As boxing gears up for its first major fight of the year on January 31st, with Teofimo Lopez Jr. defending his 140-pound title against three-division champ Shakur Stevenson in New York, fans are eager to share their hopes for 2026’s biggest bouts. The sport is brimming with exciting matchups across various divisions, fueled by new promoters and networks like Turki Alarusik and Netflix, making many dream fights more achievable.
Looking ahead, one of the most anticipated fights at junior middleweight is a non-title clash between former unified welterweight champ Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) and the seasoned Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs). Despite a pause after Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya announced the bout’s cancellation over a rejected 50-50 deal, fans still hope this clash, showcasing Ortiz’s relentless pressure against Ennis’s dynamic style, happens either early or late in the year.
At lightweight, Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) faces a pivotal moment in his career with a planned rematch against Lamont Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs). Their first fight was intensely competitive, ending in a controversial draw, and Roach’s recent performance against Isaac Cruz only heightened anticipation. For Davis, this rematch is crucial to reaffirming his position in the sport amid ongoing personal challenges.
Another thrilling prospect is the light heavyweight showdown between Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) and David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs). Although fights against unified champ Dmitry Bivol hold significant stakes, this bout promises high-intensity action. Timing challenges persist, with Bivol recovering from surgery and Benavidez planning a move to cruiserweight, but the potential matchup between these Hall of Fame-caliber fighters is irresistible.
In what may be the biggest boxing event in Japan’s history, pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) will defend his undisputed 122-pound crown against fellow undefeated three-division champ Junto Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) at Tokyo Dome. This bout, set for early May, is highlighted by their identical records and home-country rivalry, promising a historic night for boxing fans worldwide.
Lastly, the heavyweight clash between seasoned champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) and up-and-comer Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) presents a fascinating test of experience versus youth. With Itauma’s dynamic style and Usyk nearing the twilight of his career, this fight holds intrigue despite questions about Itauma’s current standing at the top level.
Fan Take: Boxing fans should be excited because 2026 promises a mix of legendary matchups and fresh, dynamic talent clashing in the ring. These fights not only entertain but may define the careers of the sport’s top stars and set the course for boxing’s future.
