Analysis
5 cruiserweights to watch out for in 2026
5 cruiserweights to watch out for in 2026
2026 is here, and we already have some intriguing matchups confirmed on the boxing schedule. Renowned stars will continue to make headlines, while the next crop of fighters will look to make their mark. The cruiserweight champions are currently Gilberto Ramirez, Jai Opetaia, and Noel Mikaelian. Here are five more cruiserweight boxers for you to watch out for in 2026.
Cruiserweight Boxers to watch in 2026
The cruiserweight division has some impressive fighters, with fans wanting to see a unification fight between Jai Opetaia, the current IBF champion, and WBA and WBO champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Noel Mikaelian recently won the WBC title in his rematch against Badou Jack. The division needs some big fights in 2026, with the next wave of cruiserweight fighters standing by.
Aloys Junior
The first name on our list of cruiserweight boxers to watch in 2026 is the ferocious punching Aloys Junior (11-1, 9 KOs). After losing his professional debut against Michal Soczynski, Aloys Junior has been mostly dominant, scoring impressive wins against Lewis Oakford and David Jamieson. Ellis Zorro posed him problems last time out, and questions remain just how far The Animal can go.
His Mike Tyson-esque bob and weave attack makes him tough to keep off. He arguably needs to develop more patience in his attacks and pick his punches more effectively, but his relentlessness and power make him a big problem for any cruiserweight.
Keno Marley
Next up on our list of cruiserweight boxers to watch in 2026 is the recent Most Valuable Promotions signing Keno Marley (1-0, 0 KOs). During his amateur career, the talented Brazilian won numerous medals and appeared at the 2020 Olympics.
A highly technical fighter who possesses quick footwork and has a great jab. Marley is at his best when fighting at range, and he showed this on his professional debut on the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua undercard, defeating Diarra Davis Jr by unanimous decision, with all scorecards reading 40-35.
Marley will have a plethora of opportunities fighting on MVP cards, and the future looks bright for the 25-year-old Brazilian.
Lenar Perez
Lenar Perez (15-0, 14 KOs) is a 27-year-old Cuban. He might not be familiar to many, but he carries plenty of power. Last time out, Perez went the distance for the first time, winning by split decision against Aleksei Egorov, winning the vacant IBA pro intercontinental cruiserweight title.
Perez keeps a tight guard and is diligent with his counterpunching. As you can see by his record, when he sees the openings, Perez is more than capable of ending the fight.
Leonardo Mosquea
Up next on our list of cruiserweight boxers to watch in 2026 is Leonardo Mosquea (18-0, 11 KOs). The 31-year-old Dominican-born fighter was largely an unknown quantity before he beat Chev Clarke on December 14, 2024. Victory for Mosquea saw him become the new European cruiserweight champion.
Since that win, he has stopped Ivan Gabriel Garcia and Jeison Troncoso. He brings a high-output style to his fights and carries power. 2026 could be a big year for Mosquea.
Pat Brown
The final fighter on our list of cruiserweight boxers to watch in 2026 is the Jewel in Matchroom Boxing’s crown, Pat Brown (5-0, 5 KOs).
Brown competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics before turning professional and signing with Matchroom. He has made it look easy thus far, knocking out all opponents. Last time out was said to be the toughest test for Brown against Felix Valera. The Manchester fighter made it look routine, blowing Valera away in the second round.
It’s going to be challenging holding Brown back. His heavy hands and aggressive style make him a box office. He’s not afraid to take a punch to get his off. 2026 should be entertaining with Pat Brown around.
Do you agree with our five cruiserweight boxers to watch in 2026? Who are your five to watch?
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
