Usyk crown, Canelo future, Paul test - Five burning boxing questions 2025 still has to answer

2025 is fast approaching the final quarter, with the year headed for the championship rounds inside and out of the ring - and already, it has served up a feast of boxing action.

History was made when Oleksandr Usyk became a two-time four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion, while Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn settled an all-timer grudge.

Katie Taylor completed her trilogy victory over Amanda Serrano, while Dmitry Bivol edged Artur Beterbiev in a modern classic to sweep the light heavyweight division too.

But with the best part of four months still to go before Auld Lang Syne rings around the globe, there's plenty of intriguie over what the sport has in store for fans worldwide.

Matchroom Boxing

Here, DAZN News looks at five burning boxing questions for the rest of 2025 - and just what the answers could be for those who find themselves at the heart of the story.

Will Oleksandr Usyk relinquish his undisputed heavyweight title?

The Ukrainian wrote his name into the record books once again when he dismissed Daniel Dubois inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium to sweep all four major belts again.

But much as was the case when he first defeated Tyson Fury to unite the straps, it seems that Usyk is unlikely to mount a defence of his full collection of crowns once more.

Ordered to face Joseph Parker by the WBC, he has sought an extension to purse agreements, citing an injury - but the New Zealander's camp seem to think he will not bite.

That would lead to Usyk being forced to vacate the belt or to be stripped by the governing body, clearing the way for his challenger - and ending his reign prematurely again.

What does Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mean for super-middleweight division?

Few fighters carry the reputation and respect that the legendary Mexican does, with a professional record that is the envy of many - but now, he finally faces up to his destiny.

(Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

A super-bout with the American has been on the lips of most fans for what feels like years now, and arguably should have been made at least a year prior between the pair.

This month in Las Vegas, it finally comes to pass, with Crawford set to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super-middleweight crown - so what happens if he takes the win?

A rematch surely beckons if he does, but if the incumbent star prevails, then it opens up the pecking order behind him again, with several big names jockeying for their chance.

Can Conor Benn exact revenge against Chris Eubank Jr.?

Deep down, there were many who questioned whether this generational legacy bout could live up to the quality of the fights enjoyed by Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn.

Imagine the surprise then when on a night of drama, their sons played out a modern British classic that ended with heartwarming family reunions and a win for Eubank Jr.

As the naturally heavier man, packing more experience into his frame, he had been the marginal favourite for many, but Benn pushed him close in a narrow points defeat.

That will give the star hope that, seven months on, he can go one step better and get the edge on an aging opponent - even if he would rather be chasing a title elsewhere.

Will Moses Itauma become world champion this year?

The Briton may not have become the youngest heavyweight king of the world this year, but he has put the rest of the division on notice with a brutal series of stoppages.

If Mike Balogun only took two rounds in May, Dillian Whyte lasted less than one in August, dispatched in the most brutal display of Itauma's powerhouse style thus far.

The clamour for him to challenge for a major strap has only increased, but with Usyk currently still holding all the cards, it seems unlikely that the younger man will do so.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

More likely is another fight against a leading contender before the year is out - and then, if the belts are splintered next year, a challenge could follow for a top strap then.

Can Jake Paul stop Gervonta Davis in his 'Tank' tracks?

'The Problem Child' has already got the better of world champions, but with some major caveats - both Mike Tyson and Julio César Chávez Jr. were long past their prime.

This is a new challenge. In Davis, Paul faces a legitimate current superstar - the reigning WBA lightweight champion, a two-weight contender with an unbeaten pro record.

His stock did take a hit earlier in the year when he played out a controversial majority draw with Lamont Roach Jr., and his foe may feel that he catches him at a good time.

Even so, this will be a fascinating contest. 'Tank' is clearly the superior operator - but with half a foot in height and larger heft, can Paul pull out the biggest win of his career?

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