Oleksandr Usyk, Moses Itauma and Fabio Wardley scoop prestigious boxing awards

The annual British Boxing Board of Control awards were hosted on Sunday night, and some notable names were among the winners.

Newly minted WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley won the British Boxer of the Year award after a stunning 2025.

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The Ipswich puncher kicked off the year with a dramatic come-from-behind stoppage win over Justis Huni in June before dispatching Joseph Parker four months later for the WBO interim title.

He was subsequently elevated to full WBO heavyweight champion in December when Oleksandr Usyk opted to vacate rather than defend against the Brit.

Wardley saw off stiff competition from Nick Ball, Jazza Dickens, Moses Itauma, Ellie Scotney and Conah Walker to scoop the gong.

“This is a really kind setting in that I am really achieving some things,” Wardley, who defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois on May 9, told Sky Sports.

“I feel like with this, it is recognition across the board after I have been doubted and overlooked in my career.

“So for the peers to get together and say, ‘You know what, Fabio Wardley, has had one heck of a year’, it really warms the heart.”

While Itauma missed out on the main award, the precocious 21-year-old was named Boxing Writers Young Boxer of the Year.

The Chatham southpaw continued his ascent up the heavyweight mountain last year with blistering knockout wins over Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte.

He returns to action on March 28 for one last learning fight against Jermaine Franklin before he is cut loose in the second half of 2026.

“I didn’t come into boxing for pats on the back or awards, but obviously, when you work is being recognised, you do feel good about it,” said Itauma.

British Boxing Board of Control 2025 award winners

British Boxer of the Year – Fabio Wardley

Boxing Writers Young Boxer of the Year – Moses Itauma

Contest of the Year – Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn I

Overseas Boxer of the Year – Oleksandr Usyk

Dennie Mancini Award – Dalton Smith

Sir Henry Cooper Services to Boxing Award – Nigel Travis

Special Recognition Awards – Josh Taylor, Claude Abrahams, Tris Dixon, and Matt Christie

There was also reason to celebrate for Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, who received the Contest of the Year prize for their barnburning inaugural encounter.

Eubank Jr saw off Benn in a high-octane battle in April before ‘The Destroyer’ exacted his revenge in a lopsided rematch in November.

“You never know you have it in you until you have to prove it, so for me to be able to prove it as a silver spoon kid,” said Benn.

“More importantly, we delivered what we said we were going to deliver. I’m glad everybody enjoyed it.

“I’m glad we did what we said we were going to do. It took a part of our souls that fight; we gave everything we had.

“I’m glad you guys were entertained. Ultimately, it’s the entertainment business.

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“Hopefully, there’s plenty more nights like that. We’re just getting started.”

Elsewhere, Usyk picked up the Overseas Boxer of the Year award after blasting away Dubois inside five rounds in his sole appearance of the year, while Ben Davison was named Trainer of the Year.

WBC super-lightweight champion Dalton Smith won the Dennie Mancini Award for former or current Commonwealth champions.

Respected coach Nigel Travis received the Sir Henry Cooper Services to Boxing award for his work with community boxing club Moss Side.

And there were also Special Recognition awards for former undisputed super lightweight champion Josh Taylor, as well as esteemed ex-Boxing News editors Claude Abrahams, Tris Dixon, and Matt Christie.