Top Boxing Matches Eyed for 2026 After Busy 2025

Boxing entered 2026 with talk of big fights following a busy 2025 that saw title changes and standout performances. Fighters like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua top lists of potential clashes as they recover from recent bouts and setbacks. These matchups could shape the sport through the year in arenas across the world.

Background

The year 2025 brought several high-profile boxing events that set the stage for 2026. Devin Haney won the WBO welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr. in November after dropping him early. Ryan Garcia lost a unanimous decision to Rolando Romero in May, halting plans for an immediate rematch with Haney. Their first fight in April 2024 in Brooklyn ended in a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, overturning his majority decision win where he dropped Haney three times.

Canelo Alvarez held his position at super middleweight while David Benavidez dominated at light heavyweight, stopping Anthony Yarde in seven rounds in November. Benavidez has not faced Alvarez yet, but talks persist. In heavyweight, Tyson Fury returned from another retirement break, keeping eyes on old rivalries. Anthony Joshua faced a car crash in late December 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, that killed two team members; he suffered minor injuries and left the hospital, but no return date is set.

Gilberto Ramirez underwent shoulder surgery in July 2025 and holds WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles after wins over Yuniel Dorticos, Chris Billam-Smith, and Arsen Goulamirian. Women's boxing saw Mikaela Mayer unify junior middleweight titles and Ellie Scotney Price unify welterweight belts.

Key Details

Haney-Garcia Rematch

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia remain linked for a second fight. Haney, now 31-0 with the WBO welterweight belt, showed sharp form against Norman Jr. Garcia, 24-2 with 20 knockouts, faces WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21, 2026. A win there could lead to a unification bout with Haney later in the year. Bill Haney, Devin's father and trainer, said talks for the rematch continue with an October target in mind.

"Haney vs. Garcia rematch is still relevant – talks are ongoing," Bill Haney said.

Garcia reacted positively to Haney's Norman win on social media, keeping the door open despite his loss to Romero. Fans question if Garcia deserves a title shot after recent results, but interest in settling their rivalry stays high.

Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez

David Benavidez, WBC light heavyweight champion, eyes a move to cruiserweight or a super middleweight clash with Canelo Alvarez. Benavidez looked strong at 175 pounds since 2024. Alvarez remains a top draw, and this fight could test Benavidez's power in a higher weight class.

Fury vs. Joshua

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have circled each other since 2021. Both express interest, but Joshua's crash adds uncertainty to his ring return. Fury's comebacks keep the matchup alive as a potential heavyweight highlight.

Other Potential Bouts

Ryan Garcia could face Conor Benn in the UK after Barrios, drawing big crowds. At cruiserweight, Benavidez might challenge Gilberto Ramirez, pitting power against movement. In women's boxing, Mikaela Mayer and Ellie Scotney Price set up for an undisputed welterweight title fight after their 2025 wins: Mayer over Sandy Ryan and Price over Natasha Jonas.

What This Means

These fights could unify titles and draw massive audiences. A Haney-Garcia rematch with belts on the line would answer questions from their chaotic first meeting and boost welterweight division interest. Canelo-Benavidez offers a generational test, with Benavidez pushing for stardom beyond light heavyweight.

Fury-Joshua hangs in balance due to Joshua's recovery; a delay might shift heavyweight focus elsewhere. Garcia's Barrios outcome decides his path—win for big stakes against Haney or Benn, loss risking fan backlash but still possible draw. Benavidez-Ramirez tests if Benavidez conquers another division.

Women's undisputed clash between Mayer and Price could elevate the sport's female side, building on 2025 unifications. Overall, 2026 schedules depend on February results and recoveries, with promoters eyeing packed cards. Fighters train amid uncertainties, knowing wins open doors to these high-reward bouts. Haney's title reign and Garcia's rebound attempt highlight welterweight's volatility. Heavyweight waits on Joshua's health update. Cruiserweight and beyond see ambitious moves from Benavidez and Ramirez. Boxing's calendar fills fast if these align.