Professional boxing enjoyed a glorious 2024, with many fight fans considering it the best year in living memory. The injection of cash from Saudi Arabia helped bring the top fighters, managers, and promoters together, paving the way for blockbuster fights.
Followers of the noble art enjoyed two memorable fights between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury and a pulsating clash involving Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol.
We saw the first unified world heavyweight champion in over 25 years when Usyk took home all the belts and witnessed the emergence of hard-hitting Daniel Dubois, who threatens to upset the division.
But what does 2025 have in store for boxing lovers?
Will we see more blockbuster bouts, record-smashing pay-per-view figures, big-money fights, and even more talking points?
My money's on yes. The fixtures list for the first half of 2025 is already packed with exciting bouts, and they are fast approaching. The winners of the major attractions will likely progress to meet in super fights later this year.
Before we get started...
A word about our sports writer Frank Monkhouse. Frank uses his background in pro boxing to bring Whop Blog readers another interesting article. The fighter-turned-writer highlights the best upcoming boxing bouts, details how to follow, and offers predictions.
Top 5 boxing fights to watch this year
1. Naoya Inoue vs. Sam Goodman
It doesn’t seem too long ago that Usyk was beating Fury for a second time in Saudi Arabia. Boxing fans have since enjoyed a Christmas break and are ready to dive into another spectacular season, starting in Japan on Friday, 24th January.
Naoya Inoue faces Sam Goodman over 12 rounds for the IBF, WBC, and WBO world super bantamweight titles. The Ariake Arena in Tokyo provides the backdrop, and you can follow the bout live on Sky Sports.

Monster unbeaten in 28 fights
Inoue is known as Monster and brings a perfect 28-fight winning record, with 25 wins scored inside the distance. The 31-year-old from Yokohama is the current champion and hot favorite with major online sportsbooks to defend his crown.
Will he live up to expectations and move to 29 wins on the bounce?
Monster was last seen in action stopping TJ Doheny inside seven rounds at this venue back in the summer. Inoue hasn’t gone the distance since 2019, and that’s worth keeping in mind when making your predictions.
Australian unbeaten in 19
Goodman travels to Japan, intent on upsetting the odds and taking the three belts back to his base in New South Wales, Australia. The 26-year-old boasts an eye-catching record of 19 fights and 19 wins with eight knockouts. He’s the underdog, but Sam knows an upset win would change his career overnight.
Goodman returns to action after winning in his homeland on points in July. That result means six of his last seven have gone the distance. Will Goodman use his polished boxing skills to impress the scoring judges in Japan?
Franks prediction: Inoue vs. Goodman
Goodman is here on merit and good enough to hold his own at this level, but it doesn’t pay to oppose Monster on home soil. The champion will get to work early, showcasing his freakish power, and he’s picked to win this one in the middle rounds.
2. Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton
Moving to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for a WBC featherweight world title fight on the opening day of February. Figueroa plots to turn his interim title into a WBC proper by beating Stephen Fulton in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds. You can follow live on Amazon Prime.
Heartbreaker out for revenge
Figueroa brings a 25-1-1 record and he’s back sharing a ring with the only man to beat him in Fulton. The pair first met back in late 2021 with Brandon losing on a split decision at super bantamweight in Vegas.
Will we see more of the same in this rematch, or can Figueroa fire back? He’s unbeaten in three fights since that defeat, scoring two stoppage wins.

Cool Boy Steph seeks a double
Stephen Fulton has 22 wins against one defeat, with the spare result inflicted by Naoya Inoue in Japan, beaten by the Monster in eight rounds. There’s certainly no shame in that defeat, and Fulton will fancy his chances of scoring a second victory over Figueroa after both moved to a higher division.
The rematch promises to be every bit as exciting as any bout featured in this article—I, for one, cannot wait!
Frank's prediction: Figueroa vs. Fulton
Another big fight and another treat for fans in Vegas. There was nothing between the pair last time, and I expect a close contest. How much of an issue was the weight last time? I expect a stronger Figueroa, and he has the skills to fire back with a win.
3. Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr
It’s UK vs. USA in Manchester on Saturday, 15th February, when Jack Catterall faces Arnold Barboza Jr in a 12-round contest. Armchair fans can keep pace with every punch from the main event live on DAZN.
El Gato enjoys home support
Catterall fights in his home city and enters the ring with a record 30 wins against one defeat. The spare loss on his card was inflicted by Scotland’s Josh Taylor, but Jack fought back to win the rematch and catapult himself up the pecking order.
He’s now in the mix for some important fights this year, but the Englishman knows he must impress against a dangerous opponent. The result isn’t enough here; Jack is looking to send a statement of intent to the division before a global audience.

