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BRITISH boxing is currently experiencing an exceptional rise in popularity, primarily fueled by the significant financial investments coming in from Saudi Arabia.
As Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua enjoy the fruits of their labor as they approach the age of 40, which rising contenders are putting in the hard work to make a name for themselves on the prestigious stages of Riyadh and Wembley?
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As more British boxing events transition behind the DAZN paywall and mainstream broadcasters shift their focus and resources elsewhere, up-and-coming talents face significant hurdles in establishing their profiles and fan bases, especially when compared to former stars like AJ and the Gypsy King.
For those without an Olympic medal—such as Audley Harrison, Amir Khan, James DeGale, or Lauren Price—or lacking the backing of a prominent football club and location like legends Ricky Hatton and Josh Warrington, the early stages of a boxing career can be incredibly daunting.
Nonetheless, at SunSport, we feel we’ve identified several hidden talents poised to shine in 2025.
Most importantly, for their success, wellness, and the sport’s future, they deserve your support and ticket sales.
Moses Itauma – 19 – Heavyweight
While it may seem obvious, the Chatham wonder is truly deserving of the spotlight at such a young age.
SunSport reported from the Ropes and Glory gym on Itauma’s 18th birthday, marking a crucial training session on December 28.
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His swift rise, allowing him to be a key figure alongside Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in just a year, has been nothing less than incredible.
Manager Francis Warren and his promoter father Frank have expertly navigated the southpaw’s initial career stages.
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Yet, it is his remarkable natural ability, relentless focus, impressive maturity, and honed media skills that have propelled him toward the forefront at such a tender age.
If he remains injury-free and avoids setbacks, there are high hopes that Itauma will emerge as a genuine world champion by late 2026.
Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of the ring
While it’s unlikely he’ll break Mike Tyson’s record for the fastest title win, he certainly possesses the skillset and mindset necessary for a longer and more fruitful reign.
The prodigy was well-known long before his first-round demolition of the 6ft 6in Australian Demsey McKean.
Having successfully navigated his toughest test, he is now closer to a world title than even his most fervent supporters could have dreamed.
Cindy Ngamba – 26 – Middleweight
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a disappointing event for amateur boxing, marred by controversies surrounding the gender of two competitors in the women’s category.
Team GB faced significant challenges, returning home with only one medal—a bronze for the talented Lewis Richardson from Colchester.
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Nevertheless, the Sheffield squad deserves commendation for claiming one last notable medal and an even more remarkable story.
Ngamba, who moved to England from Cameroon at 11, faced various difficulties, including the loss of her immigration papers, which resulted in her being granted refugee status and even experiencing a day of detention at the immigration office.
Sadly, without a British passport, Ngamba was unable to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
Regardless, she achieved a historic feat by winning the first-ever medal—a coveted bronze—for the newly formed Refugee Olympic Team.
Promoters should compete to sign this extraordinary athlete, who has a strong amateur record and an inspiring life journey. Ngamba truly is the complete package.
Lewis Williams – 26 – Heavyweight
The giant from Leamington Spa made his mark at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won a gold medal, a moment made even more special by his father’s last-minute rush from the hospital to see their shared dreams come to fruition.
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Standing at 6ft 7in, Williams seemed destined for a breakthrough opportunity at the Olympics. Unfortunately, following his father’s health decline, Williams’ performance and aspirations took a hit as he prioritized visits to the hospice over training and competitions.
Fortunately, trainer and manager Edwin Cleary is deeply committed to his fighters, successfully helping Williams regain his form while securing him a professional contract with Frank Warren, known for skillfully nurturing heavyweight talents.
In his November debut, he drew significant attention by emphatically defeating a seasoned journeyman with tactical precision.
He is set to return in February, looking to team up with Itauma and Daniel Dubois to help elevate the momentum of emerging British heavyweights.
Lucas Roehig – 21 – Cruiserweight
Leave it to George Groves to thrust his promising protégé into an incredibly challenging professional debut that has many on edge.
Typical professional debuts, especially in a modest venue like Harrow Leisure Centre and without TV coverage, often feature matchups against journeymen aimed solely at giving newcomers experience.
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However, Groves, hailing from the Dale Youth gym and an underrated coach, opts to break the norm.
Roehig faced a formidable opponent in the skilled and seasoned fighter Joel McIntyre, a former English champion, during his debut.
Defying expectations, Roehig showcased his capabilities, winning the match decisively after three rounds.
Groves, known for his innovative methods in British boxing, seems to be instilling this ethos in Roehig, who is moving at an exhilarating pace for fans to follow.
Leighton Birchall – 18 – Bantamweight
In February, the rising star from Morecambe, alongside the equally talented Adam Maca, put on a dazzling display in a 57kg bout that left British amateur boxing enthusiasts in awe.
Theirs was an extraordinary contest, with Maca just edging out a split decision victory.
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However, Birchall has advanced to the professional ranks ahead of his rival, securing a spot on this list, while Maca is expected to follow suit.
As a double champion of the Haringey Box Cup, multiple national title holder, and a representative for GB youth, Birchall has wrung every accolade possible at the amateur level.
One of three fight-loving siblings, Birchall possesses impressive communication skills to complement his fighting abilities, and his style promises to enthrall fans while baffling opponents.
Leveraging various social media platforms, Birchall is swiftly elevating his public persona and calling out prospective domestic challengers.
Jermaine Dhliwayo – 22 – Super-featherweight
True British boxing aficionados have likely followed Derek Chisora with admiration throughout his career and recently expressed hopes for his well-deserved retirement.
Fortunately, this Nottingham-born southpaw might usher in a new era.
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The veteran fighter, known as Del Boy, serves both as Dhliwayo’s uncle and mentor.
Their close relationship is evident as the young boxer lives in his uncle’s former room, under the watchful eye of his aunt and Chisora’s mother, Violet, with the room adorned with unchanged decor and boxing posters.
Dhliwayo, a trained electrician, juggles his job alongside his boxing aspirations, exhibiting real-world skills while gaining valuable ring experience.
Since debuting just five months ago, he has impressively compiled a record of 4-0, competing at the O2, in Finland, York Hall, and Gibraltar.
As Chisora nears retirement, he may very well be leaving behind an exciting successor in Dhliwayo, a fighter who has already proven his mettle to fans.
