7 Most Wanted Fights of 2026

2026 could bring boxing fans dozens of top-level fights if the teams of athletes can reach an agreement. Ready to Fight has compiled a list of seven fights that simply must be organised.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder

On the line: WBA, WBC, IBF heavyweight titles

Until the official announcement, this fight might seem strange. Lately, Deontay has mostly been losing, and returning to form is proving difficult for him. On the other hand, Usyk is the division's dominant force and the best heavyweight boxer of recent years.

However, that is the case for now. As soon as the bout is announced, there will be an immense amount of discussion. Deontay is a master of loud statements and one of the key fighters of the current heavyweight generation. Usyk has defeated Fury and Joshua—each twice. From the list of those used to scare him before his move to heavyweight, only Wilder remains.

And most importantly—Oleksandr has boxed in the USA several times, but he will arrive as a superstar for the first time. It feels like we are destined to see this match between the passionate US boxing public and Usyk, who will once again fight on his opponent's home turf. Wilder must bring all his explosiveness to the ring to capitalize on such a massive chance. Meanwhile, Oleksandr must demonstrate all his pace, all his skills, and maximum caution to avoid falling into an upset trap at the end of a great career.

Jai Opetaia vs. Gilberto Ramirez

On the line: WBA, WBO, IBF cruiserweight titles

We all need this fight. These two have been circling each other for so long that they risk missing the window of relevance. But there is still time. The two strongest athletes in the cruiserweight division will be forced to work at full capacity, as there is a real threat here. Opetaia's genuine punching power against Ramirez's size and experience.

Of course, a guy named Benavidez could ruin these plans and replace his compatriot in the pairing. This might even impact the spectacle for the better. But as long as a meeting between Ramirez and David remains theoretical, we have the right to dream of a truly important unification of the new generation of cruiserweight champions.

Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani

On the line: Undisputed super bantamweight championship

It is not often that a reigning undisputed champion challenges dangerous contenders. Inoue has done exactly that. It was his initiative that made the conversations concrete and led to Nakatani's move to the heavier division.

Despite this being a purely Japanese clash, the fight is anticipated far beyond those borders. A massive mega-fight is exactly what the lighter divisions need. A bout that will be discussed and watched worldwide. Junto’s previous difficult performance should not be a concern. Against Inoue, he must show himself differently. He is obligated to do so, as "The Monster" does not forgive mistakes.

Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury

On the line: Formal title of the top British heavyweight of the generation

They were supposed to meet so many times that we will only believe the agreement when the Britons actually step into the ring. But where else can both move if not toward each other?

Fury went into retirement but has repeatedly hinted at a return: training, sparring, and posting photos captioned "I'm coming back." Joshua boxed for the first time after his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois. Of course, a public sparring match against Jake Paul can hardly be called a test. Anthony certainly needs another fight for a full comeback, especially after the tragic accident he was involved in.

However, if this meeting is to be organized, it must be in 2026. They need it, and even more so, the fans need it.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Saul Alvarez

On the line: One of the super middleweight titles

Hamzah is on the verge of winning a championship belt. He can pursue it through several organizations, and the probability of success is extremely high. Next up—Canelo. Because Turki Alalshikh wanted this meeting, and Sheeraz wanted to prove himself in the USA. An ideal match.

Both need to conduct preliminary bouts. Alvarez needs to return after a loss and an elbow injury. Sheeraz needs to win a belt. If everything aligns here, it's hard to imagine a better path for Canelo’s return to the grand stage.

Conor Benn vs. Ryan Garcia

On the line: Potentially the WBA welterweight title

An undeniable brawl in which both could lose. Benn had an excellent 2025, even considering he lost one of his two fights. Garcia had a terrible year but is preparing for a return.

Ryan plans to become a champion. He is preparing for a meeting with Mario Barrios and is getting back into shape. He wants to hold a belt again, and the chances are high. If this happens, a meeting with Benn is mandatory. Loud press conferences and a big fight in the ring. A test of Conor's strength against the American's left hook, and Garcia's endurance against the relentless attacks of the British boxer.

Jaron Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz

On the line: Interim WBA and WBC super welterweight titles

A meeting for which negotiations are no less difficult than the confrontation itself. But the concentration of skills in the ring will be incredible.

Neither has undergone such difficult tests, with all due respect to the previous opposition of Ortiz and Ennis. It should be hard for both. Jaron is stronger and more durable than his haters believe. Vergil is smarter than everyone wishing for his defeat thinks. It is in such confrontations that these qualities are revealed.

Now the word is with the boxers' teams. Their agreement will be cause for one of the greatest joys for boxing fans around the world.