Honestly, if you thought last year’s schedule was a peak for the sport, 2026 is already shaping up to be a weird, high-stakes ride. We’ve moved past the era where every big name hid behind their promoters for three years. Now, thanks to the massive influx of Saudi "Riyadh Season" money and a general sense of urgency among aging legends, we’re actually getting the fights people post about on Reddit at 3:00 AM.
It’s not just the same old names, either. While we’re still tracking what the "Monster" Naoya Inoue is doing in Japan, we’ve got retirement-breaking trilogies and fresh blood like Jaron "Boots" Ennis finally getting a seat at the table. Boxing is messy, but right now, it’s a beautiful kind of messy.
The Big Ones: Upcoming Boxing Matches You Can't Miss
If you only watch three fights this year, these are the ones. We aren't just talking about "tune-ups" or showcases for prospects. These are legacy-defining nights.
Usyk vs. Fury 3: The Heavyweight Finale
Mark your calendars for April 18, 2026. Wembley Stadium. Over 90,000 people screaming.
Oleksandr Usyk has already beaten Tyson Fury twice. Once by split decision, once by a more dominant unanimous decision. The "Gypsy King" actually retired after that second loss—briefly. But the lure of redemption at home in London was too much. Usyk is currently the man to beat, sitting at 24-0 and holding the unified crown. Most pundits think Usyk has Fury’s number, but a motivated Fury at Wembley is a different beast entirely.
Canelo’s "Mexico Against the World" Return
After losing his undisputed super middleweight status to Terence Crawford in September 2025, Canelo Alvarez took a long break. He had elbow surgery in October. People thought he was done.
👉 See also: Colorado State football schedule 2025: Why this season was the weirdest farewell ever
Nope.
Turki Alalshikh just announced Canelo will return on September 12, 2026, in Riyadh. It’s the launch of "Canelo Promotions" with a card titled Mexico Against the World. The opponent is still a "surprise," but since Crawford retired in December 2025, the belts are scattered. Canelo wants them back. He’s 35, he’s slower than he was, but he’s still the biggest draw in the game.
The Japanese Super-Fight: Inoue vs. Nakatani
This is the one the "hardcore" fans are drooling over. Naoya Inoue (32-0) is arguably the pound-for-pound king. Beside him stands Junto Nakatani, another unbeaten Japanese star who just moved up to super-bantamweight.
They shared a press conference in Tokyo recently, and the vibe was respectful but intense. They’ve basically agreed to fight in May 2026, likely at the Tokyo Dome. It’s rare to see two fighters in their absolute prime, both in the P4P top ten, willing to risk everything.
The Q1 and Q2 2026 Hit List
If you're looking for something sooner, the next few months are packed. Here’s a breakdown of what’s actually happening versus what’s just rumor.
- January 31: A massive triple-header. Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden for the WBO and Ring super lightweight titles. This is a classic "clash of personalities." On the same night, Bakhram Murtazaliev defends his IBF super welterweight title against Josh Kelly in Newcastle.
- February 7: Nick Ball vs. Brandon Figueroa. If you like high-volume punching and zero defense, this is your fight of the year candidate.
- February 21: Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia. This is the big question mark. Garcia is always a wildcard, but the WBC welterweight title is on the line.
- February 22: Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn 2. Shields is looking to cement her "GWOAT" status by unifying the heavyweight division.
Why Everyone is Talking About Jaron "Boots" Ennis
For years, "Boots" was the guy nobody wanted to fight. He was too dangerous and didn't bring enough money to the table. That’s changed. With Terence Crawford officially retired as of January 2026, Ennis is the heir apparent to the P4P throne.
💡 You might also like: Big Ten Conference Members: What Most People Get Wrong
He’s currently the WBA interim champ at 154 lbs. Eddie Hearn is screaming from the rooftops that Ennis will be #1 by the end of the year. The fight we all want? Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. Both sides have been talking, and while nothing is signed for a specific date, it's the fight that defines the new generation of upcoming boxing matches.
The Spectacle Side of 2026
We can't talk about boxing without mentioning the "influencer" and "legend" exhibitions. They pull in the numbers whether we like it or not.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Mike Tyson is actually being discussed for Spring 2026. Yes, Tyson is nearly 60. Yes, Mayweather is nearing 50. It’s not "sport" in the traditional sense—it’s a circus. But when these two names are involved, people watch.
Then you have Anthony Joshua. After being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in 2024, AJ has been quiet. Rumor has it he’s looking for a massive 2026 comeback, potentially against the winner of the Usyk-Fury trilogy or a domestic blockbuster against someone like Fabio Wardley.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule
The biggest misconception right now is that the "Big Four" belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) are the only thing that matters. They don't.
Because of the "Riyadh Season" influence, we’re seeing more non-title fights that actually matter more than some "world" championships. The politics of boxing are still there—belts get vacated constantly—but the fans are finally getting the matchups they want.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season:
- Follow the Promoters, Not Just the Fighters: Keep an eye on Riyadh Season (Turki Alalshikh) and Matchroom Boxing. They are the ones currently dictating the 2026 calendar.
- Check the Time Zones: Many of the year's biggest fights are in Saudi Arabia or Japan. If you're in the US, prepare for those 5:00 AM or 2:00 PM start times.
- Watch the Heavyweight Fallout: If Usyk wins the trilogy in April, expect him to retire. This will leave the heavyweight division in total chaos, which is actually great for the sport. It means a tournament-style scramble for the vacant titles.
- The "Boots" Era: If you haven't watched Jaron Ennis yet, start. He is the most technically gifted fighter currently active in the US.
The 2026 boxing landscape is defined by legends trying to hold on to their spots while a hungry, younger generation—led by the likes of Ennis and Nakatani—is finally being given the chance to take them.