ESPN+ had an article by a combination of writers with their bold picks for 2025. Some interesting choices: Parker will upset Dubois from Coppinger: I favor Dubois slightly, I think he makes it a rough fight like Whyte and takes it to Parker. Parker appears to be coming in heavier and I think that is a bad idea as his mobility was key to his victories over Wilder and Zhang. Still think it is a reasonable prediction and not that bold Usyk will retire in 2025 from Parkinson: Decent chance that this happens considering his age, the turmoil at home and the fact that there really aren't any huge fights left for him. Again not thinking this is too bold Dmitry Bivol will dominate Artur Beterbiev in the rematch from Parkinson: I actually disagree with this one. I felt Bivol did everything he could and fought his heart out vs Beterbiev but just did not have that extra gear to pull it out late. Beterbiev pushed him all the way and out lasted him and I think he does it again. If Bivol wins it will be close Others included Wlad will comeback to attempt Foreman's record, Katie Taylor will retire and Fury vs Joshua will happen
I'm quite confident Dubois will just have too much for Parker, just not convinced Parker has enough to keep Dubois away from him. I can see Usyk retiring in 2025, he doesn't have much more to prove, his options left wouldn't add that much to his legacy in Dubois/Parker winner, Zhang/Bakole/Kabayel winner and Opetaia. Usyk's probable toughest opponent hasn't even fought in his division. Bivol dominating Beterbiev is possible. They're both truly elite fighters but I think Beterbiev's aggression and power will get the job done this time. Wlad? He could come back but I'm not sure which belt, we'd have to see how things develop, might even just be for that fake WBA title that Pulev has. I could see Katie Taylor retiring, she's aging and has a lot of miles on the clock and doesn't have much to prove like Usyk. I can defo see Fury V AJ happening this summer.
I think Parker is a bit overrated and I predict Dubois will smash him good. Usyk will probably just fight once or twice more, so maybe he retires at the end of 2025 or spring 2026. Bivol could edge out Beterbiev on points, but no way in hell is Bivol "dominating" him. It'll be a close fight regardless of who wins. I just hope to see some knockdowns in the rematch, but that seems unlikely. Wlad will be 49 in march and he's been out of the ring for 8 years. Foreman came back at the age of 38, after 10 years out of the ring, but it took 7 more years of rebuilding and eventually fighting at a high level before he won the belts. Wlad is not going to magically come back at 49, 8 years out of the ring, and immediately beat Usyk or Dubois. He will get smashed. But he also doesn't have the time to rebuild either. It's a pointless and embarrassing pursuit. Fury vs Joshua will probably happen once His Excellency pulls up to Fury's house with a dump truck full of hundred dollar bills. Unfortunately, I predict a boring 12 round decision likely going to AJ and then Fury will retire for the 6th and final time right there in the ring. I'll also predict wilder will beat Curtis Harper, and then get a bigger fight afterwards in which he'll get smashed and then he'll retire. By mid 2026, the former 4 horsemen of the division: Wilder, Fury, AJ, and Usyk will likely be down to just AJ who may be gifted a shot at one of the belts, but only after Usyk retires.
I agree with the comment about Bivol not having that extra gear to pull it out late. I thought he gave away the last two rounds with minimal effort. He couldn't get it outta 3rd gear.
