Blockbuster Boxing Closes Out 2025: Benavidez, Joshua, and Inoue Headline Year-End Slate

The final weeks of the 2025 boxing calendar promise a series of high-stakes matchups, featuring established champions, rising stars, and intriguing crossover contests. From title defenses in Saudi Arabia to a celebrity boxing spectacle in Miami, the year’s end is packed with action across multiple weight divisions.

The most unconventional bout on the schedule pits social media personality and professional boxer Jake Paul against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami. Joshua, a former Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight titleholder, represents a significant step up in competition for Paul, who has primarily faced mixed martial artists and retired athletes in his boxing career.

Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs), a British fighter, held the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles from 2016 to 2019, and again from 2019 to 2021. His resume includes victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Andy Ruiz Jr. (in a rematch). However, he has suffered defeats to Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and most recently lost to Robert Helenius. Despite these setbacks, Joshua remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division, known for his punching power and athleticism.

Paul (9-1, 6 KOs), on the other hand, has built his boxing career through high-profile events, leveraging his social media following to generate interest. His previous opponents include former UFC fighters Tyron Woodley (whom he defeated twice, once by knockout) and Anderson Silva, as well as former NBA player Nate Robinson. Paul’s sole loss came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.

The Joshua fight marks a significant gamble for both fighters. For Joshua, a loss to Paul would be a major blow to his credibility and could potentially derail his chances of regaining a world title. For Paul, a victory over Joshua would be a monumental achievement, validating his boxing career and establishing him as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division.

"This is the fight that everyone has been asking for," Paul stated in a press release. "I’m stepping into the ring with a true legend of the sport, and I’m ready to prove that I belong at this level."

Joshua added, "I’m always looking for new challenges, and this fight with Jake is definitely that. I’m going to show him what it’s like to face a real boxer."

The bout will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the streaming giant’s continued foray into live sports.

Before the Joshua-Paul spectacle, on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) will defend his WBC light heavyweight title against British contender Anthony Yarde (24-3, 23 KOs). Benavidez, a two-time former super middleweight champion, moved up to light heavyweight and captured the vacant WBC title with a dominant performance. Known for his relentless pressure and high punch output, Benavidez is considered one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.

Yarde, a powerful puncher, has previously challenged for the light heavyweight title, losing to Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev in January 2023. He is coming off a knockout victory and aims to secure his first world title against Benavidez.

The November 22 card in Riyadh also features two additional title fights. Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his WBO and WBC junior bantamweight titles against Fernando Martinez (16-0, 9 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch. Rodriguez defeated Martinez in a close fight to win the titles. Additionally, Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) will put his WBO welterweight title on the line against Devin Haney (31-1, 15 KOs). Haney recently lost to Ryan Garcia.

On December 6, boxing fans will have two cards to choose from. In San Antonio, Lamont Roach Jr. (24-1-1, 9 KOs) will face Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) in a junior welterweight clash. Cruz, known for his aggressive style and punching power, is looking to continue his rise in the division.

On the same night in Broadbeach, Australia, Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) will defend his IBF cruiserweight title against Huseyin Cinkara (18-0, 14 KOs). Opetaia, an Australian native, is a skilled and powerful cruiserweight who is looking to solidify his reign as champion.

The boxing schedule continues on December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a heavyweight bout between Kubrat Pulev (30-3, 14 KOs) and Murat Gassiev (31-1, 23 KOs). Pulev, a seasoned veteran, has previously challenged for the heavyweight title. Gassiev, a former cruiserweight champion, is looking to make a mark in the heavyweight division.

On December 13 in Los Angeles, Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) will defend his WBC cruiserweight title against Norair Mikaeljan (26-2, 11 KOs). Jack, a Swedish fighter with a long and successful career, is looking to continue his reign as cruiserweight champion.

The year concludes on December 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a highly anticipated title unification bout between Naoya Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) and Alan Picasso (26-0, 15 KOs). Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He has captured world titles in four different weight classes and is known for his speed, power, and technical skill.

Picasso, a young and undefeated fighter from Mexico, represents a significant challenge for Inoue. He is known for his boxing skills and is looking to dethrone Inoue and become a world champion.

"I’m excited to face Alan Picasso," Inoue said. "He’s a talented fighter, and I know he’ll bring the best out of me. I’m ready to defend my titles and continue my journey to become the best fighter in the world."

The Inoue-Picasso fight is expected to be a thrilling clash of styles, with Inoue’s speed and power pitted against Picasso’s boxing skills and determination.

The December 2025 boxing schedule promises a diverse range of matchups, from celebrity boxing spectacles to high-stakes title fights, providing boxing fans with a thrilling conclusion to the year.