Exciting Boxing Events Kick Off 2025 with Major Fights and Tributes

As 2025 unfolds, boxing enthusiasts are treated to an exciting lineup of events that promise to deliver electrifying moments in the ring. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to visit Rome, where I met with Pope Francis alongside my brother Héctor and Adrián Pallarols, the Pope’s silversmith. This meeting was particularly special, given the Pope’s long-standing support for boxing, which began when the WBC launched the BoxVal (Boxing with Values) initiative in 2016. Throughout the years, events like “Fight for Peace” have highlighted boxing’s core values of fair play and sportsmanship, culminating in the heartfelt moments shared between fighters after intense bouts.

The story of our champion Oleksandr Usyk particularly resonated with His Holiness. During his first match against Tyson Fury, Usyk found the strength to persevere in Round 7, kissing his crucifix for inspiration, ultimately leading him to victory and the undisputed championship.

Exciting Boxing Cards Ahead

After a bustling 2024 filled with boxing action, 2025 is off to a thrilling start, especially with the Riyadh Season partnering with major promoters like Queensberry, Matchroom, Golden Boy, and Boxxer. This collaboration has set the stage for promotions in Las Vegas on January 25 and Riyadh on February 22.

Recent Highlights from Japan

Last week, Japan witnessed an exciting inaugural card featuring Teiken Promotion, Ohashi Promotions, and Top Rank in Tokyo. The event showcased the remarkable “Monster” Naoya Inoue, who, as the undisputed super bantamweight champion, delivered a stunning knockout against South Korean contender Ye Joon Kim, streamed live on Amazon Prime Japan.

Upcoming Mega Card in Las Vegas

This weekend, Premier Boxing Champions and TGB are set to host a mega card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fans in the U.S. can catch all the action live on Prime Video, while viewers in Mexico can tune in on Televisa, and audiences across Latin America can watch on ESPN Knockout.

• Brandon Figueroa will defend his WBC featherweight world title in a rematch against Stephen Fulton, who previously defeated him in a dramatic split decision.
• Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz faces off against fellow Mexican Angel Fierro in what promises to be an explosive encounter, with heightened anticipation surrounding this matchup.

To commemorate this thrilling fight, a special belt called Guerrero Azteca, or The Aztec Warrior, will be awarded to the winner, honoring the rich history of memorable clashes between Mexican fighters.

Honoring a Boxing Legend

This event also pays tribute to the late Israel Vázquez, who passed away on December 3. Vázquez was known for his fierce battles, particularly his trilogy with Rafael Márquez. The PBC will honor his memory with a special homage, attended by his wife and three children.

Main Event Showdown

The main event features Mexican-American David Benavidez squaring off against Cuban David Morell, both interim light heavyweight champions of the WBC and WBA. The winner will earn the right to challenge the victor of the anticipated Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight.

Community Engagement Initiatives

The WBC is committed to promoting social responsibility alongside these events. There will be a discussion led by Rocky Heron about the dangers of addiction, featuring renowned referee Joe Cortez, champion Yokasta Valle, and other boxing icons at a community center in Las Vegas. Young attendees will be invited to enjoy the boxing card later in the evening.

Anticipation for February 22nd

Mark your calendars for February 22, when one of the most significant boxing events of recent times will unfold, featuring seven championship fights:

• Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title (WBC)
• Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield for the WBC lightweight title
• Carlos Adames vs. Hamza Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight title
• Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov for the WBC interim super welterweight title
• Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim heavyweight title
• Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith for the WBO International light heavyweight title
• Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight title

In further exciting news, the World Boxing federation has secured the necessary affiliations to ensure its recognition by the International Olympic Committee, safeguarding boxing’s place in the Olympic Games. This progress paves the way for boxing’s participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with hopes for a resurgence in the sport’s glory days.

Did You Know?

David Benavidez, a name familiar in Mexico, has a storied history with his rivalry against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. While that chapter is now behind him, Benavidez has held the WBC super middleweight championship on three separate occasions without ever losing it in the ring.

A Personal Reflection

Reflecting on my father’s legacy in boxing, he worked tirelessly to make the sport safer and fairer for all fighters. Witnessing the decline of some of boxing’s greatest icons deeply affected him, leading to the establishment of the José Sulaimán Boxers Fund, which has provided over $2.2 million to numerous boxers in need over the past 12 years.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome.