Paulie Malignaggi names two fights he wants to see in 2026 including ‘blockbuster’

The boxing schedule already has plenty of fights locked in for 2026, with many intriguing matchups rumoured for the remainder of the year. So far this year, we have seen Shakur Stevenson dominate Teofimo Lopez and Raymond Muratalla defeat Andy Cruz. Former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi recently spoke to NewBettingOffers, detailing two fights he would like to see in this year’s boxing schedule.

Boxing schedule: Malignaggi reveals two fights he wants to see

When asked what one fight he wants to see in 2026: “Inoue-Nakatani,” said Malignaggi.

Revealing what draws him to that fight, he said: “It’s a huge blockbuster type of event, between two blockbuster fighters. On a lower level, as a hardcore boxing fan myself, I wouldn’t mind Keyshawn Davis against Raymond Muratalla. 

“I like that style matchup. I heard they had a big rivalry in the amateurs as well. From a hardcore standpoint, I love that fight. I would love to see that fight. From a big boxing standpoint, that would attract casuals and all the world; I think Inoue vs Nakatani is a huge Tokyo Dome spectacle between two blockbuster champions.”

Nakatani addresses potential Inoue bout

It was reported by BoxingScene and other outlets that Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani is in the works for May 2026. This fight would be a blockbuster for the boxing schedule and one that would captivate the sport.

Before his tough win over Sebastian Hernandez, Junto Nakatani spoke to Dan Rafael through an interpreter about the potential showdown with Inoue: 

“Yes, I know he’s a great fighter, but I myself want to be called a great fighter as well. So, then winning against him makes me more of a great fighter.

“So that’s the kind of motivation I have right now,” said Nakatani.

It remains to be seen if we will see Inoue vs Nakatani, but the boxing schedule continues to crave this all-Japanese superfight. Should the fight be made, who wins and how?