From 4–14 September 2025, Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena hosts the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025, the first unified elite edition to stage men’s and women’s events under the governance of World Boxing. Over ten days, preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals will unfold across multiple sessions, bringing together a deep international field and a compact arena setting known for high-intensity atmospheres. The release of the official competition schedule confirms a dense program designed for television and in-venue spectators alike, positioning Liverpool as a focal point for Olympic-style boxing this September.
Contents
- Tournament overview
- Competition format
- Daily schedule and medal rounds
- Weight classes
- Key nations and athletes
- Why Liverpool?
- Arena profile: M&S Bank Arena
- Tickets and attendance
- Broadcast and streaming
- Major storylines to watch
- Governance and Olympic context
- Fan guide: travel and logistics
- Historical context and records
- FAQ
Tournament overview
The World Boxing Championships 2025 will be held from 4–14 September 2025 in Liverpool, England. It is the first unified event under the new federation World Boxing, bringing men’s and women’s tournaments together.
Key facts
| Dates | 4–14 September 2025 |
| Venue | M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool |
| Athletes | 500+ expected |
| Nations | 60+ registered |
Why it matters
- First major test for the newly created World Boxing federation
- Directly tied to the sport’s Olympic status for Los Angeles 2028
- Largest Olympic-style boxing event in the UK since London 2012
Competition format
The championships follow the traditional knockout system, with boxers eliminated after a single loss.
Bout structure
- 3 rounds, each lasting 3 minutes
- 5 judges apply the 10-point must scoring system
- No rematches; winners advance directly
Medal allocation
Both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals, a tradition in Olympic boxing that increases the medal spread across countries.
Competition flow
- Preliminary rounds (first week)
- Quarterfinals (around 9–10 September)
- Semifinals (11 September)
- Medal rounds (12–14 September)
Daily schedule and medal rounds
The event runs for ten competition days at the M&S Bank Arena. The organiser has released the full day-by-day programme on the official channels. Sessions are planned across daytime and evening to accommodate TV and in-venue audiences.
Key dates at a glance
| Date | Phase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 4 Sep | Preliminaries begin | Opening day across multiple weights |
| Fri 5 – Tue 9 Sep | Preliminaries continue | Day and evening sessions |
| Wed 10 Sep | Quarterfinals | Places in medal rounds on the line |
| Thu 11 Sep | Semifinals | Both losing semifinalists take bronze |
| Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep | Finals / Medal ceremonies | Gold and silver decided across divisions |
Session structure
- Two sessions most days (daytime and evening)
- Consolidated medal programme across the final weekend
- Exact bout order published daily on official channels
Tickets and schedule updates
For seat maps, pricing and any timetable changes, use the venue and organiser pages: M&S Bank Arena and worldboxingliverpool.com. National-team pages may also list daily assignments once draws are confirmed.
Weight classes
The World Boxing Championships 2025 feature a full set of Olympic-style divisions for both men and women. These categories follow the latest World Boxing rules and are aligned with the framework used for Olympic qualification.
Men’s divisions
- 51 kg – Flyweight
- 57 kg – Featherweight
- 63.5 kg – Light welterweight
- 71 kg – Light middleweight
- 80 kg – Light heavyweight
- 92 kg – Heavyweight
- 92+ kg – Super heavyweight
Women’s divisions
- 50 kg – Light flyweight
- 54 kg – Bantamweight
- 57 kg – Featherweight
- 60 kg – Lightweight
- 66 kg – Welterweight
- 75 kg – Middleweight
Why the categories matter
Weight classes are central to boxing’s fairness and diversity. They allow athletes of different body types to compete on equal terms. For nations with emerging boxing programmes, lighter and heavier categories provide medal opportunities outside traditional strongholds.
Key nations and athletes
The World Boxing Championships 2025 are expected to draw athletes from over sixty countries. Several federations are sending near full-strength squads, making Liverpool one of the most competitive amateur boxing events in recent years.
Traditional powerhouses
- Cuba – multiple Olympic champions and a legacy of technical dominance
- United States – strong professional pipeline, growing focus on amateur resurgence
- Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan – consistent medal producers across men’s divisions
- Great Britain – boosted by home advantage and a deep women’s programme
Athletes to watch
- Lauren Price (GBR) – Olympic middleweight gold medallist, expected favourite in 75 kg
- Andy Cruz (CUB) – one of the most technically gifted lightweights, seeking another global title
- Buse Naz Çakıroğlu (TUR) – reigning European champion at flyweight
- Galal Yafai (GBR) – Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, competing at flyweight
Rising nations
Beyond traditional powers, countries like India, Philippines, and several African federations are investing heavily in elite programmes. Their participation brings wider geographic diversity and raises the level of competition.
