5 light heavyweights to watch out for in 2026

2026 is here, and we already have some intriguing matchups confirmed on the boxing schedule, with more rumoured. Renowned stars will be looking to solidify their legacies, while the next crop of fighters will look to make their mark. The best light heavyweight boxers are currently Dmitry Bivol, who holds the IBF, WBO, WBA, and The Ring titles. David Benavidez holds the WBC after Bivol vacated the title. Here are five more light heavyweight boxers for you to watch out for in 2026.

Light heavyweight Boxers to watch in 2026

The light heavyweight division has been ruled by Artur Beterbiev before his defeat to Bivol. Beterbiev won the first fight between the two, before Bivol gained revenge in the rematch. A Bivol-Benavidez fight for undisputed glory could happen in 2026, but the next crop are seemingly on their way. Here are five light heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026.

Arlen Lopez

The first name on our light heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026 list is the undefeated Cuban, Arlen Lopez (6-0, 2 KOs). A decorated amateur who has won a plethora of medals, many have speculated what impact the Guantanamo native could make. In the amateurs, he defeated Ben Whittaker, Christian Mbilli, and Bektemir Melikuziev, among many others.

Still winning medals in the amateurs, it remains to be seen whether Lopez has the desire to reach the top of the professional ranks. One thing is certain: he has the talent. His footwork is elite, and he controls the distance impressively during his fights. His counterpunching is also a major asset. If Lopez can and wants to focus more on the pros, 2026 could be a big year for the talented Cuban.

Ben Whittaker

Ben Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs) is supremely talented. He showed his ability during his amateur career, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games. During his first few professional fights, he became a viral sensation due to his unique defence. These moments helped him showcase stunning reflexes, while attracting plenty of criticism, with many calling his style disrespectful.

Whittaker clearly underestimated Liam Cameron, with their fight ending in a controversial technical draw, after both fighters tumbled over the top rope, leaving Whittaker unable to continue. 

Following intense criticism, he moved trainers to Andy Lee, comprehensively beat Liam Cameron in the rematch, and most recently stopped Benjamin Gavazi in the first round to win the vacant WBC silver light heavyweight title. Now fighting under the Matchroom banner, 2026 looks set to be a huge year for The Surgeon.

Javokhir Ummataliev

Javokhir Ummataliev (1-0, 0 KOs) has enjoyed a brilliant amateur career, winning a number of medals, including gold in the 80kg division at the recent amateur world championships in Liverpool. He scored impressive wins in the amateurs, including against Arlen Lopez. He recently signed with Queensberry Promotions and won on his professional debut against Rahim Aliyev, with scorecards of 60-54 x3.

Ummataliev is an excellent technician. He maintains a strong high-guard defence, possesses excellent head movement, and picks his punches well. His slick footwork enables him to pick his shots and move out of danger with relative ease. It’s going to be fascinating to watch the Uzbek fighter develop.

Najee Lopez

Next on our list of light heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026 is Najee Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs). The American-born Puerto Rican has shown heavy hands in his fights, with his best win coming against Kalvin Henderson in his last fight.

While not operating at the highest level thus far, Lopez was an impressive amateur. He possesses a solid jab, which helps him control the distance in his fights. He’s a strong body puncher who carries fight-ending power in his right hand. What impact can Lopez make in 2026?

Sharabutdin Ataev

The last fighter on our list of light heavyweight boxers to watch in 2026 is Sharabutdin Ataev (8-0, 5 KOs). Ataev recently won a gold medal at the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai. He uses his jab effectively during his fights to control the distance. His lateral movement and tight guard mean he’s a difficult target to hit for opponents. Ataev is diligent with his shot selection and, overall, a difficult fighter to face.

So far, he has breezed through his professional career, but bigger tests await the talented amateur, who could make a big splash in the pro ranks during 2026.