Visitor unbeaten in 31
Arnold Barboza Jr travels to the United Kingdom from Los Angeles with an unblemished 31-fight career. The 33-year-old is ranked ninth in a star-studded super lightweight division and can’t afford a defeat as he nears the major places.
A loss in England would damage the American’s chances of winning a world title this year, and that threat ensures he’s a dangerous man capable of wrecking the party.
Frank's prediction: Catterall vs. Barboza Jr
I wasn’t convinced Catterall deserved the win over the Tartan Tornado Josh Taylor in their second fight, and I’m happy to bet against him when he faces an unbeaten and experienced opponent. The winner of this bout will set up an exciting year, and I’m picking Barboza to jet back across the Atlantic with the victory.
On a side note—if you love boxing and think you could turn this passion into cold hard cash—read this guide on how to become a boxing coach with Whop!
4. Artur Beterbeiv vs. Dmitrii Bivol
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitrii Bivol treated fans to an unforgettable bout in Saudi Arabia last year, which was settled as a majority decision win for Beterbiev. We go again on Saturday, 22nd February back at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fight fans can watch this historic rematch live on DAZN, eager to find out who will win this second bout. Will Beterbiev make it 2-0, or will Bivol get his revenge? Make sure to have your say with the best online sportsbooks.
- BetUS vs Bovada: A comparison of two leading sportsbooks
- FanDuel vs DraftKings: Battle of the sportsbooks
Beterbiev won the battle of the unbeaten
Canadian-based Russian Beterbiev is unbeaten in 21 previous bouts, but a 22nd win would surely be the biggest of his career. He edged the first fight in October to unify the light heavyweight division, getting the decision on the scorecards.
There was little room for error that night as both men gave a boxing masterclass before the scorecards returned 2-0 to Beterbiev, with one tallying the fight as a draw. You can expect another tight affair, but with plenty of quality on show from the first bell.

Bivol hopes to go one better
Los Angeles-based Russian Dmitrii Bivol couldn’t have performed any better in the first fight and had every reason to believe he had done enough to win after hearing the final bell.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol was one of only a few super fights that lived up to expectations, and the beaten man played an important role in making it a spectacle.
Dmitrii has the skills and boxing IQ to iron out any slight mistakes from his last performance, and he has spent the previous four months working on winning the rematch.
He has a 23-1-0 record with a dozen knockout wins, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll score another inside-the-distance victory here. The second bout should go all the way to the cards again.
Frank's prediction: Beterbiev vs. Bivol
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 1 was incredibly difficult to score as the two warriors gave it their all. Neither man deserved to leave the ring as a loser that evening, but boxing is an unforgiving sport.
Many thought Bivol won the first bout and are backing him to level the score with victory in the rematch—I tend to agree. The best-case scenario for neutrals however is a Bivol win and the trilogy.
5. Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
After watching Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury twice in 2024, the race is on in the heavyweight division to face the champion in his next defense. Daniel Dubois currently holds the IBF title after Usyk was forced to vacate to pave the way for his rematch with the Gypsy King.
The top division is interesting again.
Dubois will likely face the Ukrainian next, but he must first pass former champ Joseph Parker. The pair clash on a stunning show in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 22nd February, and you can watch it live on DAZN.
Triple D is a strong favorite
Dynamite Daniel Dubois brings a 22-2-0 record with 21 knockout wins. The big-punching Londoner lost to Joe Joyce, and Usyk, stopped inside the distance in both bouts.
He did however score the biggest win of his career when stopping Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium last September in the biggest upset of the year.
Dubois battered AJ into submission that evening, proving he’s a danger to anyone in the division. He also had Usyk on the deck before losing to the champion in Poland and aims to earn a crack at revenge.
Daniel is fit, hits hard, and seems to improve with every fight. It’s no surprise to see the bookies price him as their most likely winner.

