TL;DR

What is the central focus of this piece? The purpose of this feature is to take a look at the current landscape of men’s boxing and outline 15 of the fights that could shape the next chapter of the sport as the likes of Terence Crawford, Canelo Alvarez, and Oleksandr Usyk take their last few fights.

How many fights and/or fighters did you consider? More than 70 fighters and nearly 90 fights were considered.

What criteria did you use? Factors such as a fighter’s current age, activity and weight class were all taken into consideration. To be more specific, all fighters included are 32 years old or younger and have fought or will fight within the next 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, fighters cannot be mentioned in more than one matchup. Additionally, potential fights must hypothetically take place in the next five years.

Intro

Ali-Frazier.

Leonard-Duran.

Holyfield-Tyson.

And the list goes on.

At times, it can feel as if there are more self-proclaimed “fights of the century” than there are centuries in recorded human history. But can you blame the boxing world? The hype! The anticipation! The buildup! There’s something truly intoxicating about working through years of big fights for the superstar-studded showdown that will not only enthrall hardcore fans but will also bring the eyeballs of casual viewers and mainstream media attention.

In 2015, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao met in one of the more recent fights of the century. Mayweather Jr. brought his gift of gab, defensive wizardry, and pinpoint punch accuracy to the table while Pacquiao offered his charisma, punch volume, and speed to the fans. While the fight proved to be less climactic than one would have hoped, it did what it was supposed to. MGM Grand Garden Arena? Filled to the brim with fans, celebrities, and boxing luminaries. Media row during fight week? Jam-packed with media titans from around the globe, including ESPN, CBS, and ABC. And let’s not even discuss how much the fight ultimately grossed.

Weeks and months after Mayweather Jr. worked his way to a competitive, yet clear decision victory for the lineal welterweight title, many were left asking, “What’s the next super fight?” In the years that followed, showdowns like Wilder-Fury, Taylor-Serrano, Joshua-Klitschko, Beterbiev-Bivol, Benn-Eubank Jr., Garcia-Davis, and a few others captured the attention of the sports world. Still, none would marry historical significance and mainstream appeal quite like Alvarez-Crawford.

When Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao met in Las Vegas, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez had yet to win a title above super welterweight, and Terence Crawford was training for a 140-pound bout with Yuriorkis Gamboa. Even as the two rose through the ranks and won titles across multiple weight classes, the thought of the two meeting in a ring felt far-fetched until the Omaha native battered Errol Spence Jr. for the undisputed welterweight title.

Then, on September 13, 2025, Crawford and Alvarez did it. They fought. They packed more than 70,000 fans into Allegiant Stadium and drew more than 40 million viewers globally on Netflix. From Angel Reese to Dave Chappelle, stars lined the ringside seating. ESPN was there. BBC, too. It was the platform boxing needed as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing sporting landscape. And while the immediate post-Crawford-Alvarez schedule has been admittedly lackluster, there’s a lot to look forward to. In the lighter weight classes, Junto Nakatani, Oscar Collazo, and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez are building profiles in and out of the ring. At the higher weight classes, the likes of David Benavidez, Moses Itauma, and Ben Whittaker are becoming bigger stars with every round fought. Not to mention, Shakur Stevenson, Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and many others are sure to remain in the spotlight. As a result, there are several ways to answer the following question: In men’s boxing, what “super fights” will define the post-Crawford-Alvarez chapter of the sport? In a fun exercise of foresight, analysis, and frankly, guessing, I attempted to answer that question. Here’s what I came up with.

Criteria

Age: Because we are forecasting months and years into the future, all boxers selected in this exercise must be 32 years old or younger at the time of publication.

Weight: Matchups must feature fighters who are currently within three or fewer weight classes of each other.

Boxers: No fighter may be included in more than one matchup.

Activity: All boxers selected must have a fight scheduled or have fought within the last 18 months. Fighters can also be excluded if there is reason to believe they may not fight again.

