At the onset, the boxing calendar for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. There are a series of high-profile championship bouts set to captivate fans worldwide. Now, the year kicks off with a series of title defenses and rematches that could shape the future of several divisions. Each fight brings its unique dynamic, with contrasting styles and strategies. Hence they make these bouts must-watch events for any boxing enthusiast in 2025.
Among the most eagerly awaited Boxing betting odds contests are those featuring rising stars and established champions. Let’s dive into the key championship fights that will define the year ahead.
Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker
The sportsbook dates are confirmed. Daniel Dubois will finally defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight will be part of a major card headlined by Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.
Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) won the Boxing lines title in August 2024 after Usyk vacated it. Late on, Dynamite defended it for the first time by knocking out Anthony Joshua a month later in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. After dropping Joshua three times, Dubois secured a Round 5 KO victory.
In comparison, Parker (35-3, 23 Kos) is coming off big wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Hence positioning him as a top contender in the division. Parker is A former WBO heavyweight champion. He won the title in 2016 after beating Mexican Andy Ruiz. The South Auckland native is now looking to reclaim a world title after losing his to AJ in March 2018. However, if the Dynamite wins the match, you know what’s going to happen next! Yes, it will be the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
Namely, Dmitry Bivol is preparing for his rematch against Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh. Thus, he is focusing on improving his strength and power. Two months ago, Beterbiev defeated Bivol by a majority decision, winning 8-4 or 9-3 on most scorecards. In turn, many fans and Bivol’s promoters felt he was robbed and therefore deserved another chance.
In the first fight, Bivol struggled with Beterbiev’s relentless pressure. His defensive tactics—moving and clinching—didn’t work, so he appeared fearful of Beterbiev’s attacks.
Now, to win the rematch, Bivol must be more aggressive, stay in the pocket, jab more, and attack the body. Also, he needs to limit his movement, as running out of gas in the first fight hurt him.
Of course, Dmitry Bivol, at 34, can’t afford to rely on evading Beterbiev for 12 rounds. If he loses again, this may be his last chance. If he loses this time around, fans and experts would prefer a challenger like David Benavidez, or David Morrell for Beterbiev. Instead of another match with Bivol.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield
Floyd Schofield Jr. and WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson are scheduled for February 22, 2025. Specifically, the fight will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the same undercard that has generated huge excitement. The matchup features a clash of styles, with Stevenson known for his defensive brilliance and Schofield for his aggressive power.
Schofield stepped in to face Stevenson after his mandatory challenger, interim WBC lightweight champion William Zepeda, suffered an arm injury. Correlate that for this fight, on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, has all the makings of an exciting, high-stakes encounter.