Boxing fans, 2026 could be a pivotal year. From heavyweight showdowns to elite bouts in the lighter divisions, the calendar has the potential to feature fights with major competitive and legacy significance. Here is WBN’s rundown of the 10 potential fights expected to draw the most attention in 2026. 1. Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder – Heavyweight Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) could face former WBC champion Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs). Usyk’s technical skill and unbeaten record contrast with Wilder’s knockout power and veteran experience. Both have been active during 2025, making this a bout of global interest. Why this fight matters: Heavyweight styles collide; legacy and rankings impact. Weight class: Heavyweight Titles: WBA, WBC, IBF belts held by Usyk 2. Tyson Fury vs Moses Itauma – Heavyweight A potential matchup could pair Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) with rising contender Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs). If promoters move forward, Fury’s size and experience would meet Itauma’s unbeaten record, explosive power, and athleticism, offering a high-profile test for both fighters in the heavyweight rankings. Why this fight matters: Experience versus rising contender; heavyweight rankings implications. Weight class: Heavyweight 3. Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Super Bantamweight Japan’s Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) could face fellow Japanese standout Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs). If this fight materializes, it would be a top super bantamweight showdown featuring two undefeated champions with high knockout rates. Why this fight matters: Clash of undefeated champions; international and domestic attention. Weight class: Super Bantamweight Ohashi Promotions / JBC 4. Artur Bivol vs Dmitry Beterbiev III – Light Heavyweight A third fight between light heavyweight champions Artur Bivol and Dmitry Beterbiev could settle their rivalry. Bivol’s technical precision would face Beterbiev’s power punching, potentially determining division supremacy. Why this fight matters: Trilogy conclusion; division supremacy at stake. Weight class: Light Heavyweight 5. Devin Haney vs Shakur Stevenson – Welterweight A prospective matchup could see Devin Haney (33-0-1, 15 KOs) against Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 10 KOs). Both are highly technical fighters, and a potential bout would have multi-weight implications and could clarify the pecking order at 147 pounds. Why this fight matters: Unbeaten champions potentially collide; tactical and technical implications. Weight class: Welterweight 6. David Benavidez vs Jai Opetaia – Cruiserweight David Benavidez (31-0, 24 KOs) could extend his move up to cruiserweight to face Jai Opetaia (29-0, 22 KOs). Should this fight take place, two unbeaten fighters would compete for potential division supremacy in the 200-pound ranks for three world titles. Why this fight matters: Unbeaten fighters could clash; potential long-term impact on cruiserweight becoming undisputed. Weight class: Cruiserweight 7. Jaron Ennis vs Terence Crawford – Middleweight Another potential matchup could see Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) face Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs). If Crawford ends his retirement, it would test Ennis’ ceiling against a proven pound-for-pound elite and carry major implications for middleweight supremacy. Ennis has commitments at 154 pounds first. Why this fight matters: Rising contender versus established elite; middleweight rankings impact. Weight class: Middleweight Ed Mulholland / Esther Lin 8. Sebastian Fundora vs Vergil Ortiz – Super Welterweight If arranged, Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) could face Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs) in a top fight at 154 pounds. Fundora’s reach and unorthodox approach, versus Ortiz’s power, would make this an unpredictable, high-action bout. Why this fight matters: Stylistic contrast; super welterweight rankings could be affected. Weight class: Super Welterweight 9. Jesse Rodriguez vs Roman Gonzalez – Super Flyweight A potential fight could pair Jesse Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) against veteran Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (53-4, 41 KOs). If it happens, it would provide insight into the super flyweight hierarchy and pit an emerging star against a proven legend. Why this fight matters: Emerging star versus established legend; super flyweight rankings impact. Weight class: Super Flyweight 10. David Benavidez vs Bivol or Beterbiev – Light Heavyweight A potential late-year matchup could see David Benavidez challenge either Artur Bivol or Dmitry Beterbiev. Should it happen, both opponents represent elite competition, with significant consequences for light heavyweight dominance and career legacy, depending on how Benavidez fares at 200 pounds in the spring. Why this fight matters: Possible super-fight; title stakes and legacy implications. Weight class: Light Heavyweight These 10 potential bouts highlight the top fights of 2026 if they come to fruition, featuring unbeaten champions, stylistic matchups, and significant legacy stakes. Fans should monitor negotiations and scheduling closely in the coming weeks. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

