As the new year kicks off, boxing typically slows down, but 2026 is set to be an exception with several exciting fights lined up for January and February. The year opens on January 3 with Amanda Serrano challenging Erika Cruz for Cruz’s two featherweight titles in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as Serrano aims to enhance her Hall of Fame legacy. A major highlight is the January 31 bout in New York featuring WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez facing off against three-division champion Shakur Stevenson, marking a highly anticipated clash between two rising American stars. Additionally, numerous other championship fights are scheduled, promising a thrilling start to the boxing calendar in 2026.
Here is the upcoming fight schedule for early 2026:
- January 3: Amanda Serrano (c) vs. Erica Cruz in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Unified women’s featherweight title (DAZN)
- January 10: Subriel Mathias (c) vs. Dalton Smith in Brooklyn, New York – WBC Junior Welterweight Championship (PPV.com)
- January 10: Ajit Kabael (ic) vs. Damian Kuniva in Oberhausen, Germany – WBC heavyweight interim title (DAZN)
- January 16: Gilberto Ramirez (c) vs. Robin Silwan Safar in Palm Desert, California – Cruiserweight unified title (DAZN)
- January 24: Raymond Muratala (c) vs. Andy Cruz in Vegas – IBF lightweight title (DAZN)
- January 24: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr. in Manchester, England – Heavyweight (DAZN)
- January 31: Teofimo Lopez Jr. (c) vs. Shakur Stevenson in New York – WBO junior welterweight title (DAZN)
- January 31: Xander Zayas (c) vs. Abbas Barau in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Unified junior middleweight title (to be decided)
- January 31: Bakram Murtazaliev (c) vs. Josh Kelly in Newcastle, England – IBF Junior Middleweight Championship (DAZN)
- January 31: Jacob Bank vs. William Scurll in Kolding, Denmark – Super middleweight (DAZN)
- February 21: Mario Barrios (c) vs. Ryan Garcia (location and broadcaster TBD) – WBC Welterweight Championship
- February 21: Josh Warrington vs. Lee Wood in Nottingham, England – Junior lightweight (DAZN)
- February 28: Navarra (c) vs. Nuñez Education in Glendale, Arizona – Junior lightweight unified title (DAZN)
Note: The schedule is subject to updates and changes.
Fan Take: This lineup promises an exhilarating start to 2026, offering fans some of boxing’s brightest talents in key title fights. These matchups could reshape divisions and boost the sport’s appeal, making it an essential period for followers of boxing’s future stars.
