Which Boxer Had The Best Year?

Moving up two weight classes to 168 lbs, Crawford defied the “size matters” narrative by outclassing the naturally larger Mexican to secure a unanimous decision win: (116-112, 115-113, 115-113). He utilized his jab and lateral movement to outbox Alvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. While Crawford’s achievement was the most historic, 2025 saw other incredible runs:

• Oleksandr Usyk: Usyk cemented his legacy by stopping Daniel Dubois in the 5th round in July. This win made him a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion (the first since Muhammad Ali). 
• Dmitry Bivol: Bivol also made history in February when he avenged his only career loss by defeating Artur Beterbiev in their rematch. He gave Beterbiev his first professional defeat and became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion. 
• Naoya Inoue: The Monster defended his undisputed junior-featherweight status three times in 2025, with a fourth coming on December 27 against David Picasso. His highlight was an 8th-round TKO of Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas.

Ultimately, Crawford’s year was about legacy. By announcing his retirement shortly after the Canelo win, he ensured that 2025 would be remembered as the year for Bud Crawford. 

“I’m stepping away from competition, not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different type of battle,” Crawford said. “The one where you walk away on your own terms. Every fighter knows this moment will come, we just never know when. I spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines. But that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you but you keep showing up and you keep proving everyone wrong. I fought for my family. I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be, the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves. And I did it all my way. I gave this sport every breath I had,” Crawford said