The sweet science is alive and flourishing as 2026 brings boxing fans an extraordinary calendar of world-class matchups that showcase the sport's incredible depth of talent and excitement.

What a time to be a boxing fan! The new year has already kicked off with a bang, as Amanda Serrano successfully defended her WBA and WBO featherweight world titles against Reina Tellez in San Juan, Puerto Rico, demonstrating the champion's continued excellence and setting an inspiring tone for the months ahead.

The schedule ahead is brimming with must-see contests that highlight boxing's bright future. Young heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma continues his impressive rise when he faces experienced campaigner Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 24, giving British fans a chance to witness a potential future champion in action. Meanwhile, Subriel Matias defends his WBC light-welterweight world title against hometown favorite Dalton Smith in Brooklyn, promising an electric atmosphere.

The lightweight and light-welterweight divisions are particularly thrilling right now, with Raymond Muratalla challenging Andy Cruz for the IBF lightweight world title in Las Vegas, and the highly anticipated showdown between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson for the WBO light-welterweight crown heading to New York. These matchups represent the kind of competitive, evenly-matched fights that fans dream about.

Women's boxing continues its remarkable growth trajectory with several championship fights on the calendar. The legendary Claressa Shields faces Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight world title, while Sandy Ryan defends her WBC light-welterweight title and Caroline Veyre takes on Delfine Persoon for WBC super-featherweight gold. These athletes are writing their own chapters in boxing history and inspiring the next generation.

British boxing fans have particularly exciting reasons to celebrate, with multiple world title fights scheduled on home soil. Nick Ball defends his WBA featherweight world title in Liverpool, while the eagerly awaited rematch between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington promises fireworks in Nottingham. Jazza Dickens challenges for the WBA super-featherweight world title in Dublin, adding to the rich tradition of Irish boxing.

The heavyweight division maintains its intrigue as well, with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk considering his next move and Tyson Fury confirming his return to the ring after a well-deserved break. The anticipation around these decisions only adds to the excitement surrounding boxing's glamour division.

What makes this schedule particularly special is the variety it offers. From emerging prospects to established champions, from intimate venue atmospheres to grand arena spectacles, 2026 has something for every type of boxing fan. The sport's global reach is on full display, with major events scheduled across the United States, United Kingdom, and beyond.

As the year unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing athletic excellence, courageous performances, and the human drama that makes boxing so compelling. It's a wonderful time to follow the sport.