As everybody studying this already is aware of, the lifetime of a critical boxing fan may be powerful nowadays as we watch so many gifted fighters flip their backs on the match-ups that make sense, essentially the most intriguing showdowns that the game has to supply, and as an alternative we see guys like Jake Paul make a mockery of “The Candy Science.” An excessive amount of marinating, too many social media feuds, too many celebrities and YouTubers, and simply not sufficient critical fights: it’s a long-standing grievance, and there are not any indicators the regrettable pattern will probably be reversed anytime quickly. However hope springs everlasting, proper fellow battle freaks? So herewith, in no specific order, a listing of the highest fights we gotta see in 2026. Some are attainable, some are fanciful, however all can be intriguing for various causes. Be at liberty to remark and add the match-ups you’re pining for and possibly we’ll add ’em to the checklist. Verify ’em out:
1. Artur Beterbiev vs David Benavidez: Speak about pure violence and the proper chaser for the fights in 2025 that left a foul style in our mouths. This match-up just about ensures continuous motion because it options Beterbiev’s aggression and one-shot KO energy towards Benavidez’s relentless strain fashion. The conflict pits the older, extra skilled Beterbiev, who has a near-perfect knockout ratio, towards “The Mexican Monster,” who’s in his prime and identified for his stamina. With each rugged battlers prepared to take a shot to land one, this appears to us like a can’t-miss struggle for the ages, to not point out a showdown that might cement a critical legacy at 175 kilos for the victor.
2. Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani: Certainly, this match-up represents the largest occasion within the historical past of Japanese skilled boxing, and a must-see battle for followers around the globe because it pits two of the world’s finest, undefeated pound-for-pound fighters towards one another of their primes, a uncommon occasion. Each possess distinctive energy and excessive technical talent, to not point out contrasting types, with the orthodox, extra in-fighting Inoue dealing with the taller, longer-reaching southpaw in Nakatani. With each males coming off high-profile victories (although, admittedly, not essentially the most spectacular win for Nakatani), Inoue vs Nakatani represents a real elite-versus-elite showdown that the game must ship with out fail within the first half of the brand new yr. Right here’s hoping the powers-that-be acknowledge the importance of this match-up and get it carried out.
3. Oleksandr Usyk vs Fabio Wardley: The story of Fabio Wardley is an inspiring and unlikely one and the underside line is the person from Suffolk has clearly earned a shot at “The Cat.” And dismiss Wardley as a hopeless long-shot in order for you, however in fact it is a fascinating match-up between the technical mastery of Usyk and the uncooked energy and underdog spirit of Wardley. Sure, Usyk, the undisputed champion with an unblemished report, represents a large step up in competitors for Wardley, however the Brit’s immense knockout energy means he is a continuing hazard, and there stays the potential for a dramatic upset. The conflict of types, mixed with the excessive stakes of a heavyweight title match, would create a compelling and unpredictable spectacle and, probably, a extremely entertaining motion battle.
4. Naoya Inoue vs Jesse Rodriguez: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Monster” Inoue would possibly simply be the most effective battle in all {of professional} boxing proper now as it might be a conflict between two elite, undefeated pound-for-pound boxers, in addition to a showdown between a extremely skilled future Corridor of Famer and a fresh-faced elite-level expertise. The stylistic variations between Rodriguez’s excessive ring IQ and angle creation, versus Inoue’s devastating energy and composure, promise an explosive contest. Each possess scintillating abilities and spectacular knockout ratios, making certain a dramatic, must-see spectacle. Finally, a victory for both man can be a career-defining second, solidifying their place in boxing historical past.
5. Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney II: Speak about a responsible pleasure. By no means does Ryan Garcia deserve a excessive profile battle and a giant payday, and but a Haney vs Garcia rematch, steeped as it’s in an intense private rivalry and a controversial backstory can be an irresistible attraction. The primary bout noticed a ferocious Garcia win a majority resolution, however that was overturned to a no-contest after he examined optimistic for performance-enhancing medication, leaving an air of “unfinished enterprise”. Followers are desirous to see if Garcia can show he can win cleanly or if Haney can get his redemption and settle the rating in a definitive means. A possible rematch may additionally develop into a big title unification battle if If Garcia defeats Mario Barrios for his WBC title belt.
6. Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Jaron “Boots” Ennis: A possible 2026 match-up between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis guarantees a excessive stakes conflict of undefeated abilities of their prime. The bout options compelling, contrasting types: Ortiz Jr. is a relentless strain fighter with knockout energy, whereas Ennis presents slick abilities, switch-hitting skill, and formidable pace. This dynamic creates real questions on who would prevail, making it the form of unpredictable 50-50 battle all of us crave, with the winner poised to imagine supremacy at 154 kilos.
7. Daniel Dubois vs Moses Itauma: An Itauma vs Dubois matchup in 2026 represents a high-stakes, crossroads battle between an skilled, hard-hitting former title-holder towards an undefeated prodigy. The conflict of types between Itauma’s southpaw precision and pace and Dubois’ expertise and bodily power ought to create a compelling ring drama. As each generate important energy, the bout presents the excessive likelihood of a spectacular, definitive end. Moreover, this home conflict may function a turning level for British boxing, doubtlessly ushering within the subsequent dominant drive within the heavyweight division.
8. Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney: A Stevenson vs Haney match-up would characteristic two of essentially the most expert, high-IQ American boxers of their technology dealing with one another of their prime. Ideally, it may result in an enchanting chess match that might enable followers to see each pugilists at their technical finest. With Shakur’s elite protection and distance administration pitted towards Haney’s measurement, attain, and tactical changes, the bout presents a compelling competitors of talent relatively than simply uncooked energy, and a battle that might intensify because it unfolded over the twelve spherical distance. Each have expressed mutual respect and a want for a legacy-defining battle to occur when the time is true, so why not make it occur in 2026?
9. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol III: Merely put, a Beterbiev vs Bivol trilogy battle in 2026 must occur. We have now some unfinished enterprise right here, and battle followers should have it resolved. Their first two clashes have been thrilling, razor-close, majority selections, every fighter securing one win. The compelling conflict of types—Beterbiev’s relentless energy and strain towards Bivol’s precision, and motion—gave us dynamic and unpredictable fights and chapter three would possible be simply as aggressive, however one thing tells us one in every of these two goes to place their stamp on the rivalry. Finally, the winner would cement their legacy because the undisputed king of the division in among the best rivalries of latest years.
10. Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach II: Once more, unfinished enterprise. Roach bought robbed when the primary bout was scored a majority draw by the judges and everyone is aware of it. After which he bought robbed once more in his bout with Isaac Cruz. He deserves a return and a giant payday, whereas Davis owes battle followers a efficiency actually befitting his abilities, plus a definitive conclusion, somehow. Roach’s skill to face up to Tank’s energy and even wobble him of their preliminary battle demonstrated a aggressive steadiness that shocked many; can “The Reaper” duplicate that outing and make a second bout compelling? Each fighters expressed fast curiosity in operating it again, indicating a excessive likelihood of an thrilling, action-packed match. Each Davis and Roach want this battle, and so do the followers. –Neil Crane
