A Talk Sport boxing schedule for 2025 presents a concerning perspective. It outlines the major fights expected for the remainder of the year, beginning with tonight’s Queensberry-DAZN event in Altrincham. Overall, there are nine events planned, but notably, only two will occur in the United States: the much-anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight and the Jake Paul–Gervonta Davis exhibition. Among these, the Alvarez-Crawford match is likely the only professional boxing event in the U.S. deserving serious attention.
Though this may seem innocuous, it underscores a larger narrative that continues to generate discussion. For many years, fans have seen the United States as the heart of professional boxing, with numerous fighters, promoters, and trainers from all over the globe establishing their base there. However, recent patterns indicate a departure from that tradition. While Shakur Stevenson has already fought twice this year, the Riyadh Season will soon feature two of America’s top boxing talents, David Benavidez and Devin Haney, in a card filled with notable matchups set for November 22. According to respected boxing expert Dan Rafael and others, while the huge financial machine (forecasted to earn $773 million in 2021) continues to flourish, the outlook for American boxing remains dubious.
Home is Where Legacies Are Built
The harbinger of this perceived crisis is the imminent Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis exhibition match. Despite being an exhibition, it raises eyebrows with a 200-pound cruiserweight set to face a 135-pound lightweight, while more significant matchups like a Lamont Roach Jr. rematch are overlooked. This has left many, including Rafael, discontented. Rafael encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “When I talk about RIP American boxing, the American boxing scene is in disarray.” His recent tweet echoed that sentiment, stating, “American #boxing RIP.”
“There are a lot of good American fighters, but look at what’s happening. David Benavidez, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson are fighting on the Riyadh Season cards,” explained Rafael. According to this veteran journalist, this trends to international locations undermine American boxing, depriving fans of the opportunity to support local events. More importantly, it diverts both revenue and enthusiasm away from the U.S. boxing scene.
To illustrate his point, Rafael provided a notable example: “If Davis would be willing to fight Shakur Stevenson, that fight could fill up any stadium in this country and generate substantial revenue.” Instead, he noted, “They’ve opted to do something different.” As a result, the realm of American boxing is gradually losing its foundation, with fighters seeking opportunities abroad rather than nurturing the sport domestically.
United States: The Ring’s True Home
Rafael acknowledged that significant matches like the upcoming Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez bout still exist. However, he maintains that this is merely ‘one fight.’ Overall, he declares the pipeline of competitive, high-level American bouts as ‘in the toilet.’ He isn’t alone in expressing such concerns, as many observers share similar sentiments.
The Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis match has rekindled long-held frustrations for many. Ryan Garcia remarked, “Boxing is officially the WWE.” Sports analyst Luke Thomas added, “It just feels like—Jesus, this is the best you can do in American boxing? That is bad.”
Nonetheless, views like those of Dan Rafael remain subjective to an extent. Although high-profile spectacles capture headlines, lesser-known events with champions from lighter divisions continue in the U.S. Similarly, fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, and David Benavidez, despite competing internationally, are still establishing their reputations and in turn, contributing to the recognition of American boxing.
So, how do you interpret Dan Rafael’s comments regarding the current state of American boxing?
