Itauma (20) and Mason (21) dominated Uncrowned’s voting to be named joint Breakthrough Boxers of the Year, combining for a flawless 6-0 record in 2025, with five of those wins coming inside the distance.
When it comes to Moses Itauma and Abdullah Mason, the future is now.
Itauma (20) and Mason (21) dominated Uncrowned’s voting to be named joint Breakthrough Boxers of the Year for 2025, combining for a flawless 6-0 record across the past 12 months, with five of those wins coming inside the distance.
While Itauma continued to cement his reputation as one of the most dangerous emerging forces in the heavyweight division, Mason etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest current male world champion in boxing. That milestone came courtesy of a thrilling November victory over Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title, a bout that also placed third in our upcoming Fight of the Year rankings.
Quick knockouts of Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte meant Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) spent a combined total of just three rounds in the ring in 2025, underlining his dominance over two seasoned heavyweight operators.
Long heralded as the next big thing in the division, the English southpaw took tangible steps toward world title contention next year, firmly inserting himself into conversations about championship opportunities in 2026. Yet for all his confidence, Itauma remains notably grounded.
“I put on a performance for you guys, so now it’s about who’s next?” he coolly said after dispatching Whyte. “I don’t want to call out [Oleksandr] Usyk because I don’t think I’ve earned that shot yet — but the guys who have earned it, they’re the ones I want. Maybe Agit Kabayel, maybe Joseph Parker. Those kinds of names.”
But it’s Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) who is next for Itauma, headlining the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on Jan. 24 in a fight that could catapult Itauma into an even bigger 2026 as more and more names turn their attention to the talented 20-year-old.
While Itauma still has the luxury of climbing rung by rung through the heavyweight hierarchy, there’s no such easing-in period left for Abdullah Mason.
At just 21 years old, the slick southpaw is already a fully-fledged world champion in a division stacked with elite talent, and attention will now inevitably turn toward unification territory in 2026.
“I feel like I’m one of the great fighters in my division, and I’m going to keep proving that I’m one of the best,” Mason said after his Nov. 22 victory over Noakes.
By outpointing Noakes via unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia, Mason ticked off his first 12-round fight as a professional and showcased an impressively rounded skill set. He didn’t just box — he stood his ground and traded through the middle rounds, a willingness and adaptability that should serve him well as the stakes continue to rise.
Best of the Rest
3. Xander Zayas
Before Mason eclipsed the mark, it was Xander Zayas who wore the crown as the youngest male world champion of the year, courtesy of a polished July victory over Jorge Garcia Perez under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
It was a true coming-out moment in "The Big Apple" for Zayas, who moved to 22-0 (13 KOs) and announced himself as another compelling addition to the ever-deep super welterweight picture.
The Puerto Rican ticks plenty of boxes.
Beyond the movie-star looks and comfort in front of a microphone, the 22-year-old can seriously fight — and he won’t have long to underline that point. Zayas is set to showcase his credentials again on Jan. 31, when he challenges reigning WBA champion Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs).
4. Elif Nur Turhan
At the turn of 2025, you’d have struggled to find many within the sport who could offer much insight on Elif Nur Turhan — a fact that only serves to underline her status as one of the year’s genuine breakout names.
The 30-year-old from Turkey fought three times across 2025, with her year peaking in Monte Carlo in early December when she dethroned the highly-regarded Beatriz Ferreira to claim the IBF lightweight world title.
Twice the former champion was sent to the canvas under the weight of Turhan’s relentless aggression, and the sizable underdog brought matters to a close in the fifth round after unleashing a sustained, unanswered barrage.
That victory pushed Turhan’s record to 12-0 (8 KOs), having now boxed in eight different European countries. Three knockout wins in 2025 have firmly put the lightweight division on alert, and with her performances showing increasing assurance, it’s clear “The Golden Turk” isn’t just passing through.
5. Mizuki Hiruta
After running 6-0 in her native Japan, Mizuki Hiruta (10-0, 2 KOs) made the leap across the Pacific to fight in the United States in 2025, soon becoming one of the jewels in the crown of Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions.
The 29-year-old southpaw successfully defended her WBO super flyweight title four times over the past 12 months, joining her compatriot Naoya Inoue as one of the most active champions in the sport.
If there was a Ring Outfit of the Year award, then “MIMI” would no doubt sweep the votes, adding buckets of color and fun to her in-ring craft. Talk is suddenly growing for a mouthwatering unification clash with undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela Fundora in 2026. Sign us up for that!
Uncrowned's voting breakdown for Breakthrough Boxer of 2025:
Honourable Mentions
Floyd Schofield
Hamzah Sheeraz
Jake Paul
More from Uncrowned's 2025 boxing awards:
Category: General Sports
