The year 2026 has ushered in a new era for boxing, with a slate of captivating matchups already confirmed and more rumored to be in the pipeline. As established stars aim to cement their legacies, a fresh wave of fighters is poised to make their mark. The super middleweight division, once dominated by Canelo Alvarez until his defeat to Terence Crawford, who has since retired, is now wide open. Here are five super middleweight boxers who are set to make waves in 2026.
Lester Martinez
Leading our list is the tenacious Guatemalan, Lester Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs). Martinez showcased his skills on the undercard of the Canelo vs. Terence Crawford fight, engaging in a thrilling back-and-forth battle against Christian Mbilli that ended in a split draw. The judges’ scorecards were divided, reflecting the closely contested nature of the bout. The WBC ordered an immediate rematch, but Mbilli seems to be exploring other options. Martinez’s power and precision make him a formidable opponent at 168lbs, whether he’s fighting at range or up close.
Jacob Bank
Next up is the 24-year-old Danish fighter, Jacob Bank (17-0, 9 KOs). Bank’s impressive punch selection and lateral movement allow him to create angles and launch effective attacks. In 2025, Bank had a successful year, defeating Damian Biacho and Tyron Zeuge. He is set to return to the ring on January 31 to face former world champion William Scull. With his skills and recent performances, Bank is a fighter with significant potential.
Marco Romero
Marco Romero (11-0, 10 KOs), a native of Kansas, is another name to watch. Although he has yet to be signed by a major promoter, his ring performances suggest it’s only a matter of time. Romero was highly active in 2025, winning all seven of his fights by knockout. His left hook is a formidable weapon, and his defensive skills are equally impressive. Romero finished 2025 competing at middleweight, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to 168lbs or stay at 160 lbs. Regardless, Romero is an unknown quantity to many but is set for a breakthrough year in 2026.
Osleys Iglesias
Osleys Iglesias (14-0, 13 KOs), the big-punching Cuban, rounds out our list. Iglesias is an aggressive front-foot fighter known for his brutal finishing ability. He controls the distance well, making him a dangerous opponent in the super middleweight division. His power and aggression make him a fighter to watch in the coming year.
The super middleweight division is more open than ever, with these five fighters poised to make significant impacts. As the titles begin to fragment and more fighters get their world title opportunities, the division is set for an exciting year. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they look to make their mark in 2026.
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