Matchroom Boxing Announces 2026 Events
Matchroom Boxing, led by Eddie Hearn, has excited fans by announcing its initial events for 2026. Among these, a standout matchup features a highly anticipated unification bout between Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez, set to take place on February 28 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. This contest will see both fighters put their world titles on the line in a clash between two Mexican champions.
Fighter Profiles
Navarrete, the reigning WBO champion with a record of 39 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw (32 KOs), last entered the ring in May 2025 against Charly Suarez, resulting in a no-contest decision after a controversial cut. On the other hand, Nunez (30-1, 27 KOs), who recently captured the IBF title, earned his shot at this unification fight following an impressive title defense against Christopher Diaz in September that was highly praised for its action.
Title Unification and Future Matches
Hearn expressed his ambition to set up the title unification and anticipated the match would be feasible following Top Rank’s recent lack of a broadcasting partner after their ESPN deal ended in July. The winner of the Nunez vs. Navarrete bout will face Suarez, who has been named the mandatory challenger.
Upcoming Matchroom Events
Kickstarting the 2026 boxing calendar earlier in January, the first Matchroom event will feature an IBF lightweight championship match between Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz on January 24 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Hearn’s company secured the right to promote this clash with a winning bid of $888,888, surpassing Top Rank’s offer of $550,000. Muratalla, who has an unbeaten record of 23-0 (17 KOs), was elevated to IBF champion following Vasiliy Lomachenko’s retirement and will defend his title against Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs), who solidified his position as mandatory after a convincing victory in June.
On January 31, Matchroom’s new recruit Josh Kelly will face Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super welterweight title at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) aims for another win after his notable TKO victory over Tim Tszyu in October 2024, while Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs), who has experienced a resurgence following a previous defeat in 2021, has been on a seven-fight winning streak leading up to his return to Matchroom.
Rivalry Renewed
Additionally, the tumultuous rivalry between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington will reignite on February 21 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. Their first encounter ended in controversy, with Wood securing a stoppage win while behind on points, which has intensified the animosity ahead of their upcoming bout. Wood, who faces pressure after a recent defeat, and Warrington, who is looking to bounce back from a previous setback, both have a lot at stake in this matchup. The buildup to this fight promises to be charged, following the dramatic conclusions of their last meeting.
