Since ESPN published its annual list of future standouts in each boxing division, many of those fighters have taken a step closer to winning a championship over the last year.
Heavyweight Agit Kabayel will face Zhilei Zhang on Feb. 22 for the WBC interim belt, and junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. also has a chance to claim a WBC interim title as he takes on Ismail Madrimov on the same fight card. Super middleweight Christian Mbilli has surged to take the No. 2 spot in ESPN’s divisional rankings just behind unified champion Canelo Alvarez, and junior lightweight Henry Lebron looks like the next Puerto Rican star.
The list for 2025 is full of talent, too. Martin Bakole dominated Jared Anderson last year and is in line to get meaningful fights in a heavyweight division dominated by Oleksandr Usyk. His name has been mentioned as a potential opponent to former champion Anthony Joshua and contender Efe Ajagba. Super middleweight Osley Iglesias packs a serious punch and has already won a secondary title, while junior middleweight Xander Zayas has looked better and better with every fight. How long until he gets his title opportunity?
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington was on the list last year and delivered four impressive victories. He fights again in March and will have an opportunity to show his entertaining style, using angles and feints to manipulate opponents into costly mistakes. And lightweight Abdullah Mason is probably the one with the most potential at 20 years of age with an entertaining, effective style.
Here’s the full list of this year’s “Hidden Gems.”
Heavyweight (200+): Martin Bakole
Record: 21-1-1, 16 KOs – Age: 33 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 6-foot-6
Bakole, from the Republic of the Congo, brings an impressive presence to the ring with explosive strength in his legs, power in both hands and the ability to throw rapid combinations at moving targets. Bakole’s unique style and skill set allow him to close the distance quickly, which raises the difficulty for his opponents and enhances the versatility of his approach. Bakole also seems to have an endless supply of stamina, which fuels his willingness to engage in intense exchanges. All he needs is the opportunity to prove his belief that he is one of the best heavyweights in the world today.
Next fight: TBA
Cruiserweight (200): Lenar Perez
Record: 14-0, 14 KOs – Age: 27 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 6-foot-5
In Cuba, baseball is undoubtedly the favorite sport, capturing the hearts and minds of many. But just a step behind is amateur boxing, a sport that holds a special place in the country’s Olympic history. For many Cuban boxers, the voyage to achieving their dreams of becoming world champions means leaving their homeland. While their stories may share common themes, their boxing talents are anything but ordinary. Perez’s journey as a defector illustrates his fire inside. His size, punching power, counterpunching ability and, more importantly, his fluidity maneuvering in every direction, transitioning naturally from offense to defense, caught my attention. These qualities make him a contender in the division and a must-watch. Perez’s ring intelligence, boxing skill, footwork and knowledge of boxing fundamentals should lead to world championship glory.
Next fight: TBA
Light heavyweight (175): Najee Lopez
Record: 13-0, 10 KOs – Age: 25 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 6-foot-2
Every fighter has a tale of resilience. Much like a pine cone’s layers shielding its core, our experiences can build a tough exterior while strengthening us on the inside. Take Lopez, for instance. He faced a heartbreaking loss when his father and trainer, Tito Lopez Sr., died in December 2020. Yet, since that unfortunate moment, Lopez, of Atlanta, has continued his career, training under the respected coach Marc Farrait in Florida. His overall game as a light heavyweight has steadily risen. Known for his punching power and strategic fighting style, Lopez combines technical boxing with solid fundamentals behind controlled aggression. He sets up his attacks with a sharp jab while keeping his defensive responsibilities. His mindset reflects a disciplined approach toward dominating his opponents, and every fight he faced on the ProBox circuit has tested his mettle and abilities, adding more layers to his core.
Next fight: TBA
Super middleweight (168): Osleys Iglesias
Record: 13-0, 12 KOs – Age: 27 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 6-foot-2½
When I think of skinny legs that pack a serious punch, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder immediately comes to mind. But as I look into super middleweight knockout artist Iglesias’ career, body type and fighting style, it’s clear that aside from his long legs and punching power, Iglesias’ technical skills surpass Wilder’s. He might have that tall, broad-shouldered look, but those skinny legs give off an unstable vibe. Yet, something intriguingly clever about his awkwardness makes him stand out in the ring. To add, he is a southpaw boxer/puncher with a slightly off-rhythm display of boxing. Iglesias, of Cuba, reads his opponents’ positioning and uses their poor fundamental habits against them to extinguish them. Iglesias’ sharp counterpunching is the staple of his game. He punches with bad intentions to hurt anyone who dares to enter the ring with him.
