Who’s Next: The Rising Stars Ready to Take Over Boxing in 2026
A new generation of boxing talent is already emerging. Looking ahead, 2026 may mark the start of a generational change in this sport. As some aging champions slow down or change weight classes, exciting new fighters are entering the sport, mixing old-school toughness with modern-day athleticism. From the slick showmanship of Ben Whittaker to the relentless pressure of Jared Anderson, these names are poised to redefine boxing's hierarchy over the next twelve months.
Ben Whittaker has quickly become one of Britain's most polarizing figures. A 2020 Olympic silver medalist, Whittaker combines flash and fundamentals in a way reminiscent of early Roy Jones Jr. The way he moves on his feet, his defensive reflexes, and his counter-punching style mark him as one of the most skilled Light Heavyweights in the world. The question is, can his flashy personality also find its place among what the sport has required him to do? Whittaker's last few fights suggest he is getting comfortable, and if the promotional team keeps matching him aggressively, there might be a great title eliminator by mid-2026.
Across the water in the U.K., Jared "Big Baby" Anderson is a potential heavyweight. The young native of Ohio has power, speed, and ring IQ—which is a terrific, calm way of saying he has excellent discipline fighting skills—that we have seldom seen from young heavyweights. After gaining a second (and a late) first-decision against veteran fighters, Anderson's next challenge is to sustain those fights, stay active, and demonstrate he can keep his intensity into later rounds. Currently, it is a favorable time for him. The heavyweight scene is wide open, with aging names like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk reaching the end of their days. He can make a trending statement win against a top-ten opponent, and maybe, by the end of the year, this will gain momentum towards title contention.
Another name recently gaining popularity is Keyshawn Davis. Davis has a high boxing IQ and a strong command of tactical precision. Davis's boxing stride, methodical pacing, and confidence are those of a champion. His association with Top Rank ensures notoriety with top fights. Yet, in a division stacked with killers—Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and Gervonta Davis—Keyshawn's ability to stay disciplined and adapt his offense will determine whether he becomes an elite threat or just another contender.
The storylines for all three share a theme: opportunity meeting pressure. Each athlete has faced the same question: Does talent transform into dominance under the brightest lights? This is actually the question of where boxing history is written, and even now, as we saw recently, those pictured as giants in the game also face the same pressure that may cost them their ranking, just as aspiring boxers try to etch their name in stone. Fans wanting to see how the next class of contenders reinvigorate divisions should rewind to an article we did on the ranking debate when legacies and momentum clash. Let's not underestimate the giants who are etching their names into championship lore. If Whittaker hones his poise, Anderson hones his defensive capabilities, and Davis keeps getting better at controlling the ring, boxing is in for a bang. 2026 will simply not be another year on the calendar; it will be the proving ground for whether sports' next superstars will face the challenge or disappear beneath what we expect of them.
