Boxing in 2026 is shaping up to be a high-tempo year where big names collide more often and new stars get fast-tracked into title opportunities. With multiple sanctioning bodies pushing for unifications and promoters leaning into global mega-cards, fans can expect fewer “filler” nights and more meaningful bouts that shift rankings quickly.
Upcoming Boxing matches (December 2025 – February 2026)
| Date | Fight | Division / Title | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev | WBA Heavyweight Title | Dubai, UAE | Match TV |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelyan | WBC Cruiserweight Title | Los Angeles, USA | Amazon Prime PPV |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo | Super Middleweight | Stockton, USA | DAZN |
| Dec 17, 2025 | Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Nonito Donaire | WBA Bantamweight Title | Tokyo, Japan | U-Next |
| Dec 19, 2025 | Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua | Heavyweight (8 rounds) | Miami, USA | Netflix |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso | Undisputed Jr. Featherweight | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | DAZN |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz | WBO/WBA Women’s Featherweight | San Juan, Puerto Rico | DAZN |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Agit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba | WBC Interim Heavyweight | Oberhausen, Germany | DAZN |
| Jan 24, 2026 | Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | Heavyweight | Manchester, UK | TBA |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou | WBO/WBA Jr. Middleweight | San Juan, Puerto Rico | DAZN |
| Feb 21, 2026 | Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia | WBC Welterweight Title | TBA | TBA |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis | Lightweight | Atlanta, USA | TBA |
Predicted / anticipated fights for 2026
| Potential Fight | Division | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III | Women’s Lightweight | Highly anticipated |
| Oleksandr Usyk vs. Moses Itauma | Heavyweight | Rumored |
| Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez | Super Middleweight | Fan-requested |
| Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua | Heavyweight | Potential matchup |
| David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez | Super Middleweight | Long-awaited |
2026 Boxing fight calendar & dates
The early months of 2026 are designed like a funnel: championship defenses at the top, eliminators in the middle, and prospect showcases on the undercards. By March and April, expect major promoters to stack spring supercards around holiday weekends and stadium availability. Summer typically becomes unification season, while autumn is when rematch clauses and “fight-of-the-year” contenders tend to land.
A useful way to follow the calendar is to track three lanes at once: title fights, final eliminators, and fast-rising prospects. When these overlap on the same card, the night usually ends up being significant for the rest of the year.
Breaking Boxing news today
Entering 2026, the sport’s biggest talking points revolve around belt consolidation, cross-promotion deals, and the increasing role of global host cities. Fighters are more vocal about legacy fights, and sanctioning bodies are pushing for activity, which means champions are facing tougher mandatory decisions than they did a few years ago.
Another headline trend is the shift toward “series storytelling.” Rivalries are marketed as multi-fight arcs rather than one-off events, making trilogies and rematches a central part of the news cycle.
World Boxing champions list 2026
The champion landscape in 2026 is defined by two forces: the drive for undisputed status and the rise of interim belts that act as shortcuts to top-tier opportunities. In many divisions, champions are not just defending — they are actively hunting unifications to avoid being boxed in by mandatory schedules.
Because of this, expect more champion-vs-champion matchups at super middleweight, lightweight, and the women’s divisions, where the talent density makes unification financially and competitively attractive.
Heavyweight title fights & contenders
Heavyweight remains boxing’s loudest division, and 2026 should clarify who the true next-generation threats are. Established champions are choosing between high-profile defenses and risky unifications, while contenders chase interim straps, eliminators, and breakout showcases that force them into the conversation.
Look for a mix of styles at the top level: mobile technicians with elite timing versus pressure punchers who aim to turn fights into chaos. That stylistic split is likely to produce the division’s most meaningful matchups of the year.
Recent fight results & scorecards
Recent title bouts have reinforced a key pattern: judges are rewarding clean, high-impact work over sheer volume, especially in championship rounds. That has nudged many contenders toward smarter pacing, targeting late-fight surges instead of early overproduction.
Scorecards through the end of 2025 have also highlighted how narrow margins are at the elite level. In 2026, expect more immediate rematch calls when fights end inside a two-round spread on the cards.
Top women’s Boxing matchups 2026
Women’s boxing is likely to deliver some of the most competitive nights of 2026. The lightweight and featherweight picture remains a magnet for big fights, while the lower classes are generating fresh rivalries as younger champions step up quickly.
One major advantage in the women’s game right now is willingness to unify across promotions. When that mindset holds, fans get clearer paths to undisputed champions and fewer stalled divisions.
Expert picks & fight predictions
Predicting 2026 fights comes down to timing and matchups more than name value. Champions who stay active tend to sharpen their rhythm, while inactive stars often show rust early. For bettors and analysts, the best angles come from assessing style clashes: southpaw vs. orthodox dynamics, range control, and who can win the last three rounds.
Upset potential is highest in eliminators and first-time title shots, where pressure changes everything. A prospect with speed can look world-class until they meet someone who can slow the tempo and punish mistakes.
Featured boxers & rising stars
2026 will spotlight a blend of established elite fighters and hungry newcomers. Veterans are fighting for “final chapter” legacy wins, while rising stars are being matched harder to accelerate their path to belts. This creates cards where the undercard can be as compelling as the main event.
Keep an eye on fighters who win with multiple gears — those who can box safely at range, then switch to controlled aggression late. They tend to thrive in championship environments.
Where to watch: PPV & live streams
The viewing map in 2026 is split between subscription platforms and premium PPV events. The biggest unifications and crossover nights usually land behind a PPV wall, while contender cards and international title fights often appear on streaming services.
To avoid missing major nights, follow promoters’ broadcast “homes.” Fighters tied to a platform almost always return there unless a special cross-deal is announced for a supercard.
Upcoming Boxing events near you
Live boxing is expanding beyond traditional hubs, so 2026 should bring more top-level events to new cities. Destination supercards in the Middle East will continue, but North America, the UK, and parts of Asia are expected to host deep, competitive shows throughout the year.
If you plan to attend, watch for presales and travel bundles on high-demand weekends. Often, the best seats disappear in the early windows, while final undercard announcements can add real value to a ticket even close to fight week.