Next fight: TBA
Middleweight (160): Euri Cedeno
Record: 10-0-1, 9 KOs – Age: 25 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 6-foot-0
Once a vibrant and thrilling division, middleweight has sadly lost some of its luster since Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin‘s dominant run, due to boxing politics and a large amount of inactivity from the division’s champions. While looking for a hidden gem in the 160-pound weight class, I stumbled upon Dominican Republic’s Cedeno. His boxing skills are impressive, boasting a powerful punch, all while fighting from a southpaw stance. But what stands out about Cedeno is his ability to stay composed in the ring, which comes from his extensive amateur experience of more than 400 fights. He has a unique presence, whether on the offensive as an elusive counterpuncher coming forward, or strategically navigating and countering off his back foot. He possesses a cunningly loose style, seemingly vulnerable, although it’s all done to create deception. He’s adept at changing angles, making it difficult for opponents to see his punches coming. And we all know that the punches you don’t see are often the ones with the most considerable effect. Cedeno showcases a clever boxing style reminiscent of Cuban fighters, thanks to the influence of Cuban trainers on the Dominican Republic’s amateur program. With a complex fighting spirit and a skill set that truly deserves recognition, Cedeno is a name to watch in the boxing world.
Next fight: March 14 vs. Ulices Tovar Rivera
Junior middleweight (154): Xander Zayas
Record: 20-0, 12 KOs – Age: 22 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-10
The secret to a fighter’s ambitions and achievements comes from their mindset. Every aspect of their being — body, heart and spirit — works together perfectly, forming a strong, unbreakable bond. For Puerto Rico’s Zayas, boxing isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life. He submerges himself in it completely, from how he eats and sleeps to how he talks about it. It’s like boxing flows through him, guiding everything he does and shaping every move he makes in the ring. With each fight, you can see him getting better, a clear sign that success is on the horizon. Zayas’ abilities are grounded in solid fundamentals and a deep understanding of the sport. He works hard in the gym and imposes a fiery work rate with numbers ranging from 70-75 punches thrown per round. His technique and speedy approach are so sharp that it’s like watching a chess master at play. At 22 years old, Zayas hasn’t even tapped into his physical prime yet, so watch for him as he climbs to the top of this division.
Next fight: Feb. 14 vs. Slawa Spomer
Welterweight (147): Rohan Polanco
Record: 14-0, 9 KOs – Age: 26 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-10
Throughout boxing history, some of the most iconic fighters have had personalities just as impressive as their skills in the ring. It’s no surprise that a successful fighter often possesses a strong ego and self-confidence. Take Dominican Republic’s Polanco, for example. As an orthodox fighter, he brings a blend of technical aggression and ease to his matches that some might mistake for arrogance. Rohan is known for imposing his superior skills on his opponents with sharp, explosive counters. He delivers hooks and right cross counters while skillfully staying close enough to engage but still out of reach to be countered. His defensive strategy resembles the Philly shell (your lead arm across your torso, your back hand next to your ear and your lead shoulder forward, tucked to your chin), which allows him to intercept jabs, hooks and right crosses effectively, setting him up for counterattacks. Everything he does revolves around his lightning-fast jab and exceptional ability to gauge distance, whether evading punches or launching attacks. His aggressive counterpunching style can be so overwhelming that it often forces fighters to reconsider their approach, opting to retreat rather than engage. Polanco isn’t just a fighter. He’s a force under the radar, just needing an opportunity to prove his championship potential.
Next fight: Feb. 14 vs. Jean Carlos Torres
Junior welterweight (140): Ernesto “Tito” Mercado
Record: 17-0, 16 KOs – Age: 23 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-10
Watching young Mercado fight, I can’t help but see shades of legends in his style and poise. Mercado, from Upland, California, combines speed, power and agility while maintaining a solid foundation with impressive balance. He delivers razor-sharp up-jabs to draw an anticipated counter. He throws powerful combinations and his left hook is a knockout weapon. Mercado isn’t an aggressive brawler. He’s a cerebral fighter who outthinks, outmaneuvers and can outpace his opposition. His defensive style involves slip counters, pull counters and footwork to create openings for his fight-ending punches. His commitment to work the body weakens his opponents throughout the fight. Mercado’s lethal left hook is the finishing touch that seals the deal. Without a doubt, Mercado has the talent and determination to rise to the top of this division. He’s a fighter to watch, with the potential to carve out a long, sustainable legacy in the sport of boxing.