Why Liverpool?
Liverpool has long been one of Britain’s most vibrant sporting cities. Beyond football and music heritage, the city has produced a steady stream of notable boxers and has hosted numerous national amateur championships. Its location and infrastructure make it an accessible hub for both domestic and international visitors.
Boxing tradition
- Home to champions such as John Conteh and Tony Bellew
- Strong grassroots scene via England Boxing clubs
- Regular host of professional fight nights at Echo Arena (now M&S Bank Arena)
Accessibility
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport with direct European links
- Rail connections to London, Manchester, Birmingham
- Compact city centre with hotels, restaurants, and waterfront attractions
Economic and cultural impact
The championships are projected to bring a significant boost to local tourism and hospitality sectors. With international media coverage, Liverpool will showcase not only its sporting facilities but also its cultural attractions such as the Museum of Liverpool and the UNESCO-listed waterfront.
Arena profile: M&S Bank Arena
The M&S Bank Arena, located on Liverpool’s historic waterfront, is the city’s premier indoor sports and entertainment venue. Since opening in 2008, it has hosted everything from international concerts to major sporting tournaments, including boxing, gymnastics, netball, and mixed martial arts.
Key specifications
| Opened | January 2008 |
| Capacity | Up to 11,000 (event dependent) |
| Location | Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront |
| Previous boxing events | Professional fight nights, national amateur finals |
Suitability for the championships
- Compact layout ensures close atmosphere for fans
- Flexible floor plan allows multiple rings during preliminary rounds
- Modern broadcast facilities to meet global TV requirements
Visitor facilities
The arena is part of the ACC Liverpool campus, which also includes a convention centre and exhibition hall. Visitors benefit from on-site parking, hotel options within walking distance, and a location adjacent to Liverpool’s city centre attractions.
Tickets and attendance
Tickets for the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool are being sold through the M&S Bank Arena website and the official event portal worldboxingliverpool.com. Organisers have designed a tiered pricing model to make the tournament accessible while still offering premium seating for finals weekend.
Ticket categories
- Day sessions: Lower-priced tickets for early rounds
- Evening sessions: Mid-tier pricing, often featuring headline bouts
- Finals weekend (12–14 September): Premium pricing and package offers
- All-session passes: Limited availability, designed for international visitors
Expected attendance
Arena capacity ranges from 7,000 to 11,000 depending on configuration. With boxing’s strong UK following and the historic nature of this event, organisers expect near full attendance on medal days. Preliminaries are likely to attract local fans, schools, and grassroots clubs, creating a diverse audience profile.
Hospitality options
The arena offers VIP lounges and corporate boxes. Packages include catering, priority seating, and access to exclusive hospitality areas. Details are available through the ACC Liverpool hospitality hub.
Broadcast and streaming
The World Boxing Championships 2025 will be broadcast across multiple international platforms. The rights are managed by World Boxing, with agreements aimed at securing global reach in both traditional TV and digital streaming markets.
Television partners
- BBC Sport (UK): Expected to carry highlights and finals coverage
- Eurosport: Continental Europe coverage, both live and on-demand
- ESPN (US & Latin America): Selected live bouts and highlights
- Local broadcasters: Deals with Asian and African networks to reach emerging markets
Streaming options
- Discovery+ in Europe
- ESPN+ in North America
- Free live streaming of preliminaries via World Boxing’s digital platforms
Coverage strategy
Organisers have structured the schedule with prime-time European slots for evening sessions. This ensures maximum viewership across the continent while keeping afternoon sessions accessible for Asian time zones. Broadcasters are also expected to push highlights via social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
Major storylines to watch
Beyond medals, the World Boxing Championships 2025 carry a set of narratives that will shape how the tournament is remembered. These storylines extend from sporting rivalries to governance challenges.
Return of Olympic champions
- Lauren Price (GBR): Competing in front of home fans after Olympic success
- Andy Cruz (CUB): Testing his dominance against a new generation of lightweights
- Buse Naz Çakıroğlu (TUR): Seeking to cement her status as Europe’s top flyweight
New era under World Boxing
This tournament is the first under the full control of World Boxing, formed in response to the IOC’s suspension of AIBA. The success or failure of the championships will directly influence whether boxing remains secure in the Los Angeles 2028 programme.
