Five middleweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026

Middleweight had a rough 2025.

The division’s major titleholders had just three fights between them. A unification bout between WBA champion Erislandy Lara and unified titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly had to be cancelled following the latter testing positive for a banned substance. While 2025 was a frustrating year for middleweight, one can always hope that the following year will be better. Fortunately, there are some fighters at 160 lbs who should provide fight fans a reason to tune into the division in 2026.

In no particular order, Big Fight Weekend presents its list of five middleweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026.

Five middleweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026

George Liddard

George Liddard (13-0, 8 KOs) is a British boxer promoted by Matchroom Boxing. He is the reigning British and Commonwealth middleweight champion following his knockout victory over Kieron Conway. Liddard made his professional boxing debut in late 2022 and is just 23 years old.

Amari Jones

Amari Jones (15-0, 13 KOs) signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2025, but has spent most of his professional career being promoted by Devin Haney himself. The American middleweight rarely goes the distance in his fights and should take his career to new heights in 2026. Like Liddard, Jones is also just 23 years old.

Yoenli Hernández

Yoenli Hernández (9-0, 8 KOs) had his first two professional boxing bouts while he was still part of the Cuban national team. In 2022, Cuba finally allowed their amateur boxers to compete in professional bouts. Hernández, 28, was among the first to box professionally while still being part of the Cuban national team. He later defected and now lives and fights out of the United States.

Tamm Thibeault

Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) has represented Canada at two different Olympic Games. She has also won gold medals at the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Pan American Games. Thibeault, 29, turned professional in late 2024 with Most Valuable Promotions. She has quickly established herself as one of the best middleweights in women’s boxing and is not far off from challenging for a world title.

Fabian Guzman

Fabian Guzman (9-0, 8 KOs) is the only fighter on this list to have already fought in 2026. He appeared on the undercard of Raúl Curiel vs. Jordan Panthen where he stopped Jose Rodriguez in six rounds. Guzman is also the youngest on this list at just 22 years old. Only one of his fights has gone the distance and he looks to continue his development with Golden Boy Promotions this year.