Next fight: TBA
Lightweight (135): Abdullah Mason
Record: 16-0, 14 KOs – Age: 20 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 5-foot-9
When I think of Mason, the words “sweet” and “spicy” really capture his essence. Mason, from Bedford, Ohio, is one of the youngest and most exciting ring generals today. He has an obsession for sizing up and extinguishing his opponents. With lightning-fast strikes, Mason knows where to place his concussive punches when he sees an opening. The “sweet” part comes from how effortlessly he navigates through competition, making it look almost too easy. But don’t be fooled. He also has a “spicy” side. With an introverted personality, he can turn what seems like a fair fight into a quick trip to the canvas for his opponents in explosive KOs. Mason truly knows how to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with his skill, hand speed and accuracy while having a thirst for smoke.
Next fight: Feb. 14 vs. Manuel Jaimes
Junior lightweight (130): Charly Suarez
Record: 18-0, 10 KOs – Age: 36 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-6
Philippines’ Suarez is a 5-foot-6 fighter whose 74-inch reach allows him to stand straight and touch his knees with ease, which sets him apart in the boxing world. He combines strategic aggression with boxing skills, catching and countering his opponent’s moves. His lower center of gravity makes it difficult for his opponents, as it minimizes his target area and their chances of landing effective punches. At the same time, his longer-than-average arms enable him to respond effectively, particularly when opponents miss and become overly aggressive.
What truly distinguishes Suarez is his discipline inside the ring. While he may not be the most technically polished fighter, his relentless determination and rigorous conditioning as a former Philippines military member elevate his performance to extraordinary levels. His tireless work ethic compensates for technical gaps, allowing him to leverage his punching power. Suarez’s commitment and tenacity make him a fighter to watch in a sport where skill, strategy and will reign supreme.
Next fight: TBA
Featherweight (126): Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington
Record: 14-0, 8 KOs – Age: 27 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-8
Manipulation is an art form, a skill that creates doubt in the minds of others, much like a bear standing on its hind legs, showcasing its dominance and power. In the ring, deception takes on a deliberate form. Attacking from unexpected angles and feinting closeness can draw an opponent into a trap, only to be countered with precision. Carrington, from Brooklyn, New York, embodies the ultimate manipulator. Outside the ring, he is loud and boastful, an expert of the mental game with a commanding presence. Inside the ring, he’s methodical. He implements elusive rhythm changes to manipulate his opponents’ balance, making himself a problematic target while exuding a spy-like aura as he inches closer to punching range. His goal is to create discomfort, exploiting his opponent’s fundamental weaknesses. Shu Shu elevates his intensity at mid-range, employing a dynamic combination of catching, shooting, slipping and weaving while maintaining a deceptive facade. He forces his opponents into a relentless dance, making them expend energy when they’d rather hold back, compelling them to throw punches when they shouldn’t and ultimately leading them to concede when they’ve exhausted every possible avenue. In this way, Shu Shu not only controls the physical space of the ring but also dominates the psychological landscape.
Next fight: March 29 vs. Enrique Vivas
Junior featherweight (122): Subaru Murata
Record: 9-0, 9 KOs – Age: 28 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 5-foot-7
Patience is all about knowing when to make your move, finding that sweet spot that keeps you steady while giving you the upper hand, and perfecting your technique to deliver a spot-on punch. Japan’s Murata is a true reflection of these qualities. He displays discipline, outstanding skills and resilience. Murata has a knack for timing his opponents just right, especially when they throw a punch. His left cross, delivered from a southpaw stance, is both automatic and powerful. If his opponents go all in, they’re in for a surprise with his check right hook, a move he’s perfected. He also knows how to target the midsection to create openings for headshots. Murata has tons of potential and little time to waste at 28 years old. However, his future looks bright, from what I’ve seen so far.
