Boxing 2026: Usyk, Fury, and Joshua lead dream cards

The Future of Heavyweight: Epic Fights until 2026

The heavyweight division landscape is constantly changing. With champions and former champions nearing the end of their careers, the question is clear: who will be the protagonists of the most important fights in the near future? Alofoke Deportes analyzes the most promising matchups until 2026. Despite the evolution in the division, some familiar names are still looking for a shot at the title or a big purse. One of those key matchups will be the one between WBO interim champion Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London this Saturday. The winner will be positioned for a title fight in 2026 against the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Since Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, became an influential figure in boxing, the matchups that excite fans have become a reality thanks to the significant purses at stake. Usyk, who holds the four titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO) in heavyweight, has his sights set on big fights that could mark the beginning of 2026. Here, at Alofoke Deportes, we present some of the most attractive matchups that could materialize:

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker

We start with the king. Usyk, who has recently expressed his intention to fight until he’s 41, is coming off a resounding technical knockout victory in the fifth round against Daniel Dubois in July, once again solidifying himself as the undisputed champion. Tyson Fury, also interested in a rematch against Usyk, could see Parker as the immediate rival, assuming Parker defeats Wardley this Saturday. Parker, former WBO champion, has shown excellent performance in his last fights and is the mandatory challenger for the WBO. With a record of 36 wins and 3 losses, Parker has patiently awaited his title opportunity and seems to be the most likely contender to face Usyk in 2026. The fight could have happened earlier, but an injury to Usyk forced Parker to accept the fight against Wardley.

Could Parker, with his intelligent strategy demonstrated in his victories over Deontay Wilder (2023) and Zhilei Zhang (2024), trouble Usyk? Usyk, renowned for his mobility and boxing skill, starts as the favorite. If Wardley pulls off an upset against Parker, could he become Usyk’s next opponent?

Regardless of the opponent, 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 could materialize, the fight that generates the most attention and could generate the most pay-per-view revenue is Fury against Joshua. This matchup, which has been in development for five years, remains a possibility for 2026. However, there is uncertainty if Fury decides to face Usyk first and retire after that fight. Despite its appeal, the realization of this fight is still not certain. Attempts to finalize a fight between Fury and Joshua have failed since 2020. Although the appeal of the match has diminished as neither is a world champion, the interest in seeing the English rivals face each other remains high. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has mentioned that Fury wants to return next year, although Fury has not fought since Usyk defeated him in December. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter, revealed that Joshua, 36, is interested in the fight against Fury, but several factors still need to align for it to happen. Heavyweight boxing is unpredictable, and in an ideal scenario, Fury and Joshua would face each other soon.

Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou

Wilder vs. Ngannou could be a very entertaining spectacle for boxing and mixed martial arts fans. Both boxers are far from the title fight, but their punching power ensures excitement. This fight could offer big hits and spectacular moments. Both have exchanged provocations on social media. Ngannou posted that “it’s time to settle the debate”, to which Wilder responded “Get in the ring…”. Both have reasons to seek the knockout and revive their careers. Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, suffered a painful knockout defeat in the second round against Joshua in March 2024. Wilder, former WBC world champion, has had an irregular performance, losing four of his last six fights. Wilder and Ngannou are known for their knockout power, and many fans would be interested in seeing who lands the definitive blow.

Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole

After returning from elbow surgery and not having fought since being knocked out by Dubois in September 2024, Joshua is likely to face another opponent before seeking a fight against Fury early next year. Bakole has recently been linked with Joshua for a fight in Nigeria. Joshua, with Nigerian ancestry and having lived in the African country during his childhood, could be interested in fighting in Africa to revitalize his career after his most recent defeat. Bakole, 33 years old and originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, seems to be a good opponent for Joshua to prepare for a big fight in 2026 with a spectacular victory. Parker defeated Bakole in two rounds in February, although Bakole was a last-minute substitute. Bakole also drew with Efe Ajagba in May.

Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic

Itauma, one of the most promising heavyweights, has a fight scheduled for December 13, but is still looking for an opponent. Some boxers have ruled out facing Itauma. Usyk stated that he does not expect to fight Itauma before retiring, while Kubrat Pulev, WBA “regular” heavyweight champion, opted to face Murat Gassiev on December 12. Hrgovic would be an excellent opponent for Itauma next year, providing a higher-level test for the 20-year-old. Itauma’s endurance has not yet been tested, and Hrgovic’s experience, mobility, and skill could be a challenge. Dillian Whyte, a veteran who lasted six rounds against Fury in April 2022, was defeated by Itauma in one round in August, and the young contender could face longer fights. Hrgovic has suffered cuts in recent fights, but if his skin holds up, his power, experience, and boxing skill should test Itauma.

Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Daniel Dubois

Jalolov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Uzbekistan, is another contender who could rise in the heavyweight division after the era of Usyk, Joshua, and Fury. Jalolov, who is 2.00 meters tall and 31 years old, is currently in the background and needs a big win to enter the top five. A fight against Dubois could boost his profile. It’s a high-stakes clash for both: Jalolov, undefeated, is close to a title opportunity, while Dubois is coming off a knockout loss in the fifth round against Usyk and cannot afford another setback. Dubois, who knocked out Joshua just over a year ago in his first and only defense of the IBF title, hasn’t fought since losing to Usyk in July and could be tempted by the opportunity to gain ground against another contender. This matchup has the potential to be an exciting battle between two great punchers with the opportunity to reach the top.