The Future of Heavyweight Boxing: Epic Fights Until 2026
The heavyweight division is in a moment 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 matchups that could shape the category’s course until 2026.
Well-known names are still looking for a title opportunity or a big payday. The fight between WBO interim champion Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London this Saturday is key. The winner could secure a title fight in 2026 against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Since Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, became an influential figure in boxing, the matchups that fans desire are no longer fantasy, but a possible reality thanks to the lucrative purses at stake.
Usyk, holder of the four titles (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO), opens up a range of possibilities for great fights in 2026, beyond title fights, which would capture the attention of fans.
Possible Star Battles
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker
The heavyweight king, Usyk, recently declared his intention to fight until he is 41 years old. After his technical knockout victory in the fifth round over Daniel Dubois in July, Usyk regained his undisputed champion status. Tyson Fury is also seeking a rematch with Usyk, but the Usyk vs. Parker matchup could happen first, 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. With his intelligent boxing, Parker could be a complicated rival for Usyk. However, Usyk, with his skill and movement, starts as the favorite. If Wardley achieves the surprise, could he become Usyk’s next rival?
Whether it’s Parker or Wardley, witnessing 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 attention and could generate the most pay-per-view revenue is Fury against Joshua. This fight, which has been in development for five years, is still a possibility for 2026. However, uncertainty persists, especially if Fury decides to fight Usyk and then retire.
Previous attempts to make this fight happen have failed since 2020, and the fight has lost some of its luster because neither of them is a world champion at the moment. Despite this, the interest in seeing these English rivals face each other remains enormous. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has mentioned that Fury wants to return next year, although Fury has not fought since Usyk defeated him on points in December.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has revealed that Joshua, 36 years old, wants the fight against Fury, but many factors must align for this to happen. In the unpredictable world of heavyweight boxing, a Fury vs. Joshua showdown would be a dream come true.
Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou
Wilder vs. Ngannou would be an entertaining spectacle for boxing and mixed martial arts fans. Although both are far from the title fight, their punching power still generates excitement. This fight could be an explosion of punches and emotions, ideal for a special event.
Both have exchanged messages on social media, fueling speculation about a possible fight. Ngannou suggested that “it’s time to settle the debate”, to which Wilder responded that they should “get in the ring”. Both have reasons to seek a knockout and revive their careers.
Ngannou suffered a KO defeat in his boxing match against Joshua in March 2024. Wilder, former WBC champion, has had mixed results, but remains a dangerous puncher. A fight between Wilder and Ngannou would surely not go to the judges’ scorecards.
Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole
With Joshua recovering from elbow surgery, and following his KO defeat to Dubois in September 2024, he is likely to face another opponent before seeking a match with Fury. Bakole has been linked to Joshua for a fight in Nigeria, which could be attractive to Joshua, who has Nigerian ancestry.
Bakole, 33, could be a good opponent for Joshua to prepare for a big fight in 2026. Parker defeated Bakole in two rounds in February, although Bakole entered as a last-minute substitute. Bakole also drew with Efe Ajagba in May.
Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic
Itauma, one of the young prospects in heavyweight boxing, has a fight scheduled for December 13th, but is still looking for an opponent. Usyk has already ruled out fighting Itauma before retiring, and Kubrat Pulev, WBA champion, opted to face Murat Gassiev.
Hrgovic would be a big step up for 20-year-old Itauma. Itauma’s stamina hasn’t been tested yet, and Hrgovic’s experience could be a challenge. Dillian Whyte was defeated by Itauma in one round, so Hrgovic could be a rival that demands more from him.
Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Daniel Dubois
Jalolov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Uzbekistan, is another contender who could rise in the heavyweight division. A significant victory against Dubois could boost his career. Dubois, after his KO loss to Usyk, cannot afford another setback.
This matchup promises to be an exciting fight between two great punchers, with the possibility of climbing to the top of the division.
