Key boxing inquiries: What will the heavyweight division look like in 2026?

The heavyweight boxing division appears to be more open than it has been in quite some time. While established figures like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua remain significant in the title landscape, numerous emerging contenders are poised to seize the chance to ascend to the top tier.

What will be required for newcomers like Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, and Richard Torrez Jr. to advance to the next level?

Usyk currently possesses three world heavyweight titles (WBC, WBA, IBF), while Wardley ascended to WBO champion after Usyk vacated the title last year.

Will the other titles stay with their current holders? How many bouts does Fury have remaining? Can Joshua and Wilder re-establish their claims for title challenges?

We explore the future of boxing’s premier division.

Which fighters will hold world titles at the end of 2026?

The situation is complex, but Usyk is likely to retain at least one of his three titles by the year’s end. Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) may face the possibility of losing one or two belts due to overdue mandatory defenses. Recent speculation suggests that the WBC, WBA, and IBF champion might compete against 36-year-old Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in an unusual crossover match next. If Usyk, 39, proceeds with this bout, it could result in the loss of one of his titles.

Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) is performing well, and as the WBC interim champion, he would be elevated to full champion status if the WBC governing body chooses to strip Usyk. Kabayel, 33, may need to defeat former cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie next to retain the WBC interim title. Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) from Russia stopped Kubrat Pulev to secure the WBA regular championship (the WBA’s secondary title) in December. He could also be promoted to world champion status if Usyk selects a different opponent. Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs), the 21-year-old rising talent in the division, could contend for the WBA title later this year if he wins his upcoming fight against Jermaine Franklin on March 28. Itauma would also be favored to defeat opponents like Gassiev.

Usyk’s primary objective for later this year may be a trilogy bout against Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs). If Usyk vs. Fury III occurs, the victor will hold at least one and possibly two world titles.

How many more fights will Fury have before retiring again?

This hinges first on his return against Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) on April 11, and subsequently on a win over either Usyk, Wardley, or Joshua, likely in September in London. Two-time former champion Fury has not fought since suffering a second consecutive points defeat to Usyk in December 2024. While a loss to Usyk or Wardley in a title match would not eliminate his chances for a long-anticipated fight against English rival Joshua, it would shorten his career. Given Fury’s age at 37, his previous retirements, and available options, he likely has at least three bouts left before another retirement.

Can Wilder and Joshua work their way back into title contention?

Yes. Although both currently seem to be out of contention, their significant earning potential may lead to a title shot in the latter half of the year. However, with Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs), we must wait to see if the two-time former champion wishes to continue his career following the tragic loss of two close friends and team members in a car accident in December, which occurred shortly after his sixth-round KO of Jake Paul.

Joshua’s last fight before facing Paul was in September 2024, when he suffered a fifth-round KO defeat to Daniel Dubois. Typically, it would require several fights to return to title contention, but due to his revenue-generating ability, Joshua could be granted a title shot in his next bout. If Fury secures the WBO belt through the winner of Wardley vs. Dubois (potentially in April or May), expect to see Joshua in a title fight later this year.

Former WBC champion Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) lacks momentum and form, but his name still holds significance. Wilder’s team hopes that a successful return against Derek Chisora on April 4 will pave the way for a title shot in the latter half of the year. Despite the 40-year-old appearing to be a diminished force with four losses in his last six fights, a victory over Chisora could lead to a title opportunity against Usyk.

What is the best fight for Usyk in 2026?

There are greater threats than Wilder in the heavyweight division, such as Itauma. However, if Wilder defeats Chisora, he still generates interest. A matchup against Kabayel in his home country of Germany would be a significant event, but bouts against Wilder in the U.S. or Fury in the U.K. represent the most substantial opportunities for Usyk. It is unlikely that Usyk will face Joshua, who trained with his team last year.

Which young heavyweight will make the most noise in 2026?

Itauma may not conclude the year with a title, but he will be on the brink of a title shot if he can secure more knockout victories this year. If Usyk is stripped of the WBA belt, Itauma could end the year as one of boxing’s youngest champions. Mike Tyson (20 years old and four months) and Floyd Patterson (21 years, 10 months) are the two youngest heavyweight champions, and Itauma will turn 22 years old in December. The English boxer is currently the most exciting heavyweight in the sport, and if he maintains his knockout prowess, his fan base will expand. One potential matchup for Itauma later this year is the winner of Wardley vs. Dubois.

What will the heavyweight top 10 look like at the end of 2026?

Anticipate Usyk to be ranked No. 1 following a victory over either Fury, Kabayel, or Wilder. Fury, after concluding a brief retirement with a couple of wins over Makhmudov and possibly the winner of Wardley vs. Dubois to become a three-time world champion, will rejoin the chasing pack, followed by Kabayel, Itauma, Wardley, Dubois, Filip Hrgovic, Richard Torrez Jr., Okolie, Bakhodir Jalolov, and Joshua. Joshua could finish a challenging year higher on the list if he secures a significant victory in 2026. Wardley, who has achieved impressive comeback wins, plays a crucial role in this scenario. If he defeats Dubois and then Fury, would that diminish the likelihood of a potential Fury vs. Joshua fight? It would also position Wardley as No. 2 behind Usyk.

Who could make a big move into the top 10?

If two-time Olympic gold medalist Jalalov (16-0, 14 KOs) can secure the necessary fights, he possesses the skill set to become a significant contender over the next five years. He participated in two low-profile bouts last year in Kazakhstan and Russia.

Torrez (14-0, 12 KOs) is another fighter to keep an eye on. The Californian, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, could take a significant step forward in his career if he defeats Frank Sanchez in an IBF title eliminator in his next fight.

Richard Riakporhe (19-1, 15 KOs) also appears strong, powerful, and threatening since moving up from cruiserweight. The 36-year-old Londoner recorded two quick stoppage victories last year and is already ranked by the WBC. Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs), who faces former champion Charles Martin on Zuffa Boxing 03 on Feb. 14, has a prominent opportunity to shine this year if he can deliver, but the 2016 Olympian needs to improve upon his points draw with Martin Bakole last May.