2026 is right here, and we have already got some intriguing matchups confirmed on the boxing schedule. Famend stars will proceed to make headlines, whereas the following crop of fighters will look to make their mark. The cruiserweight champions are at present Gilberto Ramirez, Jai Opetaia, and Noel Mikaelian. Listed below are 5 extra cruiserweight boxers so that you can be careful for in 2026.
Cruiserweight Boxers to observe in 2026
The cruiserweight division has some spectacular fighters, with followers eager to see a unification battle between Jai Opetaia, the present IBF champion, and WBA and WBO champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Noel Mikaelian just lately received the WBC title in his rematch towards Badou Jack. The division wants some massive fights in 2026, with the following wave of cruiserweight fighters standing by.
Aloys Junior
The primary title on our record of cruiserweight boxers to observe in 2026 is the ferocious punching Aloys Junior (11-1, 9 KOs). After shedding his skilled debut towards Michal Soczynski, Aloys Junior has been largely dominant, scoring spectacular wins towards Lewis Oakford and David Jamieson. Ellis Zorro posed him issues final outing, and questions stay simply how far The Animal can go.
His Mike Tyson-esque bob and weave assault makes him robust to maintain off. He arguably must develop extra persistence in his assaults and decide his punches extra successfully, however his relentlessness and energy make him an enormous drawback for any cruiserweight.
Keno Marley
Subsequent up on our record of cruiserweight boxers to observe in 2026 is the latest Most Worthwhile Promotions signing Keno Marley (1-0, 0 KOs). Throughout his novice profession, the proficient Brazilian received quite a few medals and appeared on the 2020 Olympics.
A extremely technical fighter who possesses fast footwork and has an important jab. Marley is at his greatest when combating at vary, and he confirmed this on his skilled debut on the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua undercard, defeating Diarra Davis Jr by unanimous resolution, with all scorecards studying 40-35.
Marley could have a plethora of alternatives combating on MVP playing cards, and the longer term seems vivid for the 25-year-old Brazilian.
Lenar Perez
Lenar Perez (15-0, 14 KOs) is a 27-year-old Cuban. He won’t be acquainted to many, however he carries loads of energy. Final outing, Perez went the space for the primary time, successful by break up resolution towards Aleksei Egorov, successful the vacant IBA professional intercontinental cruiserweight title.
Perez retains a good guard and is diligent together with his counterpunching. As you possibly can see by his document, when he sees the openings, Perez is greater than able to ending the battle.
Leonardo Mosquea
Up subsequent on our record of cruiserweight boxers to observe in 2026 is Leonardo Mosquea (18-0, 11 KOs). The 31-year-old Dominican-born fighter was largely an unknown amount earlier than he beat Chev Clarke on December 14, 2024. Victory for Mosquea noticed him change into the brand new European cruiserweight champion.
Since that win, he has stopped Ivan Gabriel Garcia and Jeison Troncoso. He brings a high-output model to his fights and carries energy. 2026 could possibly be an enormous yr for Mosquea.
Pat Brown
The ultimate fighter on our record of cruiserweight boxers to observe in 2026 is the Jewel in Matchroom Boxing’s crown, Pat Brown (5-0, 5 KOs).
Brown competed on the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier than turning skilled and signing with Matchroom. He has made it look simple up to now, knocking out all opponents. Final outing was mentioned to be the hardest check for Brown towards Felix Valera. The Manchester fighter made it look routine, blowing Valera away within the second spherical.
It’s going to be difficult holding Brown again. His heavy palms and aggressive model make him a field workplace. He’s not afraid to take a punch to get his off. 2026 ought to be entertaining with Pat Brown round.
Do you agree with our 5 cruiserweight boxers to observe in 2026? Who’re your 5 to observe?
