Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of boxing! The Ring magazine has just unveiled its Fighters of the Year for 2025, and the winners are sure to spark some heated debates.
In a year filled with incredible performances, Terence Crawford and Mizuki Hiruta stood out as the top fighters. But here's where it gets controversial... Crawford's sole performance last year was enough to earn him the title. He took on the undisputed super middleweight champion, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, and emerged victorious, becoming the first man to achieve undisputed champion status in three weight classes during the four-belt era. An impressive feat, but some may argue that his single fight doesn't justify the award.
Now, let's talk about Hiruta. She successfully defended her title four times in 2025, more than any other female world titleholder. Hiruta's active schedule and dominance in the ring make her a strong contender for Fighter of the Year. However, some might question whether the quality of her opponents was sufficient to warrant such recognition.
The Ring magazine also recognized other outstanding performances in various categories. For instance, the Fight of the Year went to the first encounter between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn, a unanimous decision victory for Eubank. And this is the part most people miss: the Knockout of the Year was awarded to Brian Norman Jnr for his fifth-round highlight-reel KO of Jin Sasaki. A true display of power and precision!
But wait, there's more! The Trainer of the Year award went to Shingo Inoue, who guided his sons, Naoya and Takuma Inoue, to impressive victories. Inoue's work with his sons, especially Naoya's four defenses in 2025, showcases the importance of a great coaching team. Other nominees, like Robert Garcia and Rudy Hernandez, also contributed significantly to their fighters' success.
The Upset of the Year award went to Jose Armando Resendiz for his split decision victory over former titleholder Caleb Plant. Resendiz's win was a true underdog story, and it just goes to show that boxing is full of surprises. Other nominees, such as Rolando "Rolly" Romero and Ekow Essuman, also delivered upsets that shook the boxing world.
As for the Round of the Year, The Ring magazine chose the ninth round between bantamweights Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa. This round was a true showcase of skill and determination, with both fighters giving it their all. Other rounds that came close were Round 6 of Callum Smith vs. Joshua Buatsi and Round 12 of Kenshiro Teraji vs. Seigo Yuri Akui.
Finally, The Ring's Prospect of the Year award went to Emiliano Vargas, one of the fighting sons of Fernando Vargas Snr. At just 21 years old, Vargas has an impressive record of 16-0 (13 KOs) and has stopped multiple opponents in just a few rounds. His potential is undeniable, and he's sure to be a force to reckon with in the coming years.
So, what do you think? Do these awards reflect the true spirit of boxing? Are there any other fighters or performances that deserve recognition? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a friendly debate and celebrate the incredible world of boxing together.
