Five super lightweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026

The super lightweight division has had a relatively busy start to 2026.

Gary Antuanne Russell has already made a defence of his WBA world title. Shakur Stevenson became the WBO world champion in January with a victory against Teófimo López. That month also saw Dalton Smith become the WBC world champion with a win against Subriel Matías. On the women’s side, Sandy Ryan defeated Karla Ramos Zamora to win the vacant WBC title. Richardson Hitchins was also scheduled to make a defence of his IBF title before having to withdraw on fight night after falling ill.

In addition to the champions, there are plenty of other fighters looking to make their mark in 2026. In no particular order, here are five super lightweights that you should be keeping an eye on this year.

Five super lightweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026

Curmel Moton

Big Fight Weekend has previously included Curmel Moton (9-0, 7 KOs) on lists of boxers to keep an eye on. He made his professional boxing debut as a 17 year old in 2023 and has already put on some impressive performances. Moton, a fighter promoted by Mayweather Promotions, has already fought once this year. Do not be surprised if he is on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2.

Ernesto Mercado

Ernesto Mercado (18-0, 17 KOs) is a super lightweight promoted by Matchroom Boxing. A talented fighter who almost always gets the knockout, he has had to deal with two fight cancellations since signing with the company. The first was the result of an opponent coming in seven pounds over the contracted weight limit. The second time was due to an injury Mercado himself sustained. Despite the setbacks, he won his two fights of 2025 and will look to move forward in 2026.

Jhon Orobio

Jhon Orobio (17-0, 15 KOs) is a Colombian now based in Canada. He is trained by Marc Ramsay, who is also the trainer of former undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev. Orobio began fighting 10-rounders in June last year. His first fight of this year saw him brutally knock out Yomar Alamo. The opposition continues to improve for Orobio, which is why 2026 should be an exciting year for him.

Ruslan Abdullaev

Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) is an Uzbek super lightweight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. All four of his professional boxing bouts have taken place in the United States on their cards. Abdullaev has already fought once this year. The intention is for Abdullaev to get a shot at a world title by his sixth fight. Should that remain the goal, the rest of 2026 could see him take on some top contenders.

Carlos Utria

Carlos Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) had a memorable 2025. He took part in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and emerged victorious following five fights in Saudi Arabia. This year holds plenty of promise for the 22-year-old Colombian. Expect to see him continue to climb the ranks at super lightweight and establish himself as a fighter to watch.