The historical past of the featherweight division is littered with nice fighters, similar to Prince Naseem Hamed, Salvador Sanchez and the legendary Willie Pep. Listed below are 5 fighters from the division to be careful for within the subsequent 12 months and past.
Featherweight Boxing: High Fighters to Watch in 2025
Featherweight Boxing: Keisuke Matsumoto
Unbeaten 25-year-old Keisuke Matsumoto (12-0, 8 KOs) is quick making a reputation for himself within the featherweight division. He controls the gap and temp of his fights, along with his slick footwork and quick hand velocity. He occasions his pictures impressively and mixes his assaults properly between the pinnacle and physique. A step up in opposition absolutely beckons for Matsumoto in 2025.
Arnold Khegai
Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs) is a risk to the featherweight division, solely tasting defeat as soon as towards eventual unified champion Stephen Fulton. The Ukrainian varies his punches impressively and throws with intent. When signing with High Rank earlier in 2024, Bob Arum spoke on Khegai: Arnold Khegai is without doubt one of the very finest featherweights on the earth, and he deserves a chance to show himself on the championship degree.”
Kenji Fujita
Kenji Fujita (7-0, 3 KOs), a ten-time nationwide novice champ, has impressed every time seen within the skilled ranks. The 30-year-old is a speedy southpaw – who strikes properly and throws from angles successfully. His footwork ensures he closes the gap successfully earlier than letting his pictures go. He returns to motion on January 18, dealing with Michael Casama.
Hopey Worth
Hopey Worth (12-0, 5 KOs) has endured a irritating yr, present process surgical procedure on a critical hand damage. Following no fights in 2024, Worth will probably be wanting to return to motion in 2025. The Leeds fighter is a proficient featherweight who confirmed his capacity and spirit in his come-from-behind win over Conor Coghill in 2023. He’s affected person in his work and controls the gap properly, combating lengthy, and utilizing his jab.
Mikito Nakano
The ultimate title on our checklist is 29-year-old Japanese southpaw Mikito Nakano (11-0, 10 KOs). His novice pedigree ensures he selects his pictures with persistence and accuracy. Many amateurs battle to point out energy within the skilled ranks, however Nakano sits down on his punches and throws with critical intent. He’s a front-foot fighter who’s an excellent physique puncher. May 2025 be his yr?
