Hold onto your hats, boxing fans! Australia is about to explode onto the world stage. Get ready for a year of shocking upsets, blockbuster matchups, and maybe even an NRL star trading the footy field for the boxing ring. Here are 26 bold predictions for the boxing world in 2026, guaranteed to spark debate and get you talking.
1. A Trio of Aussie World Champions Will Emerge
Last year might have felt like a never-ending obstacle course for Australian fighters, but we're betting on a massive comeback. By 2026, expect at least three Australian men to be crowned world champions. With nearly 20 Aussie boxers ranked in the top 15 across various weight divisions, the opportunities for title shots are ripe for the taking. Think of it as a golden age for Australian boxing, fueled by talent and opportunity.
2. Jai Opetaia Unifies and Faces David Benavidez
Jai Opetaia, Australia's cruiserweight king, has been avoided like the plague for the past three years. But 2026 will be the year he finally lands a career-defining fight – against none other than David Benavidez. This showdown will likely happen in the latter half of the year, with both fighters holding two cruiserweight titles each, vying to become the undisputed champion. This is not just a fight; it's a slobberknocker waiting to happen!
3. Jake Paul Steps into the Ring with Israel Adesanya
Love him or hate him, Jake Paul draws a crowd. Even after taking a beating from Anthony Joshua on Netflix (a fight watched by a staggering 33 million people!), Paul walked away with a cool $100 million. Who wouldn't want a piece of that action? Paul will be looking for at least two big-name opponents in 2026, so why not Israel Adesanya? Adesanya is a two-time UFC champ, a striking sensation, and boasts millions of followers on social media. But here's where it gets controversial... Adesanya typically fights at around 7kg lighter than Paul, a natural cruiserweight. Will this weight difference play a factor? It's a gamble that could pay off big for both fighters.
4. Dana White Makes Waves in Boxing Promotion
Dana White is diving headfirst into the world of boxing promotion, and by this time next year, he'll have made some serious noise. Expect White's Zuffa Boxing to give young prospects the "UFC treatment" and be involved in at least one mega-event like Canelo vs. Crawford. How will White's aggressive promotional style translate to boxing? Only time will tell, but expect fireworks.
5. Tim Tszyu Lands Another Mega Fight
Don't count Tim Tszyu out just yet! Despite recent losses, we're predicting a massive comeback for "The Phoenix" (formerly known as "The Soul Taker"). He'll go on a tear in 2026, culminating in a fight against a huge name. And this is the part most people miss... Tszyu has the pedigree and experience to bounce back faster than most. His name carries weight, and his previous performances in the US have shown he can compete at the highest level. Even as the "B-side," Tszyu has the potential to shock the world.
6. Paul Gallen Agrees to Fight Nelson Asofa-Solomona
We know, we know... Gal has retired (twice!). But everyone loves a big payday. Expect the 44-year-old Gallen, fresh off his win against SBW, to be tempted back into the ring for a fight against the imposing Nelson Asofa-Solomona (NAS). This bout would likely outsell even Gal vs. SBW. But if this fight doesn't happen, expect No Limit's newest crossover star to be fast-tracked into an Australian heavyweight title shot. It's a win-win situation for boxing fans.
7. Nikita Tszyu Makes His US Debut
First, Nikita Tszyu needs to beat Michael Zerafa – no easy feat. But if he does, expect the youngest Tszyu sibling to become a genuine Australian sports star. Nikita will likely headline another event in Australia before making his American debut. Currently ranked No. 6 in the IBF super welterweight division, a win against Zerafa could do for him what Jeff Horn's victory did for his brother Tim six years ago. It's a chance to step out of his brother's shadow and forge his own legacy.
8. George Rose vs. Eddie Hearn?
Eddie Hearn, fresh off his Netflix documentary, is heading to Australia in 2026 and eager to make big fights with No Limit. The Rose boys are open to a 5V5 showcase, an idea they first discussed with Hearn in a UK bar years ago. Exactly how this all unfolds is anyone's guess, but expect some interesting negotiations and potential collaborations.
9. Global Boxing Embraces AJ
Following a tragic car accident, Anthony Joshua will undoubtedly have a tough road ahead. The boxing world will rally around him, offering support as he navigates his grief and returns to the ring. Regardless of his future choices, Joshua will have the unwavering support of fight fans worldwide.
