THE RING AWARD WINNERS 2025
4 UPSET OF THE YEAR ARMANDO RESENDIZ SD 12 CALEB PLANT May 31, Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas • Super Middleweight Non-Title Bout
For the heavily favored Caleb Plant, this fight was simply a prelude to bigger things. For Armando Resendiz, it was an opportunity to kick the door open. Never underestimate the power of motivation. Mexico’s Resendiz was a prohibitive underdog but would not be denied in his biggest fight. He threw more punches, landed more punches and held his own when it came to physical strength. This was a split decision victory that should have been unanimous. 5 ROUND OF THE YEAR SEIYA TSUTSUMI VS. DAIGO HIGA Over four years after they’d fought to a draw in a non-title bout, Japan’s Seiya Tsutsumi was defending a world title against countryman Daigo Higa. Cut around the right eye entering the ninth, Tsutsumi was on the ascent when he was suddenly dropped by a catch-and-shoot left hook. Desperate to close the show, Higa followed up furiously, slamming home shots to the head and body. Tsutsumi had recovered from the knockdown and was biding his time, however. With less than a minute remaining in the round, the champion decked Higa with an explosive right-hand counterpunch that deposited him face-first on the canvas in a neutral corner. The challenger survived that sensational round and, incredibly, the bout ended in another tie. 6 PROSPECT OF THE YEAR EMILIANO VARGAS Record: 16-0 (13 KOs) Junior Welterweight With impressive skills, two-handed punch power and a legendary bloodline, Emiliano Vargas looks destined for stardom. The son of two-time junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas scored three knockouts in 2025, with none of those opponents making it out of Round 2. Vargas, 21, closed out the year with a dominant points triumph over Jonathan Montrel in what was his first scheduled 10-round bout. Big things are expected from “El General,” who is the youngest of three boxing brothers being guided by their father. February 24, Ariake Arena, Tokyo WBA Bantamweight Championship Round 9
1 FIGHT OF THE YEAR CHRIS EUBANK JR. UD 12 CONOR BENN April 26, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London • Middleweight Non-Title Bout The most potent feud in British boxing history was rekindled when Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn faced off in a super- hyped showdown for family bragging rights. Eubank’s speed and technical skill carried the day early, but Benn managed to drag his rival into a high-contact shootout. All expectations were exceeded in a classic pitched battle, which culminated in one of the most memorable closing rounds in recent times. Benn would even the score in their November rematch with a points win of his own. 2 KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR BRIAN NORMAN JR. KO 5 JIN SASAKI June 19, Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo • WBO Welterweight Championship Japan’s Jin Sasaki was unbeaten in nine outings since suffering his only loss to countryman Andy Hiraoka in 2021. However, defensive frailties remained, which meant trouble against a big puncher. Norman, in his second title defense, won every round before cleaning house with a spectacular left hook that knocked Sasaki unconscious on impact. The referee dispensed with the count and immediately called for medics. 3 TRAINER OF THE YEAR SHINGO INOUE It’s impossible to overstate the quality of Shingo Inoue as a coach. The Japanese guru has transformed his sons into elite-level players in their respective divisions and made one of them a pound-for-pound superstar. In 2025, Shingo oversaw Naoya’s four successful defenses of the undisputed junior featherweight title and laid out the game plan for Takuma to become a two-time bantamweight world champion at the expense of the previously unbeaten Tenshin Nasukawa.
1
4
2
5
3
6
52 RINGMAGAZINE.COM
RINGMAGAZINE.COM 53
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker