Seconds Out has been confirmed as the official media partner for the British Boxing Board of Control’s Southern Area Annual Awards 2025. This marks the first time the prestigious event has partnered with a dedicated media outlet.

Since its inaugural dinner in 2010, the annual awards – now held as a luncheon – have become a fixture on the boxing calendar, overseen by Southern Area Chairman Mick Collier. Previous recipients of the coveted Boxer of the Year award include former WBA and IBF World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois and WBO Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith. The Fight of the Year award has recognised memorable contests such as Johnny Fisher’s clash with Harry Armstrong for the Southern Area heavyweight title at the O2 in 2023.

In 2023, the Cecil Ross Young Boxer of the Year award was introduced, won initially by Caroline Dubois and, in 2024, by rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma. The Trainer of the Year accolade will be renamed the James Cook Trainer of the Year from 2025, with previous winners including Don Charles, Shane McGuigan and Tony Sims.

A new addition to this year’s programme is the Colin Hart Media Award, recognising contributions from across the boxing media landscape, including journalists, photographers, broadcasters, YouTubers and online streaming platforms. This reflects the growing global reach of Southern Area boxing shows.

For the first time, fans will also have the opportunity to vote online for the Seconds Out Legend Award. Three industry legends will be shortlisted, with the winner decided by public vote in the weeks leading up to the event.

Southern Area Council member Ben Harmsworth, who is leading the organisation of the event, said:

“We are excited to be working with Robert Waterman and Lee Martin, Managing Director and Chairman of SecondsOut.com. For the first time, fans will be able to fully engage with the awards and even pre-register bids for our fantastic auction items.”

All 2025 nominees will be announced by the Southern Area Council on 3 September 2025. The awards will be presented at the gala luncheon on 16 November 2025 at London’s Leonardo Royal Hotel. Proceeds from the ticketed event will benefit the BBBofC Southern Area Benevolent Fund, which supports former Southern Area licence holders in need. This year’s event is already sold out.