Gervonta Davis Return, Jesse Rodriguez-Inoue Top Boxing Questions

Gervonta Davis's return to the ring heads a list of pressing questions shaping boxing's landscape in 2025, according to ESPN analysts Andreas Hale and Nick Parkinson.

Davis, who has not fought since stopping Frank Martin last June, remains boxing's biggest pay-per-view draw outside the heavyweight division. His next opponent and timeline are among the sport's most closely watched topics, with multiple lightweight and junior welterweight contenders angling for the Baltimore star's attention.

Should Jesse Rodriguez Face Naoya Inoue Next?

The possibility of a junior bantamweight unification between Jesse Rodriguez and pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue also sits at the top of boxing's wish list. Rodriguez, who recently became a three-division champion, has called for the fight publicly. Whether the San Antonio native moves up or Inoue comes down in weight remains the central obstacle to making the bout happen.

Mikaela Mayer's next steps following her narrow victory over Chantelle Cameron round out the key storylines. Mayer's disputed win over the former undisputed junior welterweight champion has positioned her for bigger opportunities, though the controversy surrounding the decision complicates her path forward.

The analysts also examined several other emerging narratives across multiple weight classes, highlighting fights that could define the sport's direction through the spring and summer.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Boxing's key storylines: What's next for 'Tank' Davis? Is 'Bam' Rodriguez-Inoue next? More