2026: The Fights We Gotta See

As everyone reading this already knows, the life of a serious boxing fan can be tough these days as we watch so many talented fighters turn their backs on the match-ups that make sense, the most intriguing showdowns that the sport has to offer, and instead we see guys like Jake Paul make a mockery of “The Sweet Science.” Too much marinating, too many social media feuds, too many celebrities and YouTubers, and just not enough serious fights: it’s a long-standing complaint, and there are no signs the regrettable trend will be reversed anytime soon. But hope springs eternal, right fellow fight freaks? So herewith, in no particular order, a list of the top fights we gotta see in 2026. Some are possible, some are fanciful, but all would be intriguing for different reasons. Feel free to comment and add the match-ups you’re pining for and maybe we’ll add ’em to the list. Check ’em out:

1. Artur Beterbiev vs David Benavidez: Talk about pure violence and the perfect chaser for the fights in 2025 that left a bad taste in our mouths. This match-up pretty much guarantees non-stop action as it features Beterbiev’s aggression and one-shot KO power against Benavidez’s relentless pressure style. The clash pits the older, more experienced Beterbiev, who has a near-perfect knockout ratio, against “The Mexican Monster,” who is in his prime and known for his stamina. With both rugged battlers willing to take a shot to land one, this looks to us like a can’t-miss war for the ages, not to mention a showdown that would cement a serious legacy at 175 pounds for the victor.

2. Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani: Without a doubt, this match-up represents the biggest event in the history of Japanese professional boxing, and a must-see fight for fans around the world as it pits two of the world’s best, undefeated pound-for-pound fighters against each other in their primes, a rare event. Both possess exceptional power and high technical skill, not to mention contrasting styles, with the orthodox, more in-fighting Inoue facing the taller, longer-reaching southpaw in Nakatani. With both men coming off high-profile victories (though, admittedly, not the most impressive win for Nakatani), Inoue vs Nakatani represents a genuine elite-versus-elite showdown that the sport needs to deliver without fail in the first half of the new year. Here’s hoping the powers-that-be recognize the significance of this match-up and get it done.

3. Oleksandr Usyk vs Fabio Wardley: The tale of Fabio Wardley is an inspiring and unlikely one and the bottom line is the man from Suffolk has clearly earned a shot at “The Cat.” And dismiss Wardley as a hopeless long-shot if you want, but in truth this is a fascinating match-up between the technical mastery of Usyk and the raw power and underdog spirit of Wardley. Yes, Usyk, the undisputed champion with an unblemished record, represents a massive step up in competition for Wardley, but the Brit’s immense knockout power means he is a constant danger, and there remains the potential for a dramatic upset. The clash of styles, combined with the high stakes of a heavyweight title match, would create a compelling and unpredictable spectacle and, possibly, a highly entertaining action fight.

4. Naoya Inoue vs Jesse Rodriguez: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Monster” Inoue might just be the best fight in all of professional boxing right now as it would be a clash between two elite, undefeated pound-for-pound boxers, as well as a showdown between a highly experienced future Hall of Famer and a fresh-faced elite-level talent. The stylistic differences between Rodriguez’s high ring IQ and angle creation, versus Inoue’s devastating power and composure, promise an explosive contest. Both possess scintillating skills and impressive knockout ratios, ensuring a dramatic, must-see spectacle. Ultimately, a victory for either man would be a career-defining moment, solidifying their place in boxing history.

5. Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney II: Talk about a guilty pleasure. In no way does Ryan Garcia deserve a high profile fight and a big payday, and yet a Haney vs Garcia rematch, steeped as it is in an intense personal rivalry and a controversial backstory would be an irresistible attraction. The first bout saw a ferocious Garcia win a majority decision, but that was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, leaving an air of “unfinished business”. Fans are eager to see if Garcia can prove he can win cleanly or if Haney can get his redemption and settle the score in a definitive way. A potential rematch could also become a significant title unification fight if If Garcia defeats Mario Barrios for his WBC title belt.

6. Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Jaron “Boots” Ennis: A potential 2026 match-up between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis promises a high stakes clash of undefeated talents in their prime. The bout features compelling, contrasting styles: Ortiz Jr. is a relentless pressure fighter with knockout power, while Ennis offers slick skills, switch-hitting ability, and formidable speed. This dynamic creates genuine questions about who would prevail, making it the kind of unpredictable 50-50 fight we all crave, with the winner poised to assume supremacy at 154 pounds.

7. Daniel Dubois vs Moses Itauma: An Itauma vs Dubois matchup in 2026 represents a high-stakes, crossroads battle between an experienced, hard-hitting former title-holder against an undefeated prodigy. The clash of styles between Itauma’s southpaw precision and speed and Dubois’ experience and physical strength should create a compelling ring drama. As both generate significant power, the bout offers the high probability of a spectacular, definitive finish. Additionally, this domestic clash could serve as a turning point for British boxing, potentially ushering in the next dominant force in the heavyweight division.

8. Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney: A Stevenson vs Haney match-up would feature two of the most skilled, high-IQ American boxers of their generation facing each other in their prime. Ideally, it could lead to a fascinating chess match that would allow fans to see both pugilists at their technical best. With Shakur’s elite defense and distance management pitted against Haney’s size, reach, and tactical adjustments, the bout offers a compelling competition of skill rather than just raw power, and a battle that would intensify as it unfolded over the twelve round distance. Both have expressed mutual respect and a desire for a legacy-defining fight to happen when the time is right, so why not make it happen in 2026?

9. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol III: Simply put, a Beterbiev vs Bivol trilogy fight in 2026 needs to happen. We have some unfinished business here, and fight fans deserve to have it resolved. Their first two clashes were exciting, razor-close, majority decisions, each fighter securing one win. The compelling clash of styles—Beterbiev’s relentless power and pressure against Bivol’s precision, and movement—gave us dynamic and unpredictable fights and chapter three would likely be just as competitive, but something tells us one of these two is going to put their stamp on the rivalry. Ultimately, the winner would cement their legacy as the undisputed king of the division in one of the best rivalries of recent years.

10. Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach II: Again, unfinished business. Roach got robbed when the first bout was scored a majority draw by the judges and everybody knows it. And then he got robbed again in his bout with Isaac Cruz. He deserves a return and a big payday, while Davis owes fight fans a performance truly befitting his talents, plus a definitive conclusion, one way or the other. Roach’s ability to withstand Tank’s power and even wobble him in their initial fight demonstrated a competitive balance that surprised many; can “The Reaper” duplicate that outing and make a second bout compelling? Both fighters expressed immediate interest in running it back, indicating a high probability of an exciting, action-packed match. Both Davis and Roach need this fight, and so do the fans.          –Neil Crane