Boxing in 2026: Fury's Return, Usyk's Next Move, and More

A preview of the biggest fights and storylines in the world of boxing for the upcoming year.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:59am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.The upcoming year in boxing promises to deliver a thrilling mix of high-stakes matchups and intriguing storylines that will captivate fans worldwide.Los Angeles Today

The boxing world is abuzz with excitement as 2026 approaches, with several high-profile matchups and storylines on the horizon. Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has confirmed his comeback after a year-long hiatus, promising fireworks, while Oleksandr Usyk's next move remains a mystery. In the women's division, there are whispers of retirement swirling around Irish light-welterweight world champion Katie Taylor.

Why it matters

Boxing is a beloved sport that captivates fans worldwide, and the upcoming year promises to deliver some of the most thrilling and anticipated fights in recent memory. The return of Tyson Fury, the future of Oleksandr Usyk, and the potential retirement of Katie Taylor are all storylines that will have a significant impact on the sport and its landscape.

The details

The 2026 boxing schedule is packed with must-see matchups. On January 10, Subriel Matias will defend his WBC light-welterweight world title against Dalton Smith in Brooklyn. On January 22, Caroline Veyre and Delfine Persoon will clash for the WBC super-featherweight world title in Michigan. January 24 will feature several exciting bouts, including heavyweight action between Moses Itauma and Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, and an IBF lightweight world title fight between Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz in Las Vegas.

  • On January 10, Subriel Matias vs. Dalton Smith (WBC light-welterweight world title) - Brooklyn, USA
  • On January 22, Caroline Veyre vs. Delfine Persoon (WBC super-featherweight world title) - Michigan, USA
  • On January 24, Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin (heavyweight) - Manchester, England; Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz (IBF lightweight world title) - Las Vegas, USA
  • On January 31, Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson (WBO light-welterweight world title) - New York, USA; Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly (IBF light-middleweight world title) - London, England; Adam Azim vs. Gustavo Lemos (light-welterweight) - New York, USA; Francesca Hennessy vs. Ellie Bouttell (bantamweight) - New York, USA
  • On February 7, Nick Ball vs. Brandon Figueroa (WBA featherweight world title) - Liverpool, England

The players

Tyson Fury

A former heavyweight champion who has confirmed his comeback after a year-long hiatus, promising fireworks in the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk

The current heavyweight champion whose next move remains a mystery, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Katie Taylor

An Irish light-welterweight world champion who is facing retirement rumors, with an uncertain future in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The upcoming year in boxing promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the return of Tyson Fury, the uncertain future of Oleksandr Usyk, and the potential retirement of Katie Taylor all captivating the attention of fans worldwide. These storylines, combined with a stacked schedule of high-profile fights, will undoubtedly keep the boxing world on the edge of their seats throughout 2026.