Next fight: TBA
Bantamweight (118): Yuta Sakai
Record: 2-0, 2 KOs – Age: 19 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 5-foot-8
Every fighter has a set of natural advantages, whether muscle fiber composition, body type or speed, and Sakai is no exception. With his height and 68½-inch reach, he’s not only explosive in the ring but also incredibly accurate. At such a young age, Sakai, of Japan, is already showing signs of being a blue-chip talent. His hand speed is impressive, and he delivers a punch with serious power. His exceptional coordination sets him apart, and he can fluidly switch between offense and defense, a skill that for many seasoned fighters takes years to master. However, there’s more to Sakai than just his physical attributes. He’s always searching for a knockout. His ability to counterattack is stunning at his age, allowing him to slip past defenses or get around them quickly. He has garnered the attention of boxing legends such as Naoya Inoue, a future Hall of Famer who often supports him from ringside. Sakai is destined for greatness in boxing.
Next fight: March 25 vs. TBA
Junior bantamweight (115): Suzumi Takayama
Record: 9-0, 8 KOs – Age: 28 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 5-foot-5
When you think of boxing, it’s hard not to picture someone like Japan’s Takayama. This southpaw doesn’t dance around the ring but creates an enormous wave of energy and intensity that keeps his opponents guessing and on their toes. He has a perfect mix of technique and power in both hands. Takayama’s attacks wear down opponents, pushing them to their limits and forcing them to adapt to his unpredictable style. His punches come from all angles while continuously finding the body in spots. There’s hardly any room for error for an opponent when he’s in rhythm. But what makes him truly dangerous isn’t just his offense. His endurance seems almost superhuman. Tough guys have a place in boxing, and Takayama is one of them.
Next fight: TBA
Flyweight (112): Ben John Rey Yagahon
Record: 6-0, 6 KOs – Age: 23 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-6
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is Yagahon’s idol, and there’s no wonder why. Chavez was a master of body punching, landing three brutal shots to the midsection for every one he threw at the head. Body shots can break opponents down, leaving them immobile. Yagahon delivers some of the most savage and ruthless body blows I’ve seen in any young fighter today. Standing tall for his weight class, Philippines’ Yagahon uses his long, lean frame to create a unique wind-up of force, twisting his upper body, hips and legs to land punches with incredible precision that can send shockwaves through an opponent’s body. His focus is razor-sharp as he hunts to create or force openings, waiting for that perfect moment to switch his attack toward the head. He is a fighter, not here to play nice.
Next fight: TBA
Junior flyweight (108): Kyosuke Takami
Record: 8-0, 6 KOs – Age: 22 – Stance: Orthodox – Height: 5-foot-5
Japan’s Takami perfectly intertwines traditional Japanese boxing techniques and modern Western strategies. His footwork is fluid, allowing him to glide effortlessly around his opponents. He applies feints and quick movements that keep his opposition guessing and on their toes. It’s like trying to catch a shadow. Once you think you’ve got him, he’s already shifted to a new angle and is set to unleash a perfectly timed punch from a position of strength. Takami’s ability to set traps for his opponents shows his boxing intelligence. He knows how to lure fighters in, only to spring forward into attacking with precision. His legs are potent weapons that enable him to move fluidly and step out of range with agility while delivering sharp singles and combinations. With each jab and movement, he has a purpose, which leaves me thinking he has talent.
Next fight: TBA
Strawweight (105): Ryusei Matsumoto
Record: 5-0, 3 KOs – Age: 26 – Stance: Southpaw – Height: 5-foot-3
Matsumoto’s fighting style defies his novice status. While still in the early stages of his career, he exhibits the skills and savvy of a seasoned veteran. His calm demeanor coincides with the power he puts forth. He navigates the ring with the idea of taking what is given, always maintaining control and avoiding punches that can overwhelm less experienced fighters. Matsumoto can stay close in range while composed, often drawing in his opponents with clever feints before striking with sharp counters in mid-range exchanges. His technique is remarkably refined for a fighter with only five professional bouts. Matsumoto, of Japan, thrives in spots where he can land punches while evading incoming attacks, utilizing a tight guard and impressive head movement. His durability and toughness have shined through in every bout, as he absorbs punches with a focus that many seasoned fighters would envy. Matsumoto is a novice in experience only, as his natural gifts and hard-earned development in his skills make him a standout in the 105-pound division.
Next fight: TBA