Boxing Mid-Year Awards: Bivol, Eubank Jr., and the Defining Moments of 2025

As we pass the halfway mark of the boxing year, it's time to reflect on the standout performances, brutal knockouts, and unforgettable moments that have defined the first half of 2025. From undisputed championship clashes to the rise of promising contenders, Andreas Hale and Nick Parkinson offer their expert perspectives on the best of the year so far.

Fight of the Mid-Year

Hale: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn. Rivalries that live up to the hype are rare, but the Eubank-Benn encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium delivered in spades. Fueled by the storied feud of their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, the two warriors engaged in a 12-round war that captivated over 67,000 fans. Eubank, accompanied by his father after years of a difficult relationship, weathered an early storm from Benn to seize control and secure a unanimous decision. This wasn't just hype; it was a genuine, expectation-shattering grudge match.

Parkinson: Fabio Wardley vs. Justis Huni. While other fights may have boasted bigger names, Wardley's come-from-behind knockout of Huni was a captivating display of heavyweight drama. Despite trailing on all scorecards, Wardley unleashed a devastating right hand that turned the tide and sent Huni crashing to the canvas. It was a stark reminder that in the heavyweight division, one punch can change everything, transforming a comfortable points victory into a stunning defeat.

Top Boxer of the Year Thus Far

Parkinson: Dmitry Bivol. Learning from his previous loss to Beterbiev, Bivol displayed relentless pressure and refined technique in their February rematch to earn a majority decision and the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Bivol's sharper punches and superior movement proved decisive, showcasing his technical brilliance and unwavering determination. Francisco Rodriguez Jr. also warrants recognition for his dominant victory over Galal Yafai, where he unleashed over 1,000 punches to capture the WBC interim flyweight title.

Hale: Dmitry Bivol. While Naoya Inoue's knockouts were impressive, Bivol's performance against Beterbiev stands out. He made critical adjustments from their first encounter, increasing his aggression and utilizing his jab to control the fight. This victory solidified Bivol's place among the pound-for-pound elite and paved the way for a potential trilogy fight.

Knockout of the Year So Far

Hale: Brian Norman Jr. KOs Jin Sasaki. Norman Jr.'s devastating fifth-round knockout of Sasaki set a high benchmark for knockout power. A crushing left hook extinguished Sasaki's lights, leaving a lasting impression on the welterweight division.

Parkinson: Brian Norman Jr. KOs Jin Sasaki. Norman's performance was more than just a knockout; it was a statement. He dismantled Sasaki with blistering speed and power, dropping him twice in the first round before ending the fight emphatically in the fifth. Norman has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with at welterweight.

Defining Moment of the Year Thus Far

Parkinson: Chris Eubank Jr. arrives at fight with his father. The sight of Chris Eubank Sr. emerging alongside his son at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sent shockwaves through the crowd. Their reconciliation, after years of estrangement, added an emotional layer to the already intense rivalry with Conor Benn. This unexpected moment became a central narrative in one of the year's biggest fights.

Hale: Chris Eubank Jr. arrives at fight with his father. The reunion of Eubank Jr. with his father before the Benn fight was a powerful moment. The mended relationship and the continuation of the family feud created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans.

Most Disappointing Moment

Parkinson: Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull. Alvarez's first fight of the year, a unanimous decision win over Scull, was a lackluster affair, especially considering his lucrative deal with Riyadh Season. The lack of crowd energy and a seemingly unmotivated Canelo resulted in an underwhelming performance.

Hale: Times Square boxing card. The highly anticipated boxing event in Times Square turned out to be a major disappointment. The fights themselves were lackluster, with low punch outputs, and the event was poorly executed, failing to capture the excitement of a major boxing spectacle.

Prospect Performance of the Year

Hale: Moses Itauma TKOs Mike Balogun. Itauma's dominant performance against Balogun showcased his potential. The young fighter delivered a resounding victory, positioning himself for bigger challenges ahead, including a fight against Dillian Whyte.

Parkinson: Ben Whittaker TKOs Liam Cameron. Whittaker redeemed himself with a decisive second-round stoppage of Cameron. The Olympic silver medalist displayed his technical prowess and secured a convincing win, overcoming his previous mishap against Cameron.

Best Fight Card

Parkinson: Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card on Feb. 22. The February 22nd card in Riyadh was exceptional, featuring a series of compelling fights leading up to the undisputed light heavyweight title rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol. From Joseph Parker's knockout to Vergil Ortiz Jr.'s victory, the card delivered high-stakes action from start to finish.

Hale: Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card on Feb. 22. The Riyadh card was not only stacked on paper but also delivered in the ring. Bivol's victory over Beterbiev in the main event capped off an evening of exciting and significant matchups.

Biggest Boxing News

Parkinson: Jake Paul's influence in women's boxing. While other stories like Garcia's return and the announcement of Alvarez vs. Crawford made headlines, the rise of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) as a dominant force in women's boxing stands out. MVP's commitment to showcasing elite female fighters has created a new platform for women in the sport.

Hale: Manny Pacquiao's return to boxing. Pacquiao's decision to return to boxing at 46 to challenge Mario Barrios generated significant buzz. While MVP's impact on women's boxing is noteworthy, Pacquiao's attempt to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion captivated the boxing world.