Boxing: 7 Fighters Who Should Move Up in Weight for Big Challenges

Boxers Who Could Move Up a Weight Class for Big Fights

Terence Crawford seeks greatness by moving up two weight classes to face undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez on September 13 in Las Vegas. If he succeeds, Crawford would solidify himself as one of the best boxers of this generation.

We analyze seven boxers who could benefit from moving up one or two weight classes to seek greater opportunities. Some are obvious choices, while others might surprise if they decide to take on the challenge.

Canelo Álvarez

Current Category: 168 pounds Proposed new category: 175 pounds

If Canelo overcomes the Crawford challenge, there wouldn’t be much left for him to do at 168 pounds, aside from a fight with Hamzah Sheeraz, where the risk doesn’t outweigh the reward. He already tried to become light heavyweight champion in 2022, losing to Dmitry Bivol. The light heavyweight landscape has become more interesting with the arrival of David Benavidez. A fight with Benavidez would be a great matchup between Mexican boxers.

Jai Opetaia

Current category: 200 pounds Proposed new category: Heavyweight Opetaia has dominated the cruiserweight category and his next challenge is Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. If the Australian wants to make a splash, he could follow in the footsteps of Oleksandr Usyk and move up to heavyweight, where the opponents are more attractive. Fights with Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, and Andy Ruiz Jr. are interesting options. How about a fight with Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion and current undisputed heavyweight champion? That could be a fight Usyk accepts before retiring.

Teofimo López

Current category: 140 pounds Proposed new category: 147/154 pounds López is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers when he is focused. Moving up to 147 pounds would prepare him for a fight with the winner of Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney. But, why stop at 147 pounds? López could move up two weight classes to face Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He called out Ennis after dominating Arnold Barboza Jr. in May. This fight could set López apart from his peers.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis

Current Category: 135 pounds Proposed new category: 147 pounds

“Tank” is one of the biggest stars in boxing, but he hasn’t faced a renowned opponent yet. Moving up from 135 to 147 pounds makes sense, considering the names that would await him. Although a fight with the winner of Norman vs. Haney would be attractive, the real appeal would be a match with the legendary Manny Pacquiao. A fight between these legends could be a huge event.

Shakur Stevenson

Current Category: 135 pounds Proposed new category: 140 pounds Stevenson’s skill has made it difficult for him to get fights with prominent names in his category. He doesn’t seem to be in the running to fight Davis anytime soon. A jump to 140 pounds would give him opportunities against Lopez, Richardson Hitchins, and Subriel Matias. Stevenson will need to move to get the recognition he deserves.

Junto Nakatani

Current category: 118 pounds Proposed new category: 122 pounds

This move is the most likely to happen. Nakatani could move up to 122 pounds to challenge Naoya Inoue, in a battle between the number 10 and 2 pound-for-pound boxers. They have already verbally agreed to face each other in 2026, although the weight category has not yet been defined. They just need to stay on track, and this fight is assured.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

Current category: 115 pounds Proposed new category: 122 pounds Rodriguez, 25 years old, is the number 5 pound-for-pound boxer. If “Bam” were to move up from 115 to 122 pounds, he could face Inoue. With a combined record of 52-0 with 42 knockouts, it would be an action fight that could be a candidate for Fight of the Year.