Proximity: All fights listed must occur before the end of the decade — December 31, 2029.

Notable fighters who may be excluded using this criteria: Dmitry Bivol (Age), Gervonta “Tank” Davis (Activity), Gilberto Ramirez (Age), Errol Spence Jr. (Activity), Jermell Charlo (Age + Activity), Artur Beterbiev (Age), Subriel Matias (Age), Joseph Parker (Age)

Note: Fights are not ranked in order of importance. Instead, they are listed in order of “Preferred or Projected Time Frame,” from nearest to farthest in the future.

The Final List

O’Shaquie Foster v. Stephen Fulton

Preferred Time Frame: Scheduled — December 6, 2025

Preferred Division: Scheduled — Super Featherweight

Preferred Location: Scheduled — San Antonio, TX (Frost Bank Center)

As stated above, the fights were not ranked in any particular order. However, this is the fifteenth of the fifteen fights to make the final cut from the initial list of nearly 90 fights that were considered. When the fight was first announced, it was characterized as an excellent matchup between two fighters who have a lot in their bag and can push each other to new heights. Unfortunately, two postponements coupled with a somewhat lackluster fight schedule in the month or so following Canelo-Crawford, the excitement surrounding the fight has tempered down just a bit.

Thankfully, two important things, or people, rather, kept this fight on the final list of 15 fights — O’Shaquie Foster and Stephen Fulton. Regardless of when it happens, the fight will bring together two of the best fighters who are not currently on many pound-for-pound lists.

In one corner, Fulton approaches the battle as his latest opportunity to prove that he is among the best fighters in the world following his stoppage against Naoya Inoue. Beating Brandon Figueroa was a major step in the right direction, but a win against a reigning champion like Foster would secure a title in a third weight class and position him for big fights against Rafael Espinoza, Nick Ball, Raymond Ford, or Emmanuel Navarrete in the future.

In the opposite corner, Foster carries his underdog persona with pride. Battling through obstacles in and out of the ring, he’s gone into opponents’ backyards and won, overcome questionable scorecards, and bounced back from serious charges to be in this position. Now, with the most significant fight of his career thus far, he’s got everything to gain and his standing within the division to lose.

Shakur Stevenson v. Teofimo Lopez

Preferred Time Frame: Early 2026

Preferred Division: Super Lightweight (140 Pounds)

Preferred Location: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)

Three years ago, it would have seemed that Shakur Stevenson was on a collision course with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, while Teofimo Lopez’s natural rival appeared to be Devin Haney. However, when business is involved, few things happen in boxing the way that we imagine.

Currently in the works for early 2026, this super lightweight showdown poses more questions than answers. How will Shakur Stevenson look at super lightweight? What version of Teofimo Lopez will enter the ring? Regardless, the following is true: Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez are extremely talented multi-division champions with something to prove. As it stands, Shakur Stevenson has yet to beat a fighter in or on the fringes of the pound-for-pound list. A fight of this magnitude could be his opportunity. Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez has already beaten two pound-for-pound fighters in Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. However, the former victory occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving no room for fans. The latter victory came when Josh Taylor was admittedly on or nearing the downside of his career. While Lopez certainly deserves credit for beating both Lomachenko and Taylor, securing a win against current pound-for-pound talent in front of a presumably sold-out crowd in his hometown of New York would not only build his stock among boxing hardcores, but also among casual fans.

Jaron “Boots” Ennis v. Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Preferred Time Frame: Early 2026

Preferred Division: Super Welterweight (154 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (T-Mobile Arena)

At 28 and 27, respectively, Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. missed out on a great era of welterweight boxing featuring Errol Spence Jr., Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan, Danny Garcia, Yordenis Ugas, and, of course, Terence Crawford. Instead, they find themselves in the thick of what could be a great chapter in the super welterweight division. While potential fights involving Xander Zayas, Sebastian Fundora, and Bakhram Murtazaliev could be fun and exciting, the super welterweight clash everyone is dying to see is Ennis vs. Ortiz Jr.

