Canelo Alvarez’s Final Chapter?
As Canelo Alvarez approaches the twilight of his legendary career, 2026 could mark his final bow in the ring. Rumors suggest one last blockbuster fight before retirement a matchup that could seal his legacy and shake up the boxing world.
Possible Opponents
Canelo’s last outing won’t be just another payday this will be about legacy. And the shortlist of potential opponents reflects exactly that:
David Benavidez The relentless 168 pounder with youth, power, and a hunger for supremacy. A clash of generations.
Dmitry Bivol (Rematch) Run it back. After Bivol’s stunning win, a rematch would give Canelo a shot at redemption and light heavyweight validation.
Jermall Charlo The slick, unbeaten middleweight who has long been linked with Canelo. A clash years in the making.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about another win. Canelo’s possible farewell fight carries immense weight:
Legacy Sealing: A chance to leave as the undisputed champion, and on his own terms.
Unification Opportunity: Settle unfinished business in either super middleweight or light heavyweight.
Generational Impact: Cement his place in boxing history as one of the few to remain elite for over a decade.
For a deeper breakdown on what could happen in this historic bout, check out:
What to Expect from the Next Canelo Alvarez Super Fight
Terence Crawford vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis
This one’s all about the handoff if it happens. Terence Crawford, the cerebral veteran with belts, brains, and receipts, is staring down Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the Philly power puncher who’s been wrecking everything in his path. It’s old mastery versus raw explosion. Crawford can switch hit, adapt mid round, and bait openings like few ever have. Ennis? He doesn’t wait for openings he blitzes through them.
It’s the kind of stylistic collision fight fans dream about. Crawford thrives off reads and rhythm control. Ennis forces chaos. The question isn’t just who wins it’s whether Boots can do what no one else has: break Crawford’s code. If Ennis dominates or even edges out a close classic, he’s not just “next” he’s the now of the welterweight division.
For Crawford, this could close the book on a Hall of Fame career. For Ennis, it could be the chapter that starts a new reign. Don’t blink.
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II
This is the rematch everyone keeps circling on the calendar. Fury vs. Usyk I wasn’t just a fight it was a masterclass in movement, feints, and adjustments. Neither man gave the other an inch. But when the dust settled, Usyk walked away with the win and questions still linger.
Now round two is on the horizon, and the stakes are even heavier. Undisputed heavyweight supremacy is on the line again. Fury’s got the reach, the weight, and that awkward style that’s frustrated power punchers for years. But can he close the gap on Usyk’s angles and footwork this time around? Usyk’s speed and rhythm in the first bout left Fury looking reactive not something we’re used to seeing from the Gypsy King.
For Fury, this isn’t just about revenge. It’s about legacy. For Usyk, it’s the shot to go 2 0 against a future Hall of Famer and cement his place as the best in the division, period. No tune ups needed. No more talking. It’s big man chess again and this time, someone gets checkmated.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Gervonta “Tank” Davis
This is the kind of fight that doesn’t just sell pay per views it reshapes an entire division. On one side, you’ve got Shakur Stevenson, a defensive tactician with surgical timing and footwork that makes opponents swing at shadows. On the other, Gervonta Davis raw power, one punch eraser strength, and a knack for finding windows where none seem to exist.
Both are undefeated. Both have chips on their shoulders. And behind the gloves, there’s real tension. Years of shade thrown in interviews, social media jabs, and fanbase wars have set the table. This isn’t just about belts. This is pride, legacy, and proving who really owns the lightweight throne.
Technically, it’s a dream matchup. Stevenson’s ring IQ is elite, but he’s never faced anyone who hits like Tank. Meanwhile, Davis will have to solve the puzzle of someone who doesn’t chase knockouts he dismantles you round by round.
Whoever comes out of this with a win could set the tone for the next five years of lightweight boxing. If it happens and all signs say it will it could be one of the most important fights of the decade.
Naoya Inoue vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
This is a fight that boxing purists dream about. Two pound for pound stars, both surgical in their approach, stepping into the ring not just to win but to solve each other. Naoya Inoue, the multi division destroyer with sniper like timing, versus Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, a southpaw prodigy with IQ to match his reflexes. Speed meets speed. Precision meets precision. There’s almost no margin for error here.
What makes this bout different is its setting super flyweight, a weight class that’s often overlooked. But not in 2026. Finally, the world is watching.
This won’t be a slugfest. It’ll be a clinic. Expect wild tempo shifts, counter traps, body shot feints, and high level footwork. Both fighters are known for making elite opponents look average. That won’t happen here. If anything, they’ll push each other into entirely new territory something elite matchups rarely guarantee.
Inoue’s power carries into every division he enters. Bam’s angle work and adaptability can hijack any rhythm. There’s no easy pick. But what’s clear is that this fight puts the spotlight right where it belongs: on skill, not size. And for once, the smallest guys are getting the largest stage.
Don’t Sleep on These Undercard Shakers
While the headliners might pull in the hype, 2026’s undercards are stacked with names ready to break through. Keyshawn Davis is starting to look less like a promising prospect and more like a certified problem in the lightweight division. His timing, precision, and composure under pressure are giving veterans trouble and he knows it. Jared Anderson continues to grow into the heavyweight scene, shedding the label of potential and entering contender status with every brutal stoppage. Raymond Ford, smooth and strategic, is carving his lane at featherweight with a mix of skill and grit most guys don’t show this young.
On the women’s side, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor aren’t stepping back. They’re still headlining arenas, still fighting top competition, and still showing younger fighters what championship mentality looks like. Serrano’s relentless pace. Taylor’s sharp angles and timing. They command respect and viewers.
Keep your eyes peeled during the early fights of every big card. The buzz in 2026 isn’t just in the pay per view matchups. It’s in the breakout talent hitting the ring before the lights reach full brightness. Because by the time the main event bell rings, a few careers may have already changed forever.
Why 2026 Is Big for Boxing
2026 isn’t just another year on the calendar it’s one of those rare windows where talent, timing, and tension all converge. Multiple weight classes are stacked with elite fighters either in or brushing right up against their physical prime. From heavyweight to super flyweight, there’s no shortage of potential classics waiting to happen.
What’s different this time? Fighters with international pull aren’t ducking each other. That means matchups the sport’s been teasing for years are finally materializing. No more endless tune ups, no more waiting for the politics to resolve. Promoters seem to have realized that big fights make money, especially when the fans are already onboard.
It’s not all perfect but the smoke has cleared just enough for boxing’s biggest “what ifs” to face off in the ring. So whether you’re in it for the sweet science or the fireworks, 2026 is the year the sport reminds everyone why it still matters.
Stay tuned. This is the year boxing answers its biggest “what ifs.”