The year 2026 has kicked off with a bang, and the boxing world is already abuzz with confirmed matchups and tantalizing rumors of more to come. As established stars aim to cement their legacies, a new wave of fighters is ready 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.
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, where he faced Christian Mbilli in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that ended in a split draw. The judges’ scorecards were divided, with one favoring Martinez 97-93, another favoring Mbilli 96-94, and the final judge scoring it 95-95. Although the WBC ordered an immediate rematch, 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 sensation, 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, he secured victories against Damian Biacho and Tyron Zeuge. Bank is set to return to the ring on January 31 to face former world champion William Scull. With his skills and potential, Bank is poised for a breakthrough year.
Marco Romero
Marco Romero (11-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Kansas, is another name to watch. Although he has yet to be signed by a major promoter, his performances suggest it won’t be long before he lands a significant deal. Romero had a busy 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 160lbs. Despite being relatively unknown, Romero is set for a big year in 2026.
Osleys Iglesias
Osleys Iglesias (14-0, 13 KOs), the hard-hitting Cuban, rounds out our list. Iglesias is an aggressive front-foot fighter known for his brutal finishing ability. He excels at controlling the distance and…
The super middleweight division is more open than ever, with titles beginning to fragment and more fighters vying for their world title opportunities. As we look ahead to 2026, these five super middleweight boxers are poised to make significant impacts and potentially dominate the division.
Team_TBE Boxing