The Future of Heavyweight Boxing: Stellar Fights Until 2026
The heavyweight division is in a period of transition. With champions and former champions nearing the end of their careers, the question is clear: Who will be the protagonists of the big fights in the near future? Alofoke Deportes analyzes the most promising matchups until the year 2026.
Prominent figures seek opportunities for titles or big purses. The fight between WBO interim champion Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London on Saturday is key. The winner could secure a title fight against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2026.
Since Turki Alalshikh, an influential figure in boxing, took on a significant role, the fights that fans want to see have become a reality, driven by the attractive purses offered by the heavyweight division.
Usyk, holder of the four titles (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO), opens up a range of possible important fights for 2026, beyond the titles, that would capture the attention of the fans.
Possible Stellar Confrontations
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker
Usyk, who recently declared his intention to fight until the age of 41, is coming off a resounding KO victory in the fifth round against Daniel Dubois in July, solidifying himself as the undisputed champion. Tyson Fury is also seeking a rematch against Usyk, but the fight against Parker could be next on the agenda, if Parker defeats Wardley.
Parker, former WBO champion, has shown a great level in his last fights and is the mandatory challenger for the WBO. Parker, who has been waiting for a title opportunity, could be Usyk’s first opponent in 2026. Usyk suffered an injury that delayed the fight, leading Parker to accept the fight against Wardley.
Could Parker, with his smart boxing demonstrated against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, trouble Usyk? Usyk, with his greater skill and mobility, starts as the favorite. If Wardley, with little amateur experience, surprises Parker, could he be the next surprise rival for Usyk?
Seeing Usyk, possibly the best heavyweight since Lennox Lewis, is a must-see event.
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
Although a third fight between Usyk and Fury is possible, the fight that generates the most expectation and could generate the most income is Fury against Joshua.
This matchup, which has been in development for five years, is still a possibility for 2026. However, uncertainty persists, as Fury could face Usyk first and retire afterward. Despite its appeal, the fight is not guaranteed.
Attempts to finalize the fight between Fury and Joshua have failed since 2020, and the event’s luster has diminished as neither is a world champion. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has mentioned Fury’s interest in returning next year, although Fury hasn’t fought since he lost to Usyk in December. Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua wants the fight against Fury, but many factors are still needed for it to materialize.
Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou
Wilder vs. Ngannou could be a very entertaining spectacle for boxing and MMA fans. Both are far from the title fight, but their punching power still generates excitement.
Recently, they’ve had exchanges on social media, with Ngannou proposing to settle the debate and Wilder responding with an invitation to the ring. Both have reasons to seek a KO and revitalize their careers.
Ngannou suffered a KO defeat in the second round against Joshua in March 2024. Wilder, former WBC champion, did not perform well in his loss to Zhilei Zhang last year, but achieved a stoppage victory against Tyrrell Herndon in June.
Wilder and Ngannou are big punchers, and many fans would be interested in seeing who gets the knockout.
Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole
After returning from elbow surgery and not having fought since being knocked out by Dubois in September 2024, Joshua could face a different opponent than Fury early next year.
Bakole has been linked to a fight against Joshua in Nigeria. Joshua, with Nigerian ancestry, could be drawn to the experience of fighting in Africa. Bakole seems like a good opponent for Joshua to prepare for a big fight in 2026 with a spectacular victory. Parker defeated Bakole in two rounds in February.
Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic
Itauma, one of the most exciting heavyweights, has a fight scheduled for December 13, but is still looking for an opponent. Usyk and Kubrat Pulev have already been ruled out.
Hrgovic would be an excellent step up for 20-year-old Itauma, who achieved his eighth KO victory in the first round this year. We haven’t yet seen Itauma’s resilience tested, and Hrgovic’s experience could be that challenge.
Dillian Whyte was defeated by Itauma in August, and the young fighter could face longer and more challenging fights. Hrgovic has suffered cuts in recent fights, but his power and experience could give Itauma more rounds.
Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Daniel Dubois
Jalolov, an Olympic medalist, could move up in the heavyweight division after the departure of Usyk, Joshua, and Fury. Jalolov, who is 2.00 meters tall, needs a big win to enter the top 5. A fight against Dubois could boost his profile.
It’s a high-stakes clash for both: Jalolov is undefeated, while Dubois is coming off a KO loss to Usyk. Dubois could be looking to bounce back against another contender.
This fight could be an exciting bout between two great punchers with the opportunity to reach the top.
