The Sweet Science Weekly – December 22, 2025

The Sweet Science Weekly: New Champions, Hard Lessons, and What Comes Next

This past week and weekend offered a snapshot of modern boxing: global tournaments crowning new champions, crossover events drawing massive audiences and sharp criticism, legitimate title fights quietly shaping divisions, and the ever-present push-and-pull between spectacle and sporting integrity.

Here’s where boxing stands as the week begins: verified results, emerging storylines, and what actually matters moving forward.

The Weekend’s Headline: Joshua Stops Paul

The biggest attraction was Friday night in Miami, where Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of a heavyweight bout streamed globally on Netflix. Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, ended matters with a right hand to the chin that left Paul unable to continue.

The result itself was decisive. The aftermath was sobering.

Paul’s medical evaluation confirmed that he suffered a double fracture of the jaw, requiring surgery that included titanium plates and dental extractions. He is currently restricted to liquids and faces a recovery window that, based on similar boxing injuries, typically runs six weeks or more before any meaningful training can resume.

Paul has since stated his intention to return to boxing, possibly at cruiserweight, and even floated future ambitions publicly.

Joshua, meanwhile, did what was required, but reaction has been mixed. Some praised his patience and professionalism; others questioned why the bout existed at all. Joshua wasted no time in publicly inviting Fury to prove his seriousness by “putting down his Twitter fingers and putting on his gloves,” setting up what many have long hoped would be a definitive British heavyweight showdown in 2026. Talks are reported to be underway, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that a Fury-Joshua fight could happen quickly if financial terms align. Fury’s camp has indicated interest, with the caveat that purse and location play a major role, making this a storyline worth watching as boxing heads into the new year.

“Judgement Day” Undercard Highlights:  Miami’s Kaseya Center

The undercard itself featured an entertaining and competitive slate of bouts that drew global attention on Netflix. Among the standout results:

Alycia Baumgardner (16-1, WBO/IBF/WBA junior lightweight titles) retained her belts with a commanding unanimous decision over Leila Beaudoin (scores 117-110, 118-109) in a 12-round clash that saw Baumgardner control range and timing throughout.

Caroline Dubois (12-0-1, WBC lightweight champion) made a statement in her U.S. debut, outclassing Camilla Panatta (8-3-1) for a decisive decision while dropping her with a sharp counter in the sixth round.

Cherneka Johnson (bantamweight undisputed champ) successfully defended her titles with a spirited performance against Amanda Galle, a bout marked by consistent aggression and solid boxing from both fighters.

Yokasta Valle narrowly retained her WBC strawweight title over Yadira Bustillos by majority decision in a gritty 10-round battle.

On the rising prospect front, Jahmal Harvey earned a dominant unanimous decision over Kevin Cervantes (60-53 on all cards), and Avious Griffin scored an early first-round knockout in the welterweight ranks.

A notable crossover moment saw UFC legend Anderson Silva stop fellow MMA icon Tyron Woodley via second-round TKO in a cruiserweight bout, further blending fight sport fanbases.

The Sporting Counterweight: WBC Grand Prix Finals Crown Four Champions

Away from the spotlight glare, a consequential boxing development concluded quietly in Riyadh.

The WBC Boxing Grand Prix Finals capped an eight-month international tournament featuring fighters from dozens of countries. Four champions were crowned, all by unanimous decision.

The New Champions are as follows:

Heavyweight: Kevin Ramirez (Argentina) — outmaneuvered and outworked Ahmed Krnjić, showing technical discipline over size.

Featherweight: Brandon Mejía Mosqueda (Mexico) — controlled pace and volume against previously unbeaten Muhamet Qamili.

Super Lightweight: Carlos Utria (Colombia) — applied consistent pressure and power to defeat Mujibullah Tursunov.

Middleweight: Dylan Biggs (Australia) — imposed physical strength and ring control over Derek Pomerleau.

The tournament format is important because it creates a legitimate parallel pathway for emerging fighters who often get lost between regional belts and world rankings. The WBC has quietly tested something boxing has long resisted: a structured, merit-based bracket system. Whether it expands or stalls will depend on what opportunities these winners are given next.

Rising Stars and Strategic Signings

Gradus Kraus Signs with BOXXER

Undefeated light heavyweight Gradus Kraus (9-0, 8 KOs) signed a long-term promotional deal with BOXXER. Kraus is known for early-round finishing ability and now gains access to stronger matchmaking and broadcast exposure.

Adam Azim Gets a Real Test

British super lightweight Adam Azim is confirmed to face Gustavo Lemos on January 31 in London. Lemos is not a soft touch. This is a genuine step-up that will answer long-standing questions about how close Azim is to world-level contention.

What’s Next: Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso

Looking ahead, December 26/27 brings one of the year’s most important true championship events: Naoya Inoue defends his WBC, WBO, IBF, WBA super bantamweight titles against Alan Picasso in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (31-0-0) is universally regarded as one of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound talents and is known for devastating power, technical precision, and relentless pressure. Alan Picasso (33-0-1) is a seasoned challenger with a record exceeding 30 wins. Picasso earned the mandatory position and brings experience and resilience into this match-up, making him a credible and dangerous underdog.