The year 2026 has kicked off with a bang, and the boxing world is already buzzing with excitement over the confirmed and rumored matchups on the horizon. As established stars aim to cement their legacies, a new 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 to keep an eye on in 2026.
The super middleweight landscape is more open than ever, with the retirement of Terence Crawford leaving a void at the top. The titles are now fragmented, presenting numerous opportunities for fighters to seize their world title chances. Let’s dive into our list of five super middleweight boxers to watch in 2026.
Lester Martinez
Leading our list is the relentless Guatemalan, Lester Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs). Martinez showcased his skills on the undercard of the Canelo vs. Terence Crawford fight, where he faced Christian Mbilli in a thrilling back-and-forth clash that ended in a split draw. The judges’ scores were 97-93 for Martinez, 96-94 for Mbilli, and 95-95, reflecting the closely contested nature of the bout. Although the WBC ordered an immediate rematch, Mbilli seems to be exploring other opportunities. Martinez is known for his power and precision, making him a formidable opponent at 168lbs.
Jacob Bank
Next up is the 24-year-old Danish fighter, Jacob Bank (17-0, 9 KOs). Bank has impressed with his ability to pick punches and his lateral movement, which helps him create angles for his 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. Bank’s potential is evident, and he is certainly one to watch.
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 performances in the ring suggest it won’t be long before he secures a big deal. Romero was highly active in 2025, winning all seven of his fights by knockout. His left hook is a formidable weapon, and he is also defensively sound, rarely getting hit. Romero finished 2025 competing at middleweight, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to 168lbs or stay at 160lbs. Despite being relatively unknown, Romero 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 and a brutal finisher. He excels in controlling the distance and…
The super middleweight division is brimming with talent, and these five fighters are poised to make significant impacts in 2026. Keep an eye on them as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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