WBC announced their Best of 2025 award winners
The WBC have unveiled their award winners from 2025, releasing the following statement on January 20, 2026: “From breathtaking knockouts and historic comebacks to unforgettable performances across the globe, 2025 stood as a testament to the power of boxing and how it can inspire millions across the world.
“An outstanding year filled with great feats was commemorated this Tuesday with the announcement of the “WBC Best of 2025” award winners during the traditional weekly “WBC Martes de Café” open media session hosted by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán.
“It was a year filled with monumental moments, historic events in stadiums worldwide, standout performances, brilliant fights, and legendary comebacks. That’s why the WBC celebrates the courage, dedication, and skill of every warrior that steps inside the ring.
“We extend our heartfelt recognition to every fighter in the world; you are true heroes.”
Presenting the winners of the WBC Best of 2025:
Fighter of the Year: Naoya Inoue
The Japanese “Monster” had a historic and hyperactive 2025. Not only did he maintain his undisputed status, but he also stepped into the ring four times—an astonishing frequency for a champion of his caliber nowadays. His absolute dominance and skill keep him firmly at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Fight of the Year: Christian Mbilli vs Lester Martínez
An all-out war that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Mbilli and Martínez exchanged high-power blows throughout every round, demonstrating superhuman endurance and a hunger for victory during a bout that ended in a draw.
Dramatic Fight of the Year: Isaac Cruz vs Tashiro Fierro
A clash where drama was present from start to finish. With constant shifts in momentum and rounds during which both were in peril. “Pitbull” showcased his signature aggression, while Fierro’s bravery matched him blow for blow to create an instant classic for the ages.
KO of the Year: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois
Usyk proved that, in addition to masterful technique, he also possesses finishing power. The Ukrainian spectacularly stopped a giant like Dubois with an hellacious left hook that served as the perfect exclamation point to a formidable heavyweight performance.Performance of the Year: David Benavidez vs David Morrell
In a duel of undefeated stars that many considered a “toss-up,” the “Mexican Monster” delivered a boxing clinic. Benavidez dominated an elite rival like Morrell, proving that his punch volume and pressure are lethal against any opponent.
Female Fighter of the Year: Gabriela Fundora
“Sweet Poison” had a dream year. With two successful defences and achieving Undisputed Champion status, Fundora consolidated her name as the absolute queen of her division, showing impressive technical growth.
Female Fight of the Year: Kaye Scott vs Olivia Curry II
The sequel surpassed the original. Scott and Curry delivered 10 rounds of non-stop action, refined technique, and a sporting rivalry that proved women’s boxing is currently at an all-time high.
Female Dramatic Fight of the Year: Yokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos
Valle and Bustillos starred in a duel full of emotion and grit. The intensity of the exchanges and the fighting spirit of both warriors kept the outcome in doubt until the very last second of the fight.
Female KO of the Year: Emilie Sonvico vs Dee Allen (Silver Title)
Sonvico landed a devastating blow that left Allen without a response. A one-punch knockout that will be remembered for years and earned her the WBC Silver title in emphatic fashion.
Female Performance of the Year: Gabriela Fundora vs Marilyn Badillo Amaya
Fundora gave an exhibition of absolute superiority in this bout. Her control of distance and precision against a dangerous rival like Badillo was the very definition of a perfect performance in the ring.
Revelation of the Year: Tiara Brown
Brown burst onto the world stage with convincing victories and an aggressive style that has captivated fans. She is undoubtedly the figure to watch in the coming years.
Comeback of the Year: Manny Pacquiao
The Filipino legend proved that he is still world class. Pacquiao returned to the ring showing flashes of the speed and power that made him a global icon, inspiring millions with his discipline despite the passage of time.
Event of the Year: WBC Boxing Grand Prix
The Boxing Grand Prix held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represented the culmination of a decades-long vision for global boxing.
This tournament’s direct elimination format is rooted in the original vision of Don José Sulaimán, who always dreamed of organized tournaments pitting the best against the best.
Today, that legacy is carried forward with determination by WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, who has worked alongside Saudi authorities to bring this concept to life.
Trainer of the Year: Shingo Inoue / Freddy Fundora
Shingo Inoue: For his impeccable work guiding the careers of Takuma and Naoya Inoue, maintaining a dynasty while honing the principles of Japanese excellence in boxing.
Freddy Fundora: For being the architect behind the success of siblings Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora, crowning world champions with a unique and effective style.