10. Liam Paro Becomes a Two-Division World Champion
Things are a bit complicated for Paro right now after his IBF eliminator was cancelled. But we're confident everything will be sorted out, and the Queenslander will get his shot at UK champ Lewis Crocker. If Paro wins gold in the first half of 2026, there's a chance he could face George Kambosos in an all-Australian showdown.
11. Inoue Becomes a Five-Division Champion and P4P King
Japan's Naoya Inoue will continue his dominance in 2026. Expect him to beat Junto Nakatani in what could be one of the greatest fights on the planet. From there, Inoue will move up again and win another title, potentially against England's Nick Ball. This will solidify his status as boxing's pound-for-pound king.
12. Sam Goodman Looks to Fulfill a Tattoo Prophecy
If Inoue moves up, the super bantamweight division will have four vacant titles, three of which Goodman is ranked to fight for. After his impressive performance against Nick Ball, Goodman is a strong contender for a title shot. This gives him the chance to finally make good on the tattoo inked onto a family friend's forearm: "Sam Goodman, super bantamweight world champion."
13. Harry Garside Retires
It's tough to write, but we expect the Olympic bronze medalist to retire this year to pursue other opportunities.
14. Usyk Fights On
Despite seeming like a perfect fit for "Dancing With The Stars," Oleksandr Usyk will extend his fighting career into 2026. Expect one massive fight, possibly against Deontay Wilder, before finally retiring undefeated in late 2027.
15. Callum Peters Wins Gold
Callum Peters, Australia's most exciting fight prospect, will continue his rise by winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
16. Australia's Unluckiest Fighter Becomes Champ, Again
Andrew Moloney, who's been robbed in title fights and prematurely retired, is poised for a comeback. He's reportedly next in line for IBF junior bantamweight Willibaldo Garcia. Despite potential complications, we're betting on Moloney to win and create one of boxing's greatest feel-good stories.
17. Fights for Francis Ngannou, Manny Pacquiao, & Floyd Mayweather
We can't predict how, but expect these three legends to have fights in 2026. Pacquiao is in talks with Mayweather, who's also linked to an exhibition against Mike Tyson. Ngannou, now at the end of his MMA deal, will likely return to the boxing ring.
18. The Tag of Australian Boxing Queen Becomes a Big Deal
Australia boasts four female world champions, all vying for the title of the nation's fight queen. Cherneka Johnson, Ebonie Bridges, Desley Robinson, Kaye Scott, and Skye Nicolson are all in contention.
19. Liam Wilson to Fight Navarrete Rematch
Liam Wilson deserves a rematch against Emanuel Navarrete after being robbed of a world title. With Wilson ranked No. 3 for the WBO super featherweight title, expect No Limit to make this fight happen.
20. Big Boys Go Bang
Expect Justis Huni to bounce back into world title contention, while Matchroom will ramp up fights for Teremoana Jnr. Domestically, expect a tournament to find a heavyweight "king" from a list of contenders.
21. Ahmad Reda to Get Ranked at Super Featherweight
Keep an eye on Ahmad Reda, who's dropping weight classes and aiming for a top-15 ranking.
22. No Limit's Caravan Hits the Road
No Limit is planning to take its events to new locations, including Perth, Adelaide, Townsville, and Tasmania.
23. Green/Mundine Back in the Headlines
While a fight between the sons of Danny Green and Anthony Mundine won't happen soon, expect the buzz to build. Archie Green and Rahim Mundine are both pursuing boxing careers.
24. Beterbiev, Bivol... and Bam
Expect a trilogy fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Also, Bam Rodriguez will continue his dominance by moving up to become a champion in a third weight class.
25. Underdog Aussie Snares Title Shot
Numerous other Australian fighters are in contention for big fights, including Jason Moloney, Jackson Jon England, Mateo Tapia, Dylan Biggs, and Conor Wallace.
26. Aussie UFC Star Crosses Over... with Zac Lomax
An Australian UFC star, like Rob Whittaker or Tai Tuivasa, could take a crossover fight, possibly with ex-NRL star Zac Lomax.
So, there you have it – 26 predictions for the wild world of boxing in 2026. Which predictions do you agree with? Which ones are completely off the mark? And what shocking upsets do you foresee? Let us know in the comments below!