A showdown between Ennis and Ortiz Jr. has everything that a fan could want — two talented fighters vying for respect, glory, and likely the highest paydays of their careers. Not to mention, the two appear to respect each other, but they don’t seem to be too fond of each other. Subtle jabs and taunts over social media and in interviews give a glimpse of the rivalry between the two and their eagerness to settle it in the ring.

If there is something this fight may be missing, it’s a world title. Ennis nor Ortiz Jr. hold a world title despite being mentioned by many as the best or among the best super welterweights in the division. While many hope that Ennis and Ortiz Jr. fight each other in early 2026, don’t be surprised if the fight is delayed another 6-8 months because one of the two is able to get a title shot in the meantime as they work toward a deal. With that said, this fight seems to be a matter of when, not if. If it’s 2026 or 3026, the desire to see two dynamic super welterweights will always be there.

Carlos Adames v. Janibek Alimkhanuly

Preferred Time Frame: Early 2026

Preferred Division: Middleweight (160 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (ANB Arena)

In the sport of boxing, is there a fight more hamstrung than this? Carlos Adames and Janibek Alimkhanuly appear to be the best two middleweights in the world. Adames, holding the WBC belt, has not fought since February and does not appear to have a fight scheduled. Alimkhanuly has fought once in the last 12 months and is a healthy favorite heading into a showdown with 42-year-old Erislandy Lara. If Alimkhanuly were to win, he’d have three of the division’s four titles and only two logical opponents — the winner of the postponed Jesus Ramos-Shane Mosley Jr. interim title fight or Adames. Given that Ramos-Mosley Jr. doesn’t have a new date and there is no guarantee that it will happen now, make the fight. After all, Alimkhanuly’s social media manager is the one who turned to X, formerly known as Twitter, earlier this week and wrote, “A real champion shouldn’t leave any titles to others – that’s the mindset every champion should have!” If that’s the case, don’t leave any titles to Adames. Fight him!

Sebastian Fundora v. Xander Zayas

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2026

Preferred Division: Super Welterweight (154 Pounds)

Preferred Location: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)

Xander Zayas and Sebastian Fundora can settle some unfinished business in front of a sold-out crowd at the world’s most famous arena during Mexican Independence Day Weekend or on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Earlier this year, a potential title bout involving Sebastian Fundora and Xander Zayas was headed toward a purse bid. However, the purse bid was eventually canceled as Fundora opted for a rematch with Tim Tszyu, vacating the WBO title in the process. As a result, Zayas ended up fighting for and winning the WBO title in July against Jorge Garcia Perez.

“He shouldn’t have lost it in the first place,” Zayas told a group of reporters after beating Perez at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. “That’s all I have to say. And he knows where to contact us.”

Since then, Fundora, now holding the WBC title, has negotiated a title defense against former 147-pound champion Keith Thurman early next year. Meanwhile, Zayas is expected to make his first title defense in Puerto Rico sometime in early 2026. If both get by their upcoming opponents, why not make the fight? After all, Zayas did say that “he knows where to contact [his team].” The winner would not only be halfway toward becoming an undisputed champion, but they’d also enter pound-for-pound discussions and position themselves for a fight against the Ennis-Ortiz Jr. victor.

Junto Nakatani v. Naoya Inoue

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2026

Preferred Division: Super Bantamweight (122 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Tokyo, JPN (Tokyo Dome)

The biggest fight in modern Japanese history could be upon us.

With Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk at or nearing the end of their careers, Naoya Inoue appears poised to claim the sport’s pound-for-pound crown. However, to do it, he will likely have to work his way past the two toughest tests of his career (aside from fighting 10 rounds with a broken orbital bone) — Junto Nakatani and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. For the time being, a showdown with Rodriguez appears to be more talk than substance. In contrast, a clash with Nakatani seems like a dream main event for the nation’s New Year’s Eve boxing cards. Imagine it. More than 50,000 anxious, eager fight fans could pack into the Tokyo Dome for a showdown at 122 pounds between two legitimate pound-for-pound talents born and raised on Japanese soil. That’s got to be a promoter’s dream.

