outclass his opponents. Some even compare his style to that of Floyd Mayweather, and when you hear a comparison like that, you know the kid has talent.

At just 25 years old, Shakur has the potential to dominate multiple weight divisions over the next decade. If you’re a fan of technical boxing, you’ll want to keep a close eye on his career.

2. Jaron "Boots" Ennis

Jaron Ennis, better known as "Boots," is another American fighter who’s been making serious noise in the welterweight division. With an impressive knockout ratio, Ennis is the kind of fighter who brings excitement to every bout he’s in.

At 26, Ennis has a lot of years ahead of him, and he’s already being touted as a future world champion. His style is a perfect blend of power and finesse. He can knock you out with a single punch, but he’s also slick enough to avoid getting hit. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, leaving fans on the edge of their seats wondering, “What will he do next?”

The welterweight division is stacked with talent, but don’t be surprised if Ennis becomes the king of that division in the near future.

3. Vergil Ortiz Jr.

If you’re looking for pure power, look no further than Vergil Ortiz Jr. The Texas native has an unbeaten record, with nearly all of his wins coming by knockout. At 25, he’s already considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the welterweight division.

Ortiz’s style is aggressive and relentless. He comes forward, cutting off the ring and landing punishing shots to both the body and the head. His ability to break down his opponents round by round is something to behold. Watching him fight feels like watching a lion stalk its prey – sooner or later, he’s going to pounce.

With Ortiz’s punching power and iron will, it’s hard to see anyone standing up to him for long. He’s one or two big fights away from becoming a global superstar.

4. Naoya Inoue

Nicknamed “The Monster,” Naoya Inoue is a fighter from Japan who has taken the boxing world by storm. Competing in the lighter weight classes, Inoue has built a reputation for his devastating power and ruthless finishing ability.

At 30 years old, Inoue already holds world titles in multiple weight classes and is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. His ability to knock out opponents with either hand makes him a terrifying proposition for anyone in his division.

Even though he’s been around for a while, Inoue is still entering his prime years, and it’s scary to think how much better he can get. If you’re a fan of explosive knockouts, you need to tune in whenever Inoue steps into the ring.

5. Devin Haney

Devin Haney is another young fighter who is making waves in the lightweight division. Known for his slick boxing skills and high ring IQ, Haney has already captured a world title and is looking to unify the belts in his division.

At 24, Haney has youth on his side, but he also has the discipline and maturity of a seasoned veteran. His ability to control the pace of a fight and dictate range makes him a nightmare for opponents. He can fight off the back foot, but he’s also capable of going on the offensive when needed.

Haney’s ambition is clear: he wants to take on the best in the world and prove that he’s the top dog in the lightweight division. With names like Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia in the same weight class, you can expect some blockbuster fights in the near future.

6. Teofimo Lopez

Teofimo Lopez, also known as "The Takeover," shocked the world when he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko to become the unified lightweight champion. Lopez’s explosive punching power, combined with his confidence and swagger, makes him one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport today.

At 26, Lopez has already accomplished a lot, but he’s far from finished. After moving up to the junior welterweight division, Lopez is looking to capture more titles and solidify his legacy as one of the best fighters of his generation.

Lopez’s personality is just as big as his punches, and that’s why fans love him. Whether he’s trash-talking his opponents or dancing in the ring after a knockout, Lopez brings a flair to boxing that few others can match.

The International Flavor of Boxing’s Future

While many of the names listed above hail from the United States, the future of boxing isn’t limited to one country. The sport is thriving worldwide, with emerging talents from all corners of the globe.

7. Daniel Dubois

From the UK, heavyweight Daniel Dubois is a name that has been on the lips of many boxing fans. Dubois possesses raw power and an aggressive style that makes him a threat to anyone in the heavyweight division. At 26, he’s still young, and after a couple of setbacks, he’s hungry to prove that he belongs at the top of the division.

8. David Benavidez

The super middleweight division has a beast in the form of David Benavidez. The American-Mexican fighter, at 26, is already a two-time world champion. His relentless pressure and ability to throw a high volume of punches make him a nightmare for any opponent.

Benavidez has his eyes firmly set on a showdown with Canelo Alvarez, and if that fight happens, it could be one of the biggest events in boxing.

9. Edgar Berlanga

Puerto Rican sensation Edgar Berlanga is known for his knockout streak, where he stopped his first 16 opponents in the first round. Although his last couple of fights have gone the distance, Berlanga has shown that he’s more than just a knockout artist.

At 26, he’s still developing, but his power and charisma have already made him a fan favorite. Berlanga has the potential to ignite the Puerto Rican boxing scene, much like Miguel Cotto did in his prime.

The Future of Boxing Is Bright

The future of boxing is filled with promise, excitement, and raw talent. From Shakur Stevenson’s technical mastery to Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s knockout power, the next generation of boxers is ready to take center stage. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard boxing enthusiast, there’s no shortage of fighters to get excited about.

These fighters represent the next wave of champions, and their journeys are just beginning. As they rise through the ranks, expect fireworks, dramatic showdowns, and unforgettable moments. Boxing may be evolving, but one thing remains constant: the thrill of watching two fighters step into the ring and leave it all on the line.

So, who’s your next favorite fighter? Will it be a slick boxer like Haney, or a knockout artist like Ortiz? Whoever it may be, one thing’s for sure: the future of boxing is in great hands.