Three fights you can’t miss on the January boxing schedule

The 2025 schedule has provided us with some memorable fights, including Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois and the historic clash between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. The January boxing schedule (2026) is upon us, and here are three fights to look forward to.

January boxing schedule – 3 fights to look forward to

Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz – January 24

On January 24 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Ryamond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) will defend the IBF lightweight title against Cuban fighter Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs). Muratalla was elevated to the full title following the decision of Vasiliy Lomachenko to retire.

Cruz has impressed during his professional career so far, following a storied amateur career. The Cuban has scored impressive wins over Hironori Mishiro and Antonio Moran.

Muratalla also remains undefeated, with his best wins coming against Zaur Abdullaev and Tevin Farmer. This is a great fight for the January boxing schedule, with Cruz’s excellent counterpunching and ring IQ against the relentless pressure and counterpunching of the American.

Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin – January 24

At the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) faces the durable American Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs).

Itauma enjoyed a highly impressive 2024 before defeating Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte in 2025. Itauma looks destined for the peak of the heavyweight division, but Franklin will not just be coming to survive. The American appeared on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard, scoring an upset win against Ivan Dychko.

Franklin is an impressive body puncher with a granite chin. Itauma has speed, slick footwork, and plenty of power. Can Franklin derail the Itauma trainer, or will the Brit continue his journey towards a world title shot?

Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – January 31

The final fight to watch on the January boxing schedule is Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson for Lopez’s lineal/WBO super lightweight title.

This intriguing matchup will headline the “The Ring 6” fight card at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) was last seen in action producing a career-best performance in defeating William Zepeda by unanimous decision on the Ring III fight card. Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) last fought on the Times Square fight card on May 2, defeating Arnold Barboza by unanimous decision.

Lopez throws with intent, and his speed and accuracy are his two best assets. He will need to be at his very best to trouble Stevenson, who is a defensive master, who often slips his opponents’ punches, before countering impressively. 

Lopez’s speed vs Stevenson’s timing, who wins?