Ryan Garcia v. Devin Haney II

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2026

Preferred Division: Welterweight

Preferred Location: New York, NY (Barclays Center)

Unblemished records and world titles don’t automatically make for great fight promotions, but drama does, and this fight is oozing with it. Regardless of how Ryan Garcia looks coming off of surgery or how Devin Haney performs against Brian Norman Jr., this fight will always have some intrigue to casual fans. Would it help if Garcia looked even quicker after surgery, and Haney was the WBO Welterweight Champion? Sure, but it isn’t necessarily needed. Between the family rivalry, PED test results, and the way the first fight played out, Garcia, Haney, Oscar De La Hoya, and Eddie Hearn could promote this fight in their sleep. Will it end up ultimately being a good fight? If their recent performances at this year’s Ring Magazine card in Times Square are any indication, the answer is a resounding no. Will that stop me and many others from tuning in? Absolutely not.

Rafael Espinoza v. Emmanuel Navarrete

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2026/Early 2027

Preferred Division: Super Featherweight (130 Pounds)

Preferred Location: CDMX Arena (Mexico City, MX)

An all-out action-packed war between two champions who don’t know how to quit! Who says no?

In late 2023, Espinoza shook up the boxing world when he dethroned Robeisy Ramirez and planted his flag atop the featherweight division. Since then, he’s expanded his game and sharpened his tools while seemingly remaining stagnant in his level of opposition. His last three fights include an overmatched Edward Vazquez, Sergio Chirino Sanchez, and a defeated Robeisy Ramirez. Next up? Arnold Khegai, a solid title challenger fighting out of Los Angeles, California. However, if he’s going to take the next step, he may need to take a risk. He could take a shot at Nick Ball or O’Shaquie Foster, or he could jump up in weight with his wiry 6’1 frame and challenge fellow Mexican champion Emmanuel Navarrete in Mexico on Mexican Independence Day. Not to mention, it’s an all-Top Rank matchup that the promotional stable could use as a major attraction for viewers on that weekend when looking to negotiate a new broadcast deal.

Jai Opetaia v. David Benavidez

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2026/Early 2027

Preferred Division: Cruiserweight (200 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Las Vegas, NV (MGM Grand Garden Arena)

In most cases, an established champion jumping from one weight class to the next is a standard career move. But when the established champion is moving into the heavyweight division, the challenges are just a bit greater. Sure, the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Roy Jones Jr., David Haye, and Evander Holyfield have done it, but is Opetaia of that ilk? It appears that it is a question he may attempt to answer in the future, but first, he has his sights set on David Benavidez. During a recent interview, he told Ring Magazine that he’d “love” to fight the light heavyweight contender.

“We want to fight Benavidez – let’s do it,” said Opetaia. “I’m pumped for that. I would love to fight Benavidez. He’s a great fighter with a great following who’s been in the ring with some great fighters.”

Benavidez is no shoe-in to beat Anthony Yarde or Dmitry Bivol, but he is talented enough to get through both with an unblemished record, potentially. Meanwhile, Opetaia could work his way toward a unification bout with either Gilberto Ramirez or Badou Jack. By the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027, the stage may be set for a showdown between a potential undisputed light heavyweight champion and a unified cruiserweight champion.