Kiwi boasts hard-earned experience
New Zealand’s Joe Parker is the former world heavyweight champion who lost his belt to Anthony Joshua when the Olympian was on his way up. Since that defeat, Parker has been involved in some memorable bouts.
A strong run of form has pushed him back into contention for a world title, and the 32-year-old knows he must grab his opportunity with both hands. Win and we could see Usyk vs. Parker later this year.
Joe’s professional boxing record shows 35 wins against three defeats with an impressive 250 rounds under his belt. He plans to use that experience to help level the playing field against a champion with proven knockout power in both hands. To win in Riyadh, Parker must be at his best and keep his opponent at distance.
Frank's prediction: Dubois vs. Parker
Dubois vs. Parker promises to be a cracker and has all the ingredients of a thrilling contest. If Daniel can get close and unload his bombs, this bout won’t last long. If Parker uses his boxing skills and keeps things long, he’ll win on points.
Dubois is dangerous at any stage of the contest, making him the best bet ahead of this thriller.
Boxing wishlist for 2025
What fights would you like to see in 2025?
In addition to the five covered in this article, there are three more most boxing enthusiasts are hoping for before 2025 is over. Thankfully, the fighters, promoters, and matchmakers have plenty of time on their side as we head into another season filled with opportunities.
My boxing wishlist:
- Daniel Dubois vs. Oleksandr Usyk
- Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury
- Saul Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
If Dubois does as expected and beats Parker, he’ll face Usyk in a unification bout and rematch. Dubois dropped the champion in Poland, but it was ruled a low blow.
Oleksandr took the time to recover and then rallied to win by stoppage. There’s unfinished business there and I hope the pair go again.

The second bout we all want to see is Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury. The British heavyweights probably should’ve shared a ring when they were at the peak of their powers.
A meeting in 2025 would likely be the final fight of their careers, and it won’t be for a world title belt. But it’s a score they must settle. Fury vs. AJ would pack any venue in the world, but I’d love to see it happen at Wembley in the summer.
The final of three dream fights for 2025 is Saul Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford.
Any meeting would require Bud to go through the divisions to meet a naturally heavier fighter who has campaigned as high as light heavyweight.
Crawford and Canelo are P4P stars, but the weight difference is just too much, and I’d pick the Mexican to stop the American.
3 easy steps to finding a knockout boxing bet
The leading online gambling apps love professional boxing and offer a wealth of pre-fight and live betting markets on the top fights. Bettors are spoiled for choice, but new and inexperienced players may find the coverage a little daunting.
Throughout my career in sports and gambling, I’ve learned one thing - there’s no guaranteed way to beat the bookies. If tipsters claim differently, they are best avoided, and I can easily prove that to you.
Suppose you had the secret formula to win every time. Would you share it widely and bring the industry to its knees in hours, or would you keep winning and making a profit?
Beating the bookies is the result of dedication, hard work, and a helping of good fortune at times.

What are the best boxing betting markets, and how do you know which one to choose? I’ll explain all in three easy steps you can apply to any fight and most sports fixtures.
- Research the stats:
Look at the recent form of both fighters, how they’ve been winning, and their schedule. Did they suffer an injury or cut recently? How much notice have they had for a fight, and will they be fit? Do both fighters bring power? What’s the head-to-head scores? Only after you’ve fully researched a fight should you begin to think about risking your cash on a bet. - Think of favorable markets:
After studying the stats, you can turn your attention to the betting. Make your findings fit one of the many markets. If both men enter on a run of KO wins, for example, you may be attracted to the fight ending inside the distance. If both are technicians, a play on over in the total rounds is usually the best approach. - Find the best odds:
Only after studying the fight and making your predictions should you look at the betting odds. Don’t allow the traders to cloud your judgment or nudge you off-course with their odds. When you have a bet, check a gambling odds comparison app to find which bookmaker has the most generous offer. It’s also worth checking the promotions pages for bonuses.
Below are a few guides I've written on these bonuses and promos.
Best fight game promotions and free bets
To drive a steady stream of new players to a bookmaker and keep existing customers coming back for more, the best bookies offer a list of generous promotions. You’ll find some imaginative and eye-catching promos available to boxing fans, and I’ve selected the type of deals you can expect to find.

- Welcome bonus free bet:
Join a bookmaker as a new customer, and you’ll receive a deposit-matched free bet. Suppose you join a sportsbook, deposit $100, and gamble on boxing; you’ll then bag a $100 free bet to use on your favorite sports, teams, competitions, and markets. Join as many bookies as you like and collect the bet credits. - Enhanced odds:
Traders and marketing teams will often combine their powers to offer a price boost on a major boxing fight that’s making headlines. They usually raise the odds of the fighter to draw attention and offer value. Check the terms for details of maximum stake. - Cashback:
Place a bet on a fighter to win, and some betting apps offer cashback if they fail to live up to expectations or suffer a narrow loss. A bookie may return your odds if your pick is beaten on a split or majority decision in a world title fight. - Profit boosts:
Another popular sportsbook promotion, and this is available when making parlay bets. If all your picks win except one fighter, you’ll get your stake back as a free bet, allowing you to have another shot at landing a bumper profit.
Regardless of the promo you accept from your bookmaker, it’s critical you read the terms and conditions before parting with your stake.
Going through the small print may take a few moments, but it will save you time and effort in the long run. The better you understand how a deal works, the greater your chance of using it to land a winner.
Featured boxing betting markets
I’ll now guide you through a few of my favorite boxing betting markets in more detail. I have been gambling and making predictions to a global audience on boxing for many years now.
In that time, I’ve learned the markets that work for the bettor and those best suited to the traders. It’s worth researching and understanding the options to ensure you stack the odds in your favor while resisting the specials that are too good to be true.

- Fight-winner:
The simplest way to bet on boxing. Just like the moneyline in NFL gambling, you must choose a side and place your bet. If your pick wins, you land the profits. If your fighter loses, the bookie keeps your stake. - Method of victory:
Like the previous market, you must find a winner, but call how your chosen fighter will get the victory - on points or by KO/TKO. There’s more risk involved here, but the rewards are well worth chasing. - Total rounds:
Avoid picking sides and bet on the total rounds market. The traders will choose their line, such as 7.5 rounds, and you must predict if the bout will go over or under that number. With this bet, it doesn’t matter who wins, as you’re gambling on how long the bout will last. It’s an interesting way to bet but still enjoy the contest. - Knockdowns:
You can gamble on the total of knockdowns in a fight or on a boxer to be knocked down at any stage of the bout. With this market, it doesn’t matter if the opponent is knocked down or knocked out as long as they hit the canvas at least once. - Gone in 60 seconds:
Do you expect a fight to end quickly with a huge knockout? You can wager on the fixture ending inside the opening minute of the first round. The market is especially popular with those gambling on the heavyweight division, and it’s a good way to target a quick profit.
Many sports bettors stick to one or two betting markets through nothing more than familiarity. It pays to understand the options available as some increase your chances of making a profit when betting on the next big title fight broadcast live on TV and live-streaming apps.
How to register and place a bet
OK, so you’ve chosen the fight you want to bet on, selected the market, and set out your stake. Now, you must register with an online sportsbook to land the welcome bonus and secure your wager.
Thankfully, you can join a bookmaker as a new customer in minutes using your laptop or mobile.
Here are a few guides on my favorite reputable bookmakers:
The process is the same, regardless of which bookie you join and I detail the steps below.
- Choose your favorite bookmaker and click any link on this page or the Whop blog.
- Select the Join Now button at the top of the homepage.
- Complete the registration form and add your details.
- Create a username and password.
- Deposit $10 or more and gamble on the fight.
- Receive your welcome bonus free bet.
Find winning picks on Whop

Having the most advanced sportsbook app, getting the ideal betting bonus and securing the top price available is just the beginning. It’s worthless if you then make losing bets.
If you want to get serious about making a regular and reliable profit from sportsbook gambling, you must trust the professionals.
But where do you find handicappers with the proven skills to give you an edge over the betting traders?
I am a huge fan of Whop.
Whop boasts a long list of respected winning tipsters who are ready to share their picks with you. Browse the options, identify a sports betting expert you’d like to follow, and sign up in seconds.
Get a sportsbook betting expert working in your corner and sending researched picks directly to your notifications on the biggest fights and fixtures.
FAQs
Which is the best bookie to bet on boxing?
Browse the online bookmakers featured at Whop and choose from a long list of legal and licensed gambling apps.
How do I claim a free boxing bet?
Join a sportsbook as a new customer, deposit $10 or more using a card, and place a qualifying sports bet at minimum odds. You’ll then receive the welcome bonus and free bet.
Will Tyson Fury retire in 2025?
After losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk, it’s likely, but we never know with the Gypsy King. He could end his long-running rivalry with fellow British heavyweight, Olympic gold medalist, and former world champion Anthony Joshua in 2025.
Which betting strategy guarantees wins when gambling on boxing?
There’s no guaranteed or sure-fire way to beat the bookies, but the more you research a fight, the better your picks will perform, and you’ll land more winners.
Should I bet pre-fight or live?
When waiting for a bout to begin before having your say, you get the chance to see the opening rounds, check the mood of the referee, learn the crowd’s impact, and react to any important developments, like a cut or knockdown.