In boxing, retirement is rarely a permanent decision. Fighters leave the sport, but the itch to return often arises. Whether it’s unfinished business, legacy, or simply the drive to compete again, 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years for comebacks.
Some former champions are stepping back into the spotlight, chasing titles, money, or a sense of closure, but not all comebacks are created equal. Some legends return with a solid chance to win. Others come back for the check. Here is a breakdown of the biggest comebacks this year.
Deontay Wilder: One Last Run
Deontay Wilder, now 39, built a reputation as one of the most fearsome punchers in heavyweight history. A former WBC heavyweight champion, he held the title from 2015 to 2020 and made ten successful defenses. His career has been defined by an extraordinary knockout ratio, with only a single win coming by decision.
Wilder has remained largely inactive since 2023, sitting out most of 2024. In early 2025, he signals a comeback, reigniting speculation about one final campaign at the top level. Retirement has never been officially announced, but his long absence left many questioning if he was done. Now, he’s back in the conversation, and observers are watching closely to see if the return becomes sustained.
Gennady Golovkin: Precision Over Power
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin has not stepped into a professional ring since 2022. A former unified middleweight world champion, Golovkin became known for his methodical style, granite chin, and elite ring control.
At his peak, he ruled the middleweight division with devastating efficiency and earned a fearsome reputation through 23 consecutive title defenses.
Now 42, Golovkin has maintained a low public profile since vacating his titles and stepping away from active competition. Though no official retirement statement has been made, most believed he had walked away.
Reports in 2025 suggest a comeback is on the horizon. He is said to be under contract for a two-fight deal, sparking rumors about a return to the spotlight before closing his career for good.
Jorge Linares: One Final Chapter
Jorge Linares officially announced his retirement in 2023 following a decorated career that saw him capture world titles in three weight divisions. Renowned for his elegance in the ring and lightning-fast combinations, Linares fought elite opponents across the globe, earning fans in Japan, the U.S., and Venezuela.
Despite hanging up his gloves, rumors swirled in early 2025 about a possible farewell bout in Japan. While nothing has been confirmed, the comeback talk has reignited fan interest, especially in the region where he enjoyed some of his biggest career moments.
At 39, Linares knows time is short, and if a return materializes, it will almost certainly mark the closing chapter of a storied run.
Adrien Broner: Marketable, but Fading
Adrien Broner’s career has always existed in the spotlight, both for his achievements and his controversies. A former champion in four weight divisions, Broner once appeared destined for superstardom. His blend of flashy defense and raw confidence made him a commercial draw, even as his in-ring consistency declined.
After several inactive spells and off-the-record hiatuses, Broner remains technically unretired but seldom active. In 2025, he signals interest in returning once more. While questions about his commitment persist, his marketability ensures his name stays relevant. Whether this leads to a true resurgence or simply another short stint remains to be seen.
Why Comeback Matches Offer Value to Bettors
Boxing doesn’t offer hundreds of games a season, but it does offer something better: underpriced matchups. The sport is filled with variables, age, layoffs, style clashes, and weight changes. That makes it a good value option for informed bettors.
Fighters coming off layoffs often get wide odds, even when their style or experience gives them a real shot. Veteran boxers sometimes defeat favoured younger opponents by simply executing the basics more effectively. That’s why sharp bettors constantly scan comeback fights for mismatched odds.
Props also matter. You can look at specific rounds, methods of victory, or decision outcomes. These markets can hold more value than a straight win/loss bet, especially in return fights where pacing or rust plays a role.
That’s where bettors find opportunities. If you’re going to bet on boxing, it helps to follow return stories like these closely. They’re where the market sometimes misses.
Breaking Down the Unknowns of a Return Bout
When it comes to betting on boxing comebacks, intuition isn’t enough. These bouts are filled with unknowns — long layoffs, aging fighters, shifting weight classes, and inconsistent training histories. That’s why betting research and expert analysis play a critical role in separating emotion from opportunity.
A returning legend might bring name recognition and hype, but deep dives into their recent activity, conditioning, and matchup styles reveal the real story. Bettors who study fight tape, track trends, and examine historical data often spot value before the markets adjust. For instance, understanding how a fighter performs after layoffs or against southpaws can tilt the odds in your favor.
With tailored insights, matchup breakdowns, and odds movement analysis, bettors can make informed decisions not just based on legacy, but on logic. Comeback fights may be unpredictable, but with the right data, the smart bets become easier to spot.
More Than Just a Comeback
Comebacks in boxing are nothing new. However, 2025 brings a wave of returning talent, making this year especially active. Some fighters want one more shot at a title. Others want to go out on their terms. The results will vary.
The good news for bettors is that these fights are more than just a nostalgic attraction. The matchups are competitive, the odds are active, and the prop markets are deep. Whether you’re backing a knockout artist like Wilder or a technical veteran like Golovkin, the value is there if you know where to look.
If you’re going to bet on boxing this year, the comeback season is a smart place to start.