There are no certainties in life - less so in the unpredictable world of professional boxing - a sport once described by Larry Merchant as “the theatre of the unexpected”.
However, as a new year begins the sport is in a really good place, with promoters who were once bitter rivals and making increasingly personal jibes at each other on social media now working together to ensure the biggest and best fights are being made.
And with superstars such as Terence Crawford (37), Oleksandr Usyk (37) and Canelo Alvarez (34) now very much in the winter of their Hall-of-Fame careers, it’s time to have a look at the next generation who are on the way up.
Here DAZN Boxing looks at four blue-chip prospects who could well blow up in 2025.
Moses Itauma
Believe the hype.
The wonderfully gifted Itauma only turned 20 on December 28 but moved to 11-0 (9) and reinforced his reputation as the hottest prospect in heavyweight boxing with a facile blowout of Demsey McKean inside two minutes on the undercard of Usyk v Fury 2.
It’s incredible to note how polished an operator Itauma is given he had less than 30 amateur fights, but he looks to have the tools and the temperament to go all the way as a professional.
There has been talk about Itamua trying to beat Mike Tyson's mythical record as the youngest heavyweight world champion of all time.
For the Chatham southpaw to break Tyson's record, he would have to plunder one of the four major straps by no later than May 26 this year. And with Usyk and Daniel Dubois holding the major belts currently, that seems unlikely (but not impossible).
Whether or not he breaks Iron Mike’s record – which has now stood for 39 years – Itauma looks pure box-office and is all set for a huge 2025.
Abdullah Mason
Whisper it quietly, but Mason may be the next star of American boxing.
The 20-year-old southpaw from Cleveland has talent to burn and has streaked to 16-0 (14) since turning over in November 2021.
The lightweight star has shown he has cojones too, surviving two flash knockdowns in the first round of his last fight against Yohan Vasquez, before dusting himself off and stopping the rugged Dominican in the second round of their scheduled 10-rounder on the Keyshawn Davis-Gustavo Lemos undercard at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
As an amateur he finished up with a record of 65–15, figures which are solid rather than spectacular. However, the top brass at Top Rank saw enough potential there to sign up the spiteful counter-puncher and he has looked brilliant since turning over.
Abdullah has a strong bond with his father and trainer, Valiant Mason, and the pair could rise to the top much like fabled father/son duo Enzo and Joe Calzaghe did roughly a generation ago.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis may be top dog right now, but the lightweight division is red hot and is also witnessing the rise of young prospects who could change the dynamics at 135, with Mason very much in that mix.
Jadier Herrera
Part of the new wave of Cuban prospects, Herrera is a real ring mechanic at the tender age of 22.
The 16-0 (14) prospect has not put a foot wrong as a pro so far and is a fighter who combines an almost flawless defensive style with surgical precision offensively.
Hall-of-Fam promoter Frank Warren really rates the Cuban, who is now part of his Queensberry Promotions team. So having spent the early part of his career boxing almost exclusively in Dubai, UK fans can now see what all the fuss is about as he plies his trade on these shores.
Last time out, Herrera took a couple of rounds to loosen up and gather data before a sickening left hand to opponent Oliver Flores’ body left the Nicaraguan down and out.
He is next due out in March 2025, and if he can stay disciplined and stay active looks a young fighter to keep an eye on in the coming 12 months.
Adam Azim
Arguably the main face of the BOXXER roster already at the age of just 22, huge things are expected of Azim.
The super-lightweight is 12-0 (9) and ticks so many boxes. He has an exciting style, hits hard, is confident without being arrogant, sells tickets and crucially keeps winning.
Before turning over, the precocious Azim won 10 national titles and was ranked as World No 1 youth amateur at welterweight. Trainer Shane McGuigan is excited by Azim and McGuigan knows a thing or two about success in the 140lb division after helping Josh Taylor become the UK's first undisputed world super-lightweight champion.
Azim dropped and stopped the once useful Ohara Davies inside eight rounds at the Copper Box last time out and plans to stay busy this year after boxing twice in 2024.
Domestically, it is hoped that fights against Dalton Smith or Harlem Eubank can be made for him in 2025, but ‘The Assassin’ gets Sergey Lipinets next for the lightly-regarded IBO world title at the Wembley Arena in February.
Azim became quickest EBU European champ in British boxing history by winning said title in just 10 fights in 2023 - it took Naseem Hamed 12 to claim the same title – but we would be astonished if he doesn’t build on that and go on and become a decorated world champion in the next few years.
More Boxing
- Best fights of 2024 - so far
- Usyk v Fury 2 - full fight guide
- Boxing full schedule and calendar
- DAZN's upcoming Boxing shows
- Boxing rankings
- Boxing champions list in every division
- Complete list of undisputed heavyweight boxing champions
- Fighter profiles and highlights
- How do weight classes work?
- What are the major boxing titles?
- How is boxing scored?