New Boxing Stars to Shine in 2026
The year 2025 witnessed the emergence of new talents in boxing, with fighters like Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Lewis Crocker, Xander Zayas, Richardson Hitchins, and Abdullah Mason, who managed to capture world titles and positioned themselves for big fights in 2026. With important figures like Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford nearing the end of their careers, a window opens for a new generation of boxers to rise.Next, we analyze five boxers who could dominate their divisions in 2026.
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Ryan Garcia
After a complicated 2025, marked by his defeat against Rolando “Rolly” Romero and his expulsion from the WBC for the use of racist language, Ryan García finds himself at a crucial moment in his career. With only one official victory since April 2023, García has the opportunity to become a world champion by facing Mario Barrios in 2026. Despite the challenges inside and outside the ring, García possesses great potential, driven by his powerful left hook. If he manages to focus, his comeback story could be memorable. However, a new stumble in a big fight will not admit excuses.Jake Paul
Jake Paul, after an unfortunate encounter with Anthony Joshua, where he suffered a knockout defeat, finds himself at a turning point. If he manages to recover, all eyes will be on his next move. Paul is still one of the most eye-catching names in boxing, but he will have to prove if his career deserves to be taken seriously. There is talk that he could seek a cruiserweight championship, will he be ready to challenge the lesser-known champions of the 200-pound division? Or will he prefer an event against another former MMA fighter (Francis Ngannou) or a smaller boxer (Ryan Garcia or Gervonta “Tank” Davis)?
Keyshawn Davis
After winning the WBO lightweight title in February 2025, Davis seemed headed for a great year, but lost momentum by failing to make weight and canceling his fight with Edwin De Los Santos. After a period of inactivity and retirement rumors, Davis resurfaced with a new team and a super lightweight fight against Jamaine Ortiz, who had already put Teofimo López Jr. in trouble in 2024. Davis possesses exceptional talent and great potential, and could aim for the top spots in the rankings in 2026 if he chooses the right fights.
Gervonta Davis
Gervonta Davis is in a situation similar to Ryan Garcia’s, with off-ring problems affecting his performance. The WBA lightweight champion, despite being one of the best pound-for-pound boxers, has seen his legal troubles and a controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr. raise doubts about his motivation. Davis has talked about retiring, but will he really end a career that seems incomplete? The outcome of his legal problems will determine if he returns to the ring. If he decides to compete, Davis has the opportunity to star in big fights in 2026.
David Benavidez
David Benavidez, after suspending his search for a fight with Canelo Álvarez in 2025, has gained even more attention. A change of weight category has allowed him to seek new challenges, and he has established himself as the WBC light heavyweight champion, thanks to his victories over David Morrell and Anthony Yarde. His 2026 campaign will be closely followed. He has already hinted at a cruiserweight title fight against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez in May, and could face the unified light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol, or former champion Artur Beterbiev in the second half of 2026. Benavidez is a rising star who could explode in 2026.