Diego Pacheco v. Hamzah Sheeraz

Preferred Time Frame: Early 2027

Preferred Division: Super Middleweight (168 Pounds)

Preferred Location: London, UK (The O2 Arena) or Los Angeles, CA (Intuit Dome)

With Terence Crawford expected to vacate all five of his super middleweight titles in the near future, the super middleweight division will be back open for business. Veterans like Jermall Charlo, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and Caleb Plant hanging around, the weight class won’t automatically move into a new era immediately, but a new crop of contenders is certainly going to have a say in how things play out. Contenders like Jaime Munguia, Christian Mbilli, Lester Martinez, Jose Armando Resendiz, Bektemir Melikuziev, and Darius Fulghum make for exciting title eliminators, but it appears that two men have begun separating themselves from the pack — Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz. Sheeraz recently made his entrance with a thundering knockout of Edgar Berlanga in Queens. Meanwhile, Pacheco has been steadily building up his brand with solid wins against the likes of Steven Nelson and Trevor McCumby. Sheeraz and Pachceco will likely have to win titles against the likes of Munguia, Mbilli, Martinez, Charlo, etc. before they meet in the ring. In the event they come through with wins, a title unification in early to mid 2027 would pack out an arena in Pacheco’s hometown of Los Angeles, Sheeraz’s home region of Greater London, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Keyshawn Davis v. Andy Cruz

Preferred Time Frame: Early 2027

Preferred Division: Super Lightweight (140 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (T-Mobile Arena)

Some rivalries can only be settled in the ring.

From the World Championships to the Summer Olympic Games, Keyshawn Davis and Andy Cruz’s rivalry dates back to their days as standout amateurs. Cruz won all four of the amateur matchups and uses those victories as fodder in his social media back-and-forths with the Virginia native. However, Davis has gotten a jump start on Cruz in the professional ranks as he’s picked up a title at lightweight and appears to be poised to make his debut at super lightweight in 2026. Meanwhile, Cruz is reportedly working his way toward his first title opportunity against Raymond Muratalla sometime in 2026. As a result, it’s hard to see the two fighting in 2026, but 2027 could be the year that it happens. With Davis rumored to be exploring opportunities with Cruz’s promoter, Matchroom, the fight would seemingly become even easier to make in early 2027, especially if Davis has already claimed a title in the strong weight class by then.

Ernesto “Tito” Mercado v. Emiliano Vargas

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2027/Early 2028

Preferred Division: Super Lightweight or Welterweight (140 or 147 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Los Angeles, CA (Crypto.com Arena)

In the digital age, the buildup to all great fights seemingly begins through social media. And it just so happens that Mercado and Vargas recently came to blows over the summer. Following Vargas’s knockout win in late July, Mercado wrote, “Did that boy just say he’s the best 140lb fighter in the world? #Trash,” on X, formerly known as Twitter. Vargas replied, “[Tag] me next time. Jealousy is a disease smh.”

Given that both fighters are still relatively early in their careers, it’s unlikely that we’ll see them in the ring anytime soon. However, with both fighters rising through the ranks in the same weight class, it’s only right that they eventually meet down the line at super lightweight or welterweight. With Vargas’ speed and charisma and Mercado’s brash nature and knockout power, the fight would be must-see TV.

Floyd Schofield v. Abdullah Mason

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2027/Early 2028

Preferred Division: Lightweight or Super Lightweight (135 or 140 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Las Vegas, NV (T-Mobile Arena)

Floyd Schofield was the target of criticism when he pulled out of a fight with WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson earlier this year. Compounding the damage to his reputation, Schofield’s father accused Stevenson and his representatives of poisoning his son.

While that debacle will not be forgotten for some time, Schofield was able to wipe away a bit of the stain with a quick stoppage of the game against veteran Tevin Farmer. Now, a potential showdown with Shakur Stevenson is not out of the question. However, Schofield may also work toward a showdown with someone a bit closer to his age. About 18 months ago, he had his sights set on Ashton Sylve, but a fight with Abdullah Mason has emerged as the more promising matchup.

The groundwork for the fight has already been laid. Both Mason and Schofield have traded jabs over social media and interviews. More importantly, Mason could have one of the four lightweight titles Schofield is chasing by Thanksgiving. With one title or more on the line, a previously established dispute, and two future stars, it’s hard to see the fight not turning out to be entertaining for however long it lasts. Unfortunately, it probably won’t happen for another two years as it “marinates” because this is boxing after all.