Jake Paul claimed he won two rounds, but Anthony Joshua dominated from bell to bell — landing 48 of 146 punches to Paul’s 16 and sweeping all rounds on the official scorecards. Speaking on the Impaulsive Podcast following his sixth-round knockout loss to Joshua on Friday, December 19, at Miami’s Kaseya Center, Paul insisted the contest was far closer than the official numbers suggest. “I won two rounds, then he won two, then I got dropped,” Paul said. “But I was doing good. My cardio, just the mental pressure of the big guy. I had him wobbled at one point.” A review of the punch statistics, judges’ scorecards, and World Boxing News’ live scoring presents a completely different picture. CompuBox Numbers Undermine the Claim CompuBox confirms Paul never outlanded Joshua in any round. Total punches landed: Paul 16 of 56 | Joshua 48 of 146 Power punches landed: Paul 9 of 22 | Joshua 34 of 79 Rounds 1–4: Paul landed 11 punches | Joshua landed 17 While Paul circled and limited exchanges early, Joshua still landed the cleaner, more effective punches in each round. There was no completed round in which Paul landed more punches than Joshua. The fight shifted decisively in the fifth round, when Joshua landed 14 power punches and scored two knockdowns. In the sixth, Joshua landed 8 of 13 power shots, sending Paul down twice more and breaking his jaw, before the referee stopped the contest. Judges Scored Every Round for Joshua At the time of the stoppage, all three official judges had scored every completed round for Anthony Joshua: David Sutherland: 43–50 Michael Tate: 43–50 Steve Weisfeld: 43–50 The scorecards included a 10–7 fifth round for Joshua and reflected the additional knockdowns that preceded the stoppage in the sixth. World Boxing News Live Scoring Confirms the Result World Boxing News’ live scorecard matched the official judges exactly, round for round, providing real-time confirmation rather than post-fight interpretation. Across official judging, punch statistics, and independent live scoring, there is no statistical or factual basis for the claim that Paul won two rounds. Claim Versus Reality Paul acknowledged learning from the experience and pointed to limited preparation time and the physical challenge of facing a heavyweight. “I see where I could have done better,” he said. “I’m a little disappointed, but I also know how good he is.” However, the combined evidence shows Paul did not win — or statistically outscore Joshua — in a single round. The early rounds were about movement and damage control; Joshua’s pressure quickly made the fight one-sided. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

Jake Paul’s boxing future is in serious doubt after suffering a double jaw fracture that could end his career, according to promoters and medical experts. Paul suffered the injury during his loss to Anthony Joshua and underwent surgery early Saturday morning after the bout. Attention has since shifted from recovery timelines to whether a return to the ring is even possible. Eddie Hearn warns Paul may never box again Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn delivered the most sobering assessment to date while speaking with Ariel Helwani, stressing that jaw injuries of this severity have ended careers before. “He may never be able to fight again,” Hearn said. “People just think, ‘Oh, you just get your jaw wired, bolted together by a couple of screws, and on you go.’ There have been many fighters who have had their jaws broken that never boxed again.” Hearn also dismissed any suggestion that the fight involved theatrics or pre-arranged outcomes, highlighting the seriousness of Paul’s injuries. “We’re not actors here. It was one hundred per cent real. There was never any strategy, any deal, any script,” he stated. This type of injury can halt a rising career before it fully begins. Joshua waited for one clean opening According to Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s approach was built on patience rather than volume, waiting for the moment he could land decisively. “AJ wanted to land clean as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the only time he landed really clean was in the sixth round,” Hearn added. That single connection proved pivotal, resulting in the damage that now defines the uncertainty around Paul’s boxing future. One clean punch may now define Paul’s boxing trajectory. Chris Algieri explains why the injury is considered severe Former world champion Chris Algieri, speaking on Boxing Scene Today, explained why a double jaw fracture is viewed within boxing as a potentially career-altering injury. “Listen, this happens. It’s not common, obviously. It’s a very bad injury, but you know, double fracture on both sides,” Algieri said. Algieri detailed