Host nation ambitions
Great Britain enters with one of its strongest squads in years. Home advantage and public support could translate into a record medal haul, further strengthening the UK’s position as a powerhouse in women’s and men’s amateur boxing.
Global growth
Emerging programmes from India, the Philippines, and several African nations are expected to produce upsets. Their success would underline boxing’s transition from traditional strongholds to a broader global stage.
Governance and Olympic context
The World Boxing Championships 2025 are more than a sporting contest—they are a test of governance. After years of disputes, the International Olympic Committee removed recognition of AIBA (International Boxing Association). In its place, World Boxing was established in 2023 to safeguard boxing’s place on the Olympic programme.
IOC position
- The IOC has placed boxing in a provisional status for Los Angeles 2028
- Governance, refereeing integrity, and anti-doping compliance are under scrutiny
- Liverpool 2025 will act as a benchmark for judging progress
What World Boxing has changed
- Transparent appointment of referees and judges
- Independent anti-doping programme in partnership with WADA
- Clearer financial reporting and separation from national federations
Olympic qualification relevance
While Liverpool is not a direct qualifier for Los Angeles 2028, performances will shape seedings, rankings, and the reputations of athletes and federations. Nations investing heavily in amateur programmes will see the event as a dress rehearsal for the new Olympic cycle.
Fan guide: travel and logistics
For visitors heading to Liverpool, the championships are designed to be accessible. The city offers direct travel connections, a compact layout, and a mix of affordable and premium accommodation options close to the M&S Bank Arena.
Getting there
- By air: Liverpool John Lennon Airport (20 minutes from city centre) and Manchester Airport (45 minutes by train)
- By train: Liverpool Lime Street station connects directly to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow
- By car: Motorway links M62 and M6 connect Liverpool to the rest of the UK
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from waterfront hotels like the Pullman Liverpool next to the arena to budget-friendly chains and boutique city-centre guesthouses. For visitors staying longer, serviced apartments provide family-friendly alternatives.
Getting around
- Most venues, hotels, and attractions are walkable within the city centre
- Public buses and Merseyrail provide efficient local transport
- Taxi and ride-hailing services widely available
Beyond the boxing
Fans can combine sport with sightseeing. Liverpool’s highlights include the Beatles Story museum, the Anfield stadium tour, and the revitalised Albert Dock with restaurants and galleries.
Historical context and records
The World Boxing Championships 2025 are the first unified edition under World Boxing, but the event continues a tradition of international amateur championships that dates back more than four decades. Understanding this history highlights how significant Liverpool 2025 could be for the sport’s future.
Timeline of world championships
- 1974: First men’s world championships held in Havana, Cuba
- 2001: Women’s championships launched in Scranton, USA
- 2012: Women’s boxing added to the Olympic Games in London
- 2023: Formation of World Boxing after IOC cut ties with AIBA
- 2025: First unified men’s and women’s championships in Liverpool
Records and milestones
| Record | Holder / Nation |
|---|---|
| Most men’s gold medals | Cuba – more than 140 across editions |
| Most women’s gold medals | China & Russia, dominant since 2000s |
| Youngest world champion | Kara Ro (CAN), crowned at 17 in 2001 |
Why 2025 is different
Unlike previous editions, Liverpool 2025 is governed by a new federation with a mandate to deliver fair judging, transparent governance, and credible anti-doping enforcement. The event is framed as a reset moment—where past controversies can be left behind and a sustainable Olympic future secured.
FAQ
Q: When and where are the championships held?
A: From 4–14 September 2025 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.
Q: How many athletes and nations will participate?
A: More than 500 boxers from over 60 nations are expected, making it one of the largest amateur boxing tournaments ever staged.
Q: Are tickets available to the public?
A: Yes. Tickets are available via the official event site and the M&S Bank Arena website.
Q: Will the event be televised?
A: Coverage is expected on BBC Sport in the UK, Eurosport across Europe, and ESPN in the Americas, with streaming via World Boxing’s digital platforms.
Q: Does Liverpool 2025 count towards Olympic qualification?
A: Not directly, but results will shape rankings, seedings, and reputations ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Q: Why is this championship significant?
A: It is the first unified men’s and women’s world championship under World Boxing, making it a crucial test of credibility for the sport’s global governance.
