The Ring will host its second annual awards gala on Friday, January 30, in New York City.
Nominees for eight awards, which will be announced the night prior to the “The Ring 6” card at Madison Square Garden, will be revealed throughout the day. This article will be updated hourly as each group of nominees is shared on our social media platforms.
While the event is not open to the public a week from Friday, it will be streamed on various Ring social media channels. More details will follow.
MALE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
(Listed alphabetically)
Dmitry Bivol
Bivol earned a majority decision win against Russian foe Artur Beterbiev, avenging his sole defeat to claim the undisputed light heavyweight title on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) reached the pinnacle of his career in 2025, back surgery limited him to just one fight last year.
Terence Crawford
In a remarkable leap, Crawford moved up two weight classes to dethrone the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in his only fight of 2025. He announced his retirement on December 16, three months after scoring a unanimous victory against Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (116-112, 115-113, 115-113).
Naoya Inoue
Japan’s Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) was the most active among the nominees, posting a 4-0 record in 2025. He overcame a knockdown to stop Ramon Cardenas in the eighth round on May 4 in Las Vegas, and followed that by defeating Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Nagoya to calm doubters regarding his capability against the Uzbek southpaw.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
San Antonio’s Rodriguez viciously knocked out Fernando Martinez in the 10th round on November 22 in Riyadh, adding the WBA 122-pound title to his Ring, WBC, and WBO belts. Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) also defeated Phumelela Cafu in their July 19 bout.
Fabio Wardley
The unbeaten British heavyweight Wardley rallied from behind, knocking out Justis Huni in the 10th round during a fight on June 7 in Ipswich, England. Later, he triumphed over former WBO champion Joseph Parker by TKO in the 11th round on October 25, becoming the WBO interim champion after Parker declined to face him next.
