Exciting Boxing Matchups This Weekend
Boxing fans, your waking hours have officially ignited once more in 2026, thanks to a sensational performance by Dalton Smith, who claimed the WBC super lightweight title with a stunning fifth-round knockout over Subriel Matias in New York City last weekend. With this electrifying victory, Smith has set a high bar for the sport this year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the events of the upcoming weekend. In light of this, here are five key boxing matchups to watch this weekend:
1. Nikita Tszyu’s Middleweight Debut
This Friday, Brisbane, Australia will host a notable event as Nikita Tszyu aims to carve out his own name in the boxing world by moving up to the middleweight class. Taking on fellow Australian Michael Zerafa, a seasoned competitor boasting a record of 34 wins against 5 losses, Tszyu (11-0, 9 KOs) steps up to an exciting challenge. Zerafa, who has previously pulled out of a fight with Tim Tszyu, hopes to showcase his skills—although critics question his desire to face the older Tszyu brother. This clash for the vacant WBO International middleweight title has the potential to be a thrilling contest, making it a must-watch for fans.
2. Alexis Rocha Withdraws from Rematch
Boxing enthusiasts looking forward to the rematch between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will need to make alternative plans, as Rocha was hospitalized on the day of the weigh-in due to dehydration while trying to meet the welterweight requirements. Consequently, Curiel will now be fighting Jordan Panthen at a catchweight of 158 pounds. Panthen’s record stands at 11 wins, 1 loss with 9 knockouts, and while this adjustment isn’t ideal, it still offers some action for those tuning in.
3. Manuel Flores Takes on Jorge Chavez Again
In another notable bout, Manuel Flores will face Jorge Chavez for a rematch on Friday, following their previous encounter which ended in a majority decision draw last July. In that matchup, Flores (20-1-1, 16 KOs) adopted an aggressive approach but struggled against Chavez’s slick boxing. This time around, Flores may utilize his reach advantage to force a different outcome, while Chavez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) seeks to prove he can maintain control throughout the full duration of the fight.
4. Kuntae Lee’s Continued Ascent
On Saturday evening, Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall will host a fight where Kuntae Lee (10-0-1, 2 KOs) defends his record against the experienced Daishi Nagata (21-4-2, 7 KOs) in a super lightweight bout for the WBO Asia Pacific title. Despite being known for his technical, patience-driven style rather than knockout power, Lee’s youth and agility could be decisive against the 36-year-old Nagata, who has had a long but challenging career in boxing.
5. Freddy Kiwitt’s Chance for Glory
Lastly, fans can look forward to Freddy Kiwitt (28-3, 18 KOs) as he prepares to defend his WBF and WBO Global titles this Saturday in Germany, where he has settled into a supportive hometown fighting scene after years of being a traveling fighter. Undefeated in his last eleven outings, Kiwitt faces Nigerian Suleiman Jafaru (17-1, 14 KOs), who seeks his first victory outside of Nigeria. A triumph for Kiwitt could further elevate his profile in the boxing arena, particularly at the age of 35.
Overall, this weekend promises a mix of exciting matchups, intriguing debuts, and a change in the fight card, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to as the boxing world continues to heat up in 2026.
