Boxing: 7 fighters who should move up in weight for big fights

Boxers Who Could Move Up Weight Classes for Big Fights

Terence Crawford seeks greatness by moving up two weight classes to face Canelo Álvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, on September 13 in Las Vegas. If he succeeds, Crawford would solidify himself as one of the best boxers of this generation. But, who else could benefit from gaining weight to seek more important and lucrative fights? We analyze seven boxers who could increase their impact by moving up one or two weight classes, opening up new opportunities in their careers.

Canelo Álvarez

Current Category: 168 pounds

Possible new category: 175 pounds

If Canelo overcomes Crawford, he could seek challenges at 175 pounds. A fight with David Benavidez would be a massive event. He could also consider fights with Artur Beterbiev or a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, but Benavidez could be the fight that silences his critics.

Jai Opetaia

Current Category: 200 pounds

Possible new category: Heavyweight Opetaia has dominated the cruiserweight category. If the Australian boxer seeks to transcend, he could follow in the footsteps of Oleksandr Usyk and move up to heavyweight, where rivals of greater renown await him. Fights with Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, and Andy Ruiz Jr. are interesting options, but a match with Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion and current undisputed heavyweight champion, would be a historic event.

Teófimo López

Current Category: 140 poundsPossible new category: 147/154 pounds López, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, could move up to 147 pounds to face the winner of Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney. But, his ambition could take him to 154 pounds to fight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, a fight that could define his legacy.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis

Current Category: 135 poundsPossible new category: 147 pounds

Davis, one of boxing’s biggest stars, could move up to 147 pounds to face renowned rivals. A fight against Manny Pacquiao would be a highly attractive event. Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s manager, has mentioned the possibility of a fight with Davis, which would generate great anticipation.

Shakur Stevenson

Current Category: 135 pounds

Possible new category: 140 pounds Stevenson’s talent could lead him to seek bigger names. Moving up to 140 pounds would give him opportunities against Lopez, Richardson Hitchins, and Subriel Matias, allowing him to gain the recognition he deserves.

Junto Nakatani

Current Category: 118 pounds

Possible new category: 122 pounds

Nakatani could move up to 122 pounds to challenge Naoya Inoue. The two boxers have verbally agreed to face each other in 2026, which would be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

Current Category: 115 poundsPossible new category: 122 pounds Rodríguez, a two-division world champion, could move up to 122 pounds to face Inoue. A fight between these two boxers, with a combined record of 52-0 and 42 knockouts, would be an action-packed fight and could be a candidate for Fight of the Year.