On September 13, 2025, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision (116–112, 115–113, 115–113) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This victory earned Crawford the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles, making him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in three weight classes .
However, just a week later, Crawford was stripped of his WBA super welterweight title after announcing he would not return to the 154-pound division. As a result, interim champion Abass Baraou was elevated to full WBA super welterweight champion.
Baraou’s first title defense may be against former champion Jermell Charlo, who holds the status of ‘champion in recess’ and is currently in discussions for a potential bout with Errol Spence Jr.
🏆 Pound-for-Pound Rankings
Crawford’s victory over Canelo propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, overtaking Oleksandr Usyk, who had held the position since May 2024.
🥇 World Boxing Championships 2025 – Liverpool
The inaugural World Boxing Championships under the new governing body, World Boxing, took place in Liverpool from September 4–14, 2025. Kazakhstan topped the medal table with seven golds, one silver, and two bronze, thanks in part to Aibek Oralbay’s victory in the super-heavyweight final.
India’s Jaismine Lamboria secured a gold medal in the women’s 57 kg category, marking a significant achievement for Indian boxing Olympics.
⚖️ Controversy: Genetic Sex Testing Rule
Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif has appealed a World Boxing decision barring her from upcoming events unless she undergoes genetic sex testing. The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed that Khelif filed the appeal last month.
Following her exclusion from the World Boxing Championships, Khelif has been spotted with Canadian diplomats, indicating ongoing support and advocacy efforts.
🥊 Zuffa Boxing’s Ambitious Plans
The Crawford–Canelo fight was a flagship event for Zuffa Boxing, a new venture involving Saudi interests and the UFC’s promotional arm. The event was streamed on Netflix, marking a significant step in Zuffa’s strategy to dominate the boxing landscape.
🥊 Upcoming Fights and Developments
- Joe Joyce is planning a comeback despite recent setbacks. He is in talks to face British rival Richard Riakporhe on the undercard of the upcoming Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn 2 event on November 15.
- Katie Taylor is stepping away from boxing for personal matters. The WBC has named her as ‘champion in recess,’ allowing her to take time off without losing her title. Interim champion Chantelle Cameron is set to face Sandy Ryan to determine the new titleholder.
