By Billie Sloane, IFL TV
Once upon a time, boxing was America’s game. The US held the keys to the kingdom, dominating world champions, fight nights, and pay-per-view numbers. But as we sit in 2025, the global landscape of professional boxing has shifted dramatically. A sport once ruled by American icons is now showcasing its international flair, with fighters from Europe, Asia, and beyond claiming titles across weight classes.
The numbers don’t lie. Of the 69 current male world champions, only 19 are American, leaving 50 champions hailing from outside the US. Meanwhile, in women’s boxing, the trend is even more pronounced, with 37 out of 46 champions representing countries beyond American borders. So, what does this tell us? Is boxing truly global now, or is the US being left behind in the dust? Let’s break it down.
The Rise of Europe and Asia in Men’s Boxing
Take a look at the breakdown of male world champions. Heavyweight boxing, once dominated by the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, now has no American representation at the top. Instead, Europe reigns supreme. Ukraine, with fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, has made its mark in higher weights, alongside champions from Russia and Britain.
Meanwhile, Asia is cleaning up in the lower weight classes. Japan alone boasts nine current champions, cementing its place as a powerhouse in divisions where speed and precision reign. Fighters from countries like Thailand and the Philippines are also holding their own, making it clear that the days of US domination in the lighter divisions are long gone.
But why? Some argue that Europe and Asia have invested more heavily in their amateur systems, churning out disciplined, technically proficient fighters. The US, on the other hand, seems to have leaned too heavily on its past glories, producing fewer elite-level boxers in recent years.
Women’s Boxing: A Global Renaissance
The numbers are even more striking when it comes to women’s boxing. Of the 46 current world champions, only nine are American. The UK and Australia are major players here, alongside countries like Mexico, Japan, and even Slovenia.
Women’s boxing has seen a rapid rise in global participation, with fighters from traditionally underrepresented countries proving that talent knows no borders. But here’s the rub—are these fighters getting the same opportunities as their American counterparts? Or do they have to climb a much steeper hill to get their shot at the big time?
The Challenges of Emerging Markets
For all the progress, boxing still has a glaring issue: the lack of champions from developing nations. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are largely absent from the world rankings. Is this because these countries aren’t producing talent, or is it down to a lack of resources and opportunities?
It’s no secret that boxing is a sport that thrives in poverty-stricken areas—where fighting is often seen as a way out. Yet fighters from emerging markets often face insurmountable barriers:
Limited access to quality coaching and facilities.
Difficulty securing sponsorships and promoters willing to take a chance on them.
Little to no exposure on the global stage.
Case in point: Cuba, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan consistently dominate Olympic boxing, yet their fighters struggle to transition to the professional ranks. Why? Is fluent English mandatory to reach the bigger boxing audiences? Are promoters paying the same attention as is given western fighters? Is there the same drive to go down the pro route or are fighters steered to stay in the amateur circles? Without the right management or promotional backing, their careers often stall before they even start.
Is Riyadh Season Changing the Game?
Here’s where things get interesting. With Riyadh Season emerging as a key player in global boxing, we’re starting to see new opportunities for fighters from non-traditional markets. Saudi Arabia’s muscle and ambition to host marquee events and attract global eyes have brought fighters from all corners of the globe into the spotlight.
Could this be the spark that finally gives Arab fighters a platform to shine? Will we see the first Middle Eastern world champion emerge in the next decade? And more importantly, will Riyadh Season force other promoters to rethink how they scout and promote talent?
The Rise of Boxing in Europe and Asia: A New Era for Professional Talent
Boxing’s popularity across Europe and Asia has skyrocketed over the past decade, and with it, the professional talent pool from these regions has surged. No longer is boxing solely the domain of American or Mexican fighters. The sport is thriving in places where it once struggled for attention, and the results are undeniable.
In Europe, boxing has become a cultural staple, with countries like the UK, Ukraine, and Russia leading the charge. Packed arenas for fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Artur Beterbiev have demonstrated a ravenous appetite for the sport. Boxing gyms in cities like London, Kyiv, and Moscow are brimming with hopefuls looking to emulate their heroes. Television deals, sponsorships, and government-backed sports programs have further fueled this growth.
In Asia, the lower weight classes have become a battleground of elite talent. Countries like Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand have always had a presence, but now their fighters are dominating world titles. Japan alone has nine male world champions, with fighters like Naoya "Monster" Inoue inspiring a new generation. Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to ride the wave of the Manny Pacquiao effect, with young talent emerging hungry to follow in his footsteps.
Popularity Breeds Opportunity
This rise in popularity has created a ripple effect, opening doors for fighters who might not have dared to dream of professional success before.
Increased Investment: With boxing becoming a lucrative business in these regions, promoters and sponsors are pouring money into developing talent. Fighters no longer need to relocate to the US or UK to pursue their careers—they can now train and compete at a high level in their home countries.
Broadcast Deals: Networks like DAZN, ESPN, and Sky Sports are striking deals to showcase European and Asian fighters on global platforms. This visibility not only boosts fighters’ profiles but also attracts better sponsorship and promotional deals.
Better Training Facilities: The rise in popularity has led to the development of world-class training facilities and programs. Fighters now have access to cutting-edge coaching, nutrition, and sports science, leveling the playing field with traditional boxing powerhouses.
Take Thailand, for example. Long associated with Muay Thai, the country is now embracing professional boxing more than ever, with fighters like Srisaket Sor Rungvisai gaining global recognition. Similarly, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have begun transitioning their Olympic dominance into the professional ranks, bolstered by the popularity of the sport within their borders.
The Road Ahead
So, where does professional boxing go from here? Will the US reclaim its throne, or is the sport destined to become more global than ever before?
Potential New Hubs:
Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have the talent. All they need is the infrastructure to turn their Olympic stars into professional champions.
The Middle East: With Riyadh Season paving the way, it’s only a matter of time before fighters from the Arab world step into the spotlight.
Africa: With its untapped potential and a deep love for combat sports, Africa could be boxing’s next frontier—if the right investments are made.
But with opportunity comes responsibility.
Are promoters doing enough to protect and guide these fighters, ensuring they aren’t exploited?
Will the rise in popularity lead to oversaturation, with fighters struggling to stand out in an increasingly competitive market?
And perhaps most importantly, will this global boom force the US and Mexico to step up their game, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-expanding boxing landscape?
One thing is certain: as boxing continues to grow in popularity across Europe and Asia, the sport will become more diverse, dynamic, and unpredictable than ever before. And for fans, that’s a win. But for the fighters, it’s a challenge—a chance to prove they belong on the global stage. And isn’t that what boxing is all about?
As the old guard of US boxing looks on, one can only wonder—are they ready to keep up with this new wave, or will they be left chasing shadows as the world claims its place in the ring? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the fight is far from over.
The Final Bell
So, is professional boxing truly global? It’s getting there. The days of US dominance are over, but there’s still work to be done. Until fighters from every corner of the world have a fair shot at success, the sport will never reach its full potential.
The real question is—will boxing’s power players embrace this new era, or will they cling to the old ways, leaving entire continents in the shadows?
As always, I’ll leave that for you to decide. Let me know what you think in the comments. Because in boxing, just like in life, the fight is never truly over.
What’s your take? Do believe that boxing in America is now a thing of the past? Share your thoughts below.