Zaquin Moses v. Curmel Moton

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2029

Preferred Division: Lightweight or Super Lightweight (135 or 140 Pounds)

Preferred Location: Las Vegas, NV (T-Mobile Arena)

Nothing will make you feel older than saying, “The sport’s next super fight could feature fighters who were born in 2005 and 2006, respectively.”

At 19 and 20 years old, respectively, Curmel Moton and Zaquin Moses are two of the three youngest fighters to make the final list of fifteen. While fellow young fighters like Jadier Herrera, Joshua Edwards, Omari Jones, and Jahmal Harvey were considered, they ultimately didn’t make the cut because they didn’t have a natural adversary that would push them both in and out of the ring to build a major fight. With Moses and Moton, that isn’t the case. Moses nor Moton minces words when speaking about the other. Still, both fighters are incredibly young and untested despite passing the initial eye test. As a result, plans could change, but given an experienced promotional team backs each fighter, it’s hard to imagine either fighter being put in a situation to slip up any time soon. If all goes according to plan, by 2029, this could very well be one of the five or ten biggest fights to be made in boxing.

Moses Itauma v. Leo Atang

Preferred Time Frame: Late 2029

Preferred Division: Heavyweight (200+ Pounds)

Preferred Location: Wembley Stadium

There’s no more of a guess on this list than this fight.

Leo Atang is only 18 years old, and Moses Itauma is knocking on the door of a world title shot once Oleksandr Usyk retires and the belts scatter. In other words, their timelines don’t appear to line up, but can you make a list like this and not include the heavyweight division? After all, members of the media are already asking Atang about this fight despite his lack of professional experience. With all of that said, it’s easy to turn on the tape and immediately see why many believe Atang is one of the best heavyweight prospects in recent memory. He’s tall, fast, powerful and athletic. Still, those traits will only go so far against tougher opposition and rises through the ranks of a tough heavyweight division. Fortunately, he has youth on his side. He’s significantly younger than fellow prospects and contenders like Bakhodir Jalolov, Jared Anderson, Teremoana Teremoana, and Joshua Edwards. As a result, Matchroom will look to move Atang as slowly as needed to ensure he blossoms into a future contender. When the time comes, if Itauama is atop the heavyweight division, expect to see an all-UK showdown that will draw fans by the tens of thousands.

Honorable Mentions

What fights missed the cut?

Before writing the article, I wrote down a list of nearly 90 fights before narrowing it down to 15. Here are a few of the fights that I wrote down, but ultimately did not make the cut for one reason or another.

• Pat Brown v. Leo Atang
• Joe Cordina v. Sam Noakes
• Ben Whittaker v. Taylor Bevan
• Emiliano Vargas. Ryan Garcia
• Moses Itauma v. Jai Opetaia
• Daniel Dubois v. Moses Itauma
• Brian Norman Jr. v. Conor Benn
• Lamont Roach v. Raymond Ford
• Raymond Ford v. Rafael Espinoza
• Jadier Herrera v. Abdullah Mason
• Joshua Edwards v. Richard Torrez
• Raymond Ford v. Bruce Carrington
• Keyshawn Davis v. Abdullah Mason
• Rafael Espinoza v. Bruce Carrington
• Jaron “Boots” Ennis v. Xander Zayas
• Joshua Edwards v. Jared Anderson
• Jessie “Bam” Rodriguez v. Naoya Inoue
• Teremoana Teremoana v. Bakhodir Jalolov
• Alberto Puello v. Gary Antuanne Russell II
• Richardson Hitchins v. Gary Antuanne Russell

What notable fighters missed the cut?

When writing the article, the guidelines dictated that a fighter could not be included in more than one matchup. As a result, some talented fighters did not make the cut because it was difficult to find worthy dance partners that would not only challenge them in the ring, but would also create a promotion that would draw fanfare inside of the sport and potentially beyond it. For example, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is not on the final list despite being a pound-for-pound talent and likely future International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee. Why? Rodriguez’s biggest fight will likely involve Junto Nakatani or Naoya Inoue, who are both on the list in a mega fight that’s expected to take place in 2026 or 2027. Ultimately, Rodriguez was left without a dance partner. With that said, here are a few of the contenders, champions, and prospects who missed the cut because it was challenging to find justified adversaries for various reasons.

• Nick Ball
• Giorgio Visioli
• Ben Whittaker
• Omari Jones
• Oscar Collazo
• Rohan Polanco
• Jahmal Harvey
• Raymond Ford
• Taylor Bevan
• Bakhodir Jalolov
• Brian Norman Jr.
• Yoenli Hernandez
• Gary Antuanne Russell
• Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
• Ibraheem Sulaimaan

If you were to make a list for women’s boxing, what fights would you pick?

Serrano-Taylor III feels comparable to Alvarez-Crawford in that it could be seen as the end of an era. In its aftermath, here are five fights that will help paint the picture of an era in which Serrano and Taylor are at or near retirement.

• Ellie Scotney v. Tiara Brown
• Lauren Price v. Mikaela Mayer
• Mizuki Hiruta v. Gabriela Fundora
• Claressa Shields v. Shadasia Green
• Alycia Baumgardner v. Caroline Dubois

Honorable Mention(s): Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall II, Shadasia Green-Savannah Marshall II, Chantelle Cameron-Lauren Price, Skye Nicolson-Tiara Brown II, Tamm Thibeault-Claressa Shields

Regarding this list, what is your most significant omission or regret?

Publishing it.

In all seriousness, there are four major regrets I’ll have in five to seven years. First, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez should be on this list. It was just hard finding an opponent other than Nakatani and Inoue that would justify putting him on this list. Also, if we’re reading the tea leaves correctly, it doesn’t feel like Rodriguez and Inoue’s timelines will match up. Rodriguez feels as if he is years away from going to super bantamweight or featherweight. Meanwhile, Inoue is already the king of the super bantamweight division and appears poised for a jump to featherweight within 12 to 18 months. As a result, a fight with Nakatani felt like the only viable option for Rodriguez and he’s taken.

Second, I wrestled with the idea of putting Jake Paul on this list. Without a doubt, he’s one of the biggest box office draws in combat sports. However, his biggest fights will likely come against fighters who won’t meet the age requirement (Alvarez, Joshua, etc.) or opponents like KSI and Tommy Fury, who are playing a different game business-wise than a Jaron Ennis or Vergil Ortiz. Furthermore, it’s impossible to predict what Paul will do next. In 2026, he could opt to climb the cruiserweight rankings by fighting a contender, or he could meet Oleksandr Usyk in the octagon. Both are possible. Ultimately, it just made more sense not to include him. With that said, if or when, he manages to get either a title shot or a fight with Alvarez, he will break the box office.

Third, a potential fight between Emiliano Vargas and Ryan Garcia could be one of the most overlooked pay-per-view attractions left on the board. Hardcore boxing fans may roll their eyes at that statement, but it’s true. If all goes according to projections, Emiliano Vargas will likely have risen to contender status similar to what Ryan Garcia did before his fight with Gervonta Davis. He’s charismatic, comes from a boxing family, and markets himself exceptionally well. Couple his marketability with an established star like Ryan Garcia and the rich culture of Mexican fighters in the sport, Top Rank, and Golden Boy could have a star-powered main event at welterweight in Crypto.com Arena two or three years from now. Ultimately, it didn’t make the cut because there are still unanswered questions about Vargas, and it’s impossible to predict where Garcia will be in his career two or three years in the future. Instead, I opted to put Garcia in a more immediate rematch with Devin Haney and Vargas in a showdown with Ernesto Mercado.

Fourth, the 2028 Summer Olympic Games will produce a few stars that will make an immediate splash in the sport. Who will those fighters be? It’s tough to tell, but the media machine that surrounds the Olympics, coupled with it being on U.S. soil in the land where dreams are made, will create an environment where a future star could make their grand introduction.