The year 2025 delivered a tumultuous mix of glory, grief, and the grotesque for the world of boxing. It was a period defined by stadium sell-outs, stunning knockouts, and high-profile defections, but also marred by allegations of fixed fights, tragic deaths, and a worrying new trend of vicious criticism directed at athletes in defeat.
Epic Battles and British Success Stories
The British fight scene witnessed several monumental events. Over 90,000 fans packed Wembley Stadium in July to watch Oleksandr Usyk drop and stop Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become undisputed champion once more. The criticism levelled at Dubois after his loss was, in the view of many, unduly harsh for a fighter who appeared genuinely hurt.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr captivated the nation across two fights at Tottenham's ground. Their first brutal 24-round war left both men barely able to walk, with Eubank Jr taking a deserved decision before being taken away in an ambulance. The rematch seven months later saw Benn win comfortably in a less savage but still compelling affair.
Fabio Wardley had a sensational year, staging a dramatic 10th-round stoppage of Justis Huni while heavily behind, before sensationally stopping Joseph Parker for the interim WBO heavyweight title. When Usyk relinquished the belt, Wardley was upgraded to full world champion. In a landmark moment for terrestrial television, the vacant British heavyweight title was won by Jeamie TKV in a bloody brawl with Frazer Clarke live on BBC Two.
A Disturbing Trend in Modern Boxing Coverage
Amidst the sporting drama, a concerning pattern emerged. The level of vitriol aimed at boxers following losses reached a new low. Fighters were routinely labelled as cowards or worse across modern media platforms, a disturbing departure from the more noble traditions of covering the sport. This toxic narrative often overshadowed the immense courage required to step into the ring.
The year was also marked by profound loss. The boxing world was plunged into despair in September when the sport's beloved former champion, Ricky Hatton, died suddenly at the age of 46. His funeral at Manchester Cathedral had a regal feel, a testament to his enduring popularity. The deaths of British champions Mark Kaylor and James Cook also passed with too little notice.
Carnival Fights and Personal Tragedy
The year ended in wild and tragic fashion for Anthony Joshua. Just six days before Christmas, he knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul in a glitzy, multi-million dollar carnival fight in Miami, broadcast to 30 million viewers on Netflix. However, any celebration was cut short ten days later when Joshua was injured in a fatal car crash in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two close friends from his team.
Other notable British achievements included Lauren Price defeating Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall to claim three welterweight world titles, and Lewis Crocker outboxing Paddy Donovan in Belfast to win the vacant IBF welterweight strap. While the women's scene had highlights, it was not considered a vintage year overall.
From the exceptional action at the World Amateur Championships in Liverpool to the raw drama of domestic clashes, 2025 proved boxing remains a sport of stark contrasts. Yet the increasing volume of unjust criticism serves as a stark reminder that the fighters who put everything on the line deserve far better.