the surgical process, noting that plates were installed on both sides of Paul’s jaw and that teeth were removed due to the fracture locations. “You’re going to lose teeth there, too. And if you saw the X-rays post-surgery, you saw the two plates on each side and the missing teeth because they have to take those out because of where the fractures are,” he explained. Bone healing and dental reconstruction will dictate if he can ever fight again. Recovery is complex and uncertain Algieri emphasized that recovery extends far beyond the initial surgery, beginning with bone regeneration around the plates before any dental reconstruction can take place. “The bone is allowed to grow and heal around that. That bone density needs to fill in first before they can put those teeth back in there,” Algieri said. “You can’t drill into a jaw that’s healing to put tooth implants. That’s not a great idea.” Only after structural healing and restored bone density can jaw strength be rebuilt, a process that may take many months. “He’s going to be out of the ring for a while,” Algieri added. “We’ll see how that jaw comes together because, in boxing terms, that’s a catastrophic injury.” Months of rehab don’t guarantee a safe return to the ring. Paul speaks after surgery Paul confirmed he had undergone surgery early Saturday and described the immediate aftermath in a post shared shortly afterward. “Just got out of surgery. Everything went smoothly. Thanks for all the love,” Paul wrote. “Lots of pain and stiffness. Gotta eat liquids for seven days.” He also thanked the medical staff who treated him at Miami University Hospital. An uncertain road ahead Paul has acknowledged the need for time away following an intense run of high-profile events. However, as both Hearn and Algieri have outlined, recovery alone may not determine his future. For now, Jake Paul’s boxing career remains in limbo, with the outcome hinging not on ambition or matchmaking, but on whether his jaw can fully recover to withstand elite-level competition again. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

The WBC Grand Prix Finals in Riyadh produced four champions from 128 fighters, each claiming the José Sulaimán Trophy. Heavyweight: Kevin Ramírez Secures a Hard-Fought Victory Argentina’s Kevin Ramírez captured the heavyweight crown after a series of decisive rounds against Bosnia’s Ahmed Krnjić. Ramírez landed precise combinations, moved with agility, and timed his attacks expertly, while Krnjić’s key shots kept the contest balanced. Judges scored the fight 78-74 and 77-75 twice. This win cements Ramírez as a future star to watch on the global stage. “I’ve gone through things no one knows about, and I was on the verge of hanging up the gloves. Now I want to be the Cruiserweight World Champion,” Ramírez said. Super Lightweight: Carlos Utria Claims a Narrow Decision Colombia’s Carlos Utria edged Uzbekistan’s Mujibillo Tursunov in a tight battle. Utria landed sharp uppercuts and combinations at pivotal moments, keeping just enough edge for the judges, who scored 78-74 and 77-75 twice. This victory positions Utria as a rising Super Lightweight contender with global potential. “This victory is for my people in Soplavientos. The cup is coming home!” Utria said. Featherweight: Brandon Mejía Triumphs in a Tense Final Mexico’s Brandon Mejía outpointed Italy’s Muhamet Qamili in a featherweight showdown that stayed tense to the last bell. Both fighters exchanged heavy combinations, with Mejía holding a slight advantage despite a point deduction in the final round. Judges scored 78-73 and 76-75. Mejía’s win marks him as a key figure to watch in his division. “I faced a very resilient and complicated opponent. It is a tremendous pride to be the first WBC Grand Prix champion,” Mejía said. Middleweight: Dylan Biggs Wins a Tactical Battle Australia’s Dylan Biggs overcame Canada’s Derek Pomerleau in a middleweight final that stayed competitive throughout. An early knockdown gave Biggs a thin margin, which he maintained with disciplined aggression and sharp defense. The bout ended in a unanimous decision, establishing Biggs among the top middleweight prospects and signaling his readiness for bigger stages. “This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was 10 years old. We finally got here and achieved our goal,” Biggs said. Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright The WBC Grand Prix Finals crowned four champions: Kevin Ramírez, Brandon Mejía, Carlos Utria, and Dylan Biggs. Each lifted the José Sulaimán Trophy, signaling their arrival on the global stage. Analysts project title opportunities and ranking advancements. The Grand Prix continues as a proving ground for the next generation of elite boxers, with these four champions setting a benchmark for future competitors. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

