The upcoming year holds great promise for the sport of boxing, which has historically faced periods of underachievement. Thankfully, recent years have seen a rise in high-profile fights among top-tier fighters, raising hopes that 2026 can build on the momentum expected to carry forward from 2025.
CBS Sports’ boxing analysts Brian Campbell and Brent Brookhouse tackle four key questions about what lies ahead, covering the biggest anticipated fights, standout rising stars, surprises from the past year, and the prospects for new undisputed champions.
1. Biggest Fight of the Year:
Campbell highlights the potential rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, contingent on Garcia defeating WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios. Their first fight was marred by controversy, including a no-contest ruling due to Garcia’s failed drug test, making the rematch highly anticipated for its drama and significance. Brookhouse points to a major showdown in Japan between domestic stars Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, a fight expected to captivate Japanese and global boxing fans and impact pound-for-pound rankings dramatically.
2. Breakout Fighter in 2026:
Campbell believes Jaron “Boots” Ennis is poised for a breakthrough after finally securing high-profile bouts, including a rare non-title match against the undefeated Virgil Ortiz Jr., which could elevate Ennis into the top echelon of fighters. Brookhouse sees Moses Itauma, a dominant young heavyweight, as a rising star, particularly with a March bout against seasoned competitor Jermaine Franklin that could mark his emergence as a major force.
3. Disappointments of the Year:
Campbell singles out Canelo Alvarez, noting his recent loss to Terrence Crawford and concerns over his future competitiveness at age 35 given recent avoidance of top contenders and a focus on less challenging fights. Brookhouse expresses disappointment about Oleksandr Usyk’s potential fight with aging Deontay Wilder, which he considers an uninspiring matchup that could tarnish Usyk’s otherwise stellar legacy.
4. New Undisputed Champion Prospects:
Campbell suggests that David Benavidez could become undisputed in the cruiserweight division after a bout with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, highlighting a potential crossover fight against Dmitry Bivol as a major event. Brookhouse leans toward Jesse Rodriguez as a likely new undisputed champion in the junior bantamweight division, though he points out the challenges of unifying titles in boxing’s complex landscape.
Fan Take: This analysis shines a spotlight on the compelling narratives brewing in boxing that fans will want to follow closely in 2026. From thrilling rematches to the rise of fresh talent and the pursuit of undisputed titles, these storylines underscore a sport that’s regaining its excitement and global relevance.
