Boxing in 2025 presents intriguing opportunities for underdog bets. Amid the spotlight on headline fighters, some lesser-known or overlooked opponents are quietly pressing their case. Those looking for an upset or just a highly entertaining match should at least glance over these underdogs.
These boxers carry with them fresh data, evolving skill sets, and tactical advantages that may not yet be fully priced in by the market. On any given day, all these boxer’s preparations and luck can strike a lucky win. Below are five fighters who fit that profile, each one presenting a strategic value pick.
1. Dalton Smith
Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) keeps climbing the super-lightweight ladder in 2025, combining sharp fundamentals with growing confidence. His dominant win over Mathieu Germain, featuring three knockdowns over 12 rounds, demonstrated his control and precision against experienced opposition. The Sheffield boxer now looks ready to test himself against world-level talent.
As the British standout edges closer to a mandatory position, the conversation among analysts and punters naturally turns to boxing odds and how markets might undervalue a fighter with his technical control and ring IQ. Those tracking current form know Smith brings a disciplined jab, tight footwork, and a strong understanding of distance that consistently frustrates aggressors. He maintains a 69.3-inch reach at 5′9″ and fights with the rhythm of someone who studies opponents deeply rather than chasing knockouts, which gives him dependable edges when fights go long.
2. Erickson Lubin
Erickson Lubin remains a familiar name among 2025’s most intriguing underdogs. With a record of 27 wins and 3 losses, he’s tested himself against elite opponents like Jermell Charlo, Sebastian Fundora, and, most recently, Vergil Ortiz Jr. His sharp southpaw stance and technical precision continue to make him a live threat in the super-welterweight division.
His latest outing on November 8 against Ortiz ended in a second-round stoppage loss, a result that may push him further into underdog territory. Yet, that label only strengthens his appeal within the broader picture of overlooked contenders. Lubin’s willingness to fight elite opposition, combined with his accuracy and timing, ensures that when matched strategically, he can still provide real value for those who understand where opportunity lies in shifting boxing odds.
Analysts such as Paulie Malignaggi continue to highlight Lubin’s “world-class” fundamentals and ring intelligence. At 29, he remains physically capable and mentally resilient, a combination that keeps him relevant even after setbacks. In the unpredictable super-welterweight landscape, Lubin stands as a reminder that an underdog’s worth isn’t defined by one night but by the persistence to keep competing at the highest level.
3. Terence “Bud” Crawford
Terence “Bud” Crawford has one of the most complete skill sets in modern boxing. Even in 2025, with an unbeaten record and multiple world titles across three divisions, he entered his showdown with Canelo Álvarez as the perceived underdog. The weight jump and Canelo’s size advantage made many question whether Crawford’s technical brilliance could bridge the gap.
The Latest Boxing Betting Insights should be where spectators look when analysing upcoming bouts and tracking market sentiment. These insights show how elite fighters like Crawford are valued beyond surface narratives. His precise switch-hitting, exceptional timing, and adaptability in the ring often challenge conventional expectations. Training footage and camp reports suggested he carried his trademark sharpness into the higher weight class, giving those watching closely more to consider than just the odds.
4. Ionuț Băluță
Ionuț Băluță, from Constanța, Romania, now fights out of Madrid, Spain, and continues to build a reputation as a durable spoiler. As of mid-2025, his record sits at 17 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with only three victories by knockout. It’s a reflection of his technical rather than power-based style. Standing 5′10½″ with a 73-inch reach, he holds physical advantages over many super-bantamweights, using reach and movement to frustrate aggressive opponents.
Recent performances have reinforced his image as an underdog who delivers competitive fights on the road. In June 2025, he pushed Peter McGrail to a tight majority-decision loss in Birmingham, showing his resilience and ring intelligence against a strong favourite. Băluță’s willingness to fight abroad, coupled with his solid defence and stamina, makes him a consistent value pick when opponents overlook his tactical discipline.
5. Sebastian Fundora
While Sebastian Fundora is no longer an obscure name, he still presents under-market potential in select bouts. A recent feature noted that he once embraced the underdog tag and now “relishes being a marked man,” showing how far he has progressed from dark horse to contender. His confidence has grown with experience, and his recent performances reflect a fighter more polished and self-assured than before.
Fundora’s size, power, and awkward style make him an uncommon challenge at super-welterweight. Standing 6′6″ with a long reach, he can dominate exchanges both at distance and in close quarters, unsettling opponents who struggle to adjust. In 2025, matchups where he is not heavily favoured may still hold value, as many continue to underestimate how effectively he blends volume punching with resilience. His continued improvement in timing and defence only strengthens that perception gap.
Betting The Smart Shot
Underdogs are not just long shots as they can be smart plays when grounded in data, matchup insight and strategic execution. The five fighters above each embody that logic in 2025. If the conditions align and you identify the favourable mismatch, backing an underdog can be a savvy move rather than a gamble. Keep monitoring emerging bouts, track how lines move, and focus on value over popularity. In the high stakes of elite boxing, the underdog can sometimes deliver the most interesting story.