Mike Tyson, 59, is back in the gym preparing for his March 2026 exhibition against Floyd Mayweather. Meanwhile, Mayweather has remained silent since September. Social media is buzzing with Tyson’s first training glimpse. But Mayweather has yet to comment, leaving fans to wonder if he is entirely on board. As World Boxing News has reported, a rematch with Manny Pacquiao is also in the works. Despite not fighting since August 2024, Mayweather is now expected to compete twice in a few months, and one potentially in a professional comeback. Tyson in Camp Tyson’s longtime coach, Rafael Cordeiro, shared a photo on Instagram showing the 59-year-old mid-session, captioned “keep going.” ‘Iron Mike’ stands beside Cordeiro, sweating and fully engaged, signaling he has moved past discussion and into serious preparation. Tyson Confirms March 2026 Bout Earlier this month, at his “An Evening With Mike Tyson” event, Tyson confirmed the fight publicly: “Floyd Mayweather, can you believe that? It’s going to be in March in Africa. It’s going to break all the records.” The announcement reflects Tyson’s direct style and contrasts with Mayweather’s usual preference for controlling fight narratives. Mayweather built his undefeated 50-0 record by managing timing, promotion, and media coverage. Tyson and Manny Pacquiao have now publicly revealed fight plans Mayweather may have preferred to keep private. Tyson’s First Camp Photo Tyson has not competed since his 2024 exhibition with Jake Paul. He has, however, been consistently working on fundamentals and pad work with Cordeiro. The recent Instagram post shows his preparation intensifying, offering fans a first look at a veteran returning to the ring. Key takeaways from the session image: Tyson is locked in training. Coach Cordeiro is sharpening Tyson’s footwork, power drills, and defensive techniques. The session marks the official start of Tyson’s preparations for the March 2026 exhibition. March 2026 Exhibition Preview Africa will host one of the most anticipated boxing exhibitions in recent memory. The initial camp images signal a shift from speculation to reality. Mayweather’s lack of engagement adds tension and intrigue as fans wait to see if and when he will respond. What to watch for next: Further training updates from Tyson and Cordeiro Promotional activity from Mayweather’s team Potential adjustments or changes in training camp leading into the event Fans are waiting — will 2026 finally see Mayweather acknowledge his part in the event? About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

Terence Crawford, boxing icon, silenced every doubter the night he dismantled Errol Spence Jr. Critics who questioned Crawford’s résumé, welterweight credentials, or pound-for-pound status had nowhere left to stand. That performance answered lingering doubts — but it was his victory over Canelo Álvarez in September that truly cemented Crawford’s legacy and allowed him to walk away on his own terms. The Spence Fight That Ended Doubt Before the 2025 bout, Crawford’s greatness came with caveats. His talent was undeniable, but elite validation — the kind that settles debates — was still missing. Against Spence, he delivered it emphatically. He didn’t edge a close decision. He didn’t survive adversity. He dominated, dropped, and stopped one of the division’s most respected champions, answering every lingering question in a single night. Canelo Confirmed: Legacy Secured While Spence answered questions, Crawford’s win over Canelo took his legacy to the pinnacle. The fight left no room for debate, proving he could defeat one of boxing’s most recognized names at the height of his career. Even with Canelo expecting a rematch in September 2026, Crawford had nothing left to prove — he didn’t need the return bout to validate himself further. Walking Away With Nothing Left to Prove Fighters retire for different reasons. Some leave after long careers built on accumulation and longevity. Others walk away because there is nothing left to prove. Crawford belongs firmly in the second category. Unlike Floyd Mayweather, whose exit was defined by careful career management, Crawford departed immediately after ultimate validation. He didn’t walk away undefeated after years of preservation — he walked away after reaching the summit. That distinction matters. Preserving Legacy With Perfect Timing Many fighters stay too long, chasing closure that never arrives. Crawford avoided that fate. By stepping aside after his defining victories, he preserved both his body and his legacy. No unanswered rivalries No disputed outcomes No “what if” hanging over his résumé For those who once doubted Crawford’s place at the very top, the combination of Spence and Canelo forced a full reassessment — and his decision to walk away cemented it. A Career Defined by Resolution Crawford’s legacy is no longer about potential or debate. He proved his case, accepted the risk, delivered under the brightest spotlight, and exited without compromise. That combination is rare — and it’s why this retirement resonates beyond boxing circles. For skeptics turned believers, the story is complete. Crawford didn’t just win his final fights. He won the argument. Read our complete fight breakdowns and highlights from Crawford’s Spence, and Canelo victories. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.