Canelo Alvarez, Usyk, Jake, and Pacquiao: the punch-packed lineup fans want in 2026

The year 2025 already looks like an adrenaline-packed ride for boxing. But 2026 could shape up to be a full-blown action movie with gloves. With Manny Pacquiao making his return, the challenges stacking up for Oleksandr Usyk, and the bold plans of Jake Paul. But, there’s one fighter who inevitably steals the spotlight: Canelo Alvarez.

The Mexican champion owns multiple titles across his career. He’s also scheduled to face Terence Crawford on September 13. But both fans and Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh are looking past the immediate horizon. The agreement between them outlines four to five fights within the next two to three years. Among the potential rivals for Canelo Alvarez, names like Hamzah Sheeraz—a polished Brit with dangerous reach—and Christian M’billi, the Canadian-French knockout artist, have already surfaced. And no one’s forgetting the long-awaited clash with David Benavidez, still looming and gaining traction with his power and youth.

The most anticipated showdowns

However, as Marca recently highlighted, there’s a name that continues to hover—Dmitry Bivol. A rematch with the Russian could be the unfinished chapter in Canelo Alvarez’s narrative, especially after that unanimous decision loss in 2022. Fans have been demanding it, and while the stage is still under construction, the foundation is already in place.

Meanwhile, the boxing world is expanding beyond Canelo Alvarez. Some proposed bouts are as unusual as they are controversial. Jake Paul, known more for viral videos than jab combos, has made it clear he’s ready to take on real champions. Rumors suggest his target is none other than Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world titleholder. Is it madness or just a cash grab? Joshua hasn’t fought since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois, and he’s still recovering from elbow surgery—but the debate rages on.

Turki Alalshikh is working on a potential boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul https://t.co/qunA20wwcW pic.twitter.com/jr8Dpyf5Jn

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 17, 2025

In the heavyweight landscape, Usyk, now an undisputed champion, may take on Joseph Parker as a warm-up before a third chapter against Tyson Fury, who has announced his return for 2026. The promoter chessboard is already moving, and Canelo Alvarez is just one of the major pieces on the board.

Exciting routes ahead

Rounding out the field, Rolly Romero is weighing two electrifying paths. One leads to a showdown with the legendary Pacquiao at welterweight. The other sparks a personal rivalry with Teófimo López, in a fight fueled by sparring history and explosive styles.

Bottom line? 2026 promises to be a rollercoaster ride for the boxing world and its fans. Canelo Alvarez and company are geared up to update their stats and face the best in the game.