The inaugural British Boxing Awards, scheduled for March 28, 2025, is poised to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations that have shaped the landscape of British boxing. The awards, sponsored by Applied Nutrition, will recognize excellence across a spectrum of categories, including Boxer of the Year, Business of the Year, Boxing Journalist/Pundit of the Year, Out of the Ring Award, Coach/Trainer of the Year, and the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to the Sport of Boxing award. This groundbreaking event marks the first time the entire boxing industry will be honored at a single, dedicated ceremony, highlighting the remarkable growth and dynamism of the sport within the UK.
The Boxer of the Year category boasts a formidable lineup of contenders, showcasing the depth of talent in British boxing. Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who experienced both triumph and setback in 2024 with a resounding victory over Francis Ngannou followed by a surprising defeat to Daniel Dubois, finds himself nominated alongside fellow heavyweight titan Tyson Fury. This nomination underscores the enduring prominence of both figures in the heavyweight division. Joining them on the shortlist are a host of other notable British fighters, including Josh Kelly, Lawrence Okolie, Joshua Buatsi, Chris Billam-Smith, Dennis McCann, Fabio Wardley, Nick Ball, and, notably, Daniel Dubois himself, highlighting the competitive landscape of the British boxing scene.
The female category shines an equally bright spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in boxing. Leading the charge is Ireland’s Katie Taylor, whose scintillating defense of her undisputed super-lightweight crown against Amanda Serrano in November cemented her status as a dominant force. Competing alongside Taylor for the coveted award is Savannah Marshall, another prominent figure in women’s boxing. The shortlist also includes a diverse array of talented female fighters, including Natasha Jonas, Charley Davison, Lauren Price, Terri Harper, Sandy Ryan, Caroline Dubois, and Ellie Scotney, demonstrating the increasing depth and competitiveness of women’s boxing in the UK.
The influence and impact of individuals beyond the ring will also be recognized at the awards ceremony. The Outstanding Contribution to the Sport of Boxing award features prominent figures such as renowned promoter Eddie Hearn, whose Matchroom Boxing has played a significant role in shaping the modern boxing landscape, and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, whose involvement has brought significant investment and global attention to the sport. This category underscores the importance of individuals who work behind the scenes to elevate boxing’s profile and reach.
Presiding over the inaugural British Boxing Awards are two boxing legends, Ricky Hatton and Nicola Adams, who will bring their experience and charisma to the event. Adams, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Hatton, a former world champion, represent the pinnacle of achievement in British boxing and their presence adds further prestige to the awards ceremony. Their enthusiasm for the event is evident in their comments, with Adams highlighting the opportunity to “shine a light on the people and organisations contributing to the phenomenal growth of the sport,” and Hatton describing it as a “landmark moment for UK boxing.”
The British Boxing Awards promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements, dedication, and passion of those who contribute to the thriving boxing scene in the UK. From the fighters who step into the ring to the promoters, trainers, journalists, and other individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, the awards will recognize the collective effort that drives the sport forward. The inaugural ceremony not only acknowledges the current state of British boxing but also sets the stage for future celebrations of excellence and achievement within the sport.
