If there were a few surprises in the plans for the London Ring Awards – Oleksandr Usyk was stuck next to Frank Warren, and Frank’s son George Warren found out Himself alongside promotional rival Eddie Hearn – then the award show’s winner is largely predictable.
That’s not a bad thing, though.
Usyk, an incredible Ukrainian who beat Warren-promoted Tyson Fury twice in 2024, is the clear choice for Fighter of the Year – and it shows.
“It’s very important to me that this is a great year for me, my family, my team,” Usyk said. “If you want to help people, if you want to give a smile, give a good education, behavior, a smile, happiness… I would say that my opponent, my best friend, Tyson Fury, my Friend Greedy Belly, thank you very much for being better, you are awesome, my opponent.”
The Ukrainian also won the event and the Fight of the Year award for his participation in the first Fury match. “The ninth round was great,” Usyk said of the three minutes Fury barely survived. “Thank you so much.”
Usyk’s female opponent is 22-year-old Gabriela Fundora, who defeated Christina Cruz, Daniela Asenjo and Gabriela in 2024 Gabriela Alaniz captures the flyweight title.
In March, Ray Ford was awarded Fight of the Year for his stunning last-minute victory over Otabek Khormatov in one of the greatest finals in recent memory.
Billy Dib has won the Comeback Award for his stunning comeback after beating cancer.
“Without boxing, I don’t know where I would be or where I would end up,” Deeb said, while giving special praise to the WBC for orchestrating his unlikely comeback. “Thanks to my family and boxing friends. It’s not about winning, it’s about going out on my own terms and I won’t let cancer be my last fight.”
The award was presented to Deeb by Ryan Garcia, an early contender for the award in 2025 who returned from suspension following a positive PED test.
Another boxer planning a comeback after a run-in with drug testing authorities is Conor Benn. He personally presented the Rookie of the Year award to Moses Itauma, a talented heavyweight prospect who seemed destined for glory.
The Coach of the Year award went to Robert Garcia, primarily for his work with Jesse Rodriguez and Virgil Ortiz. “He was a championship boxer,” said Teddy Atlas, who was present to present the award, “and now he’s a championship coach.”
Don King, who was absent, concluded the evening by praying for peace, unity and unity in a recorded message as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fighter of the Year – Alexander Usyk
Female Boxer of the Year – Gabriella Fundora
Fight of the Year – Ray Ford KO 12 Otabek Kholmatov
Match of the Year – Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury I
Coach of the Year – Robert Garcia
Rookie of the Year – Moses Itama
Fight of the Year – Alexander Usyk-Tyson Fury, Round 9
Upset of the Year – Bruno Surace KO 6 Jaime Munguia
Comeback of the Year Award – Billy Deeb
Knockout of the Year – Daniel Dubois KO 5 Anthony Joshua
Lifetime Achievement Award——Don King
