5 heavyweights to watch out for in 2026

2026 is here, and we already have some mouthwatering matchups confirmed on the boxing schedule. Established stars will continue to have their moments, but the next crop of stars will be looking to make their mark. The heavyweight division looks set for another memorable year. Here are five heavyweight boxers to watch out for in 2026.

Heavyweight Boxers to watch in 2026

Heavyweight boxers continue to attract a lot of attention from fight fans across the globe. 2026 should bring us the return of the mercurial Oleksandr Usyk. We will also see Moses Itauma back in action on January 24 against Jermaine Franklin. Below are some names you may be familiar with, but some not so much.

Agit Kabayel

The first name on our list is the German fighter, Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs). The 33-year-old German has never been the most active fighter, with his most notable win coming against Derek Chisora, before he scored an impressive Riyadh Season win against Arslanbek Makhmudov. 

Since then, he has defeated Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang. In these recent victories, Kabayel’s relentless pressure and excellent body punching have stood out. His excellent footwork sees him cut the ring off effectively, and will cause problems for any heavyweight in the division. Kabayel will be back in action on January 10, defending his WBC interim title against the unbeaten Polish fighter Damian Knyba.

Jakhongir Zokirov

Next on our list of heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026 is the 6’7″ Uzbek, Jakhongir Zokirov. The 22-year-old Dzhizak native has been back in the amateur code in 2025.

Zokirov (2-0, 1 KO) has won a plethora of medals in the amateur code, including a silver medal at the 2025 world championships in Liverpool. The giant southpaw carries plenty of power and will provide an awkward puzzle to solve for any opponent. It remains to be seen how active he will be in the professional code, but Zokirov has all the attributes to make a big splash at the highest level.

Justis Huni

Australian heavyweight Justis Huni (12-1, 7 KOs) was on his way to a brilliant win against Fabio Wardley, before the Ipswich fighter landed a right hand from the gods to knock out Huni.

The Australian is expected back in action early this year, with his planned bout against Kiki Toa Leutele cancelled following the tragic death of Huni’s trainer, Keri Fui. When Huni is back in action, the Aussie looks set for a big 2026, with his slick footwork and impressive combination punching.

Richard Torrez Jr

Richard Torrez Jr (14-0, 12 KOs) has adapted well to the pro ranks, staying active and moving through opponents with ease. He throws his shots with power and mixes his attacks well. 2025 saw him score a career-best win against Guido Vianello. It remains to be seen just how far the Tulare native can go, but so far, Torrez has passed every test with flying colours.

Joshua Edwards

Joshua Edwards (5-0, 5 KOs) is the final name on our list of heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026. It’s been plain sailing so far for the Pan American Games 2023 gold medalist. It remains to be seen just how far Edwards can go, but he punches with plenty of speed and power. Edwards can fight at range or up close. 

His defence is tight, which comes from his amateur background. Under the guidance of Golden Boy Promotions, the chances for the Houston native should be plentiful. We are backing Edwards to make an impact in the heavyweight division in 2026.

Do you agree with our five heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026? Who are your five to watch?