January 2026: A Dramatic Start in Boxing
As 2026 unfolds, boxing enthusiasts observed a dramatic beginning to the year, marked by a series of extraordinary fights and unexpected outcomes. While some individuals are dually focused on personal resolutions like cutting back on sweets or hitting the gym, others in the boxing sphere experienced triumphs and setbacks this January. Let’s delve into the notable figures who left their mark on the ring this month.
Top Performers of January
Shakur Stevenson stands out among January’s top performers. At just 28 years old, he etched his name into boxing history by becoming the third-youngest athlete to secure a title in four weight divisions, an achievement that places him alongside legends Oscar De La Hoya and Adrien Broner. Stevenson showcased his formidable skills by decisively defeating Teofimo Lopez Jr. to capture the WBO super lightweight belt, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s premier talents. His remarkable victory has propelled him to third place in Uncrowned’s pound-for-pound rankings, coming just behind other heavyweights Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk. The star’s potential suggests that he could evolve into a defining figure in American boxing.
Another young star, Xander Zayas from Puerto Rico, made headlines by becoming the youngest unified male world champion in boxing history at the tender age of 23. After defeating Abass Baraou, Zayas claimed the WBA super welterweight title alongside his prior WBO title. His triumph, although eclipsed somewhat by the sensational performances of Stevenson and Jarrell Miller, highlights the emergence of talent in the debated 154-pound class. With contenders like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis also making waves, this division promises to be captivating this year.
The boxing scene has seemingly turned British, with the likes of Dalton Smith and Josh Kelly achieving significant victories. Their wins over established opponents Subriel Matias and Bakhram Murtazaliev, respectively, earned them WBC super lightweight and IBF super welterweight titles. Joining fellow countrymen Nick Ball, Fabio Wardley, Jazza Dickens, and Lewis Crocker, they contributed to a resurgence for British boxing after a challenging previous year.
Bruce Carrington, also known as “Shu Shu,” saw success with a ninth-round stoppage of Carlos Castro, snagging the vacant WBC featherweight title. Carrington is on a mission to unify his division and aims to escalate his career further, even eyeing a move up to 154 pounds.
In lighter tension, Jarrell Miller faced an unusual predicament after he humorously lost a $700 wig during his match against Kingsley Ibeh. While his performance was met with a split decision victory, the incident surrounding his wig generated considerable media attention, giving the heavyweight a moment to shine beyond his boxing prowess.
Disappointments in the Ring
On the flip side, January was rife with disappointments for several contenders. Both Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Sr. found themselves targets of criticism after Stevenson’s win, with retired champion Terence Crawford labeling them as “losers” in a moment of banter. Lopez unpredictably issued a controversial apology for slavery post-fight, complicating matters further for the duo.
Subriel Matias faced consequences of his own. Coming off a failed drug test for the banned substance ostarine, he fought Dalton Smith for the WBC super lightweight title, ultimately losing via fifth-round TKO despite the test not impacting the fight’s approval. The implications of his positive test cast a shadow over a career that hit a significant snag this month.
Bakhram Murtazaliev, once seen as an intimidating figure in the super welterweight division, was unexpectedly defeated by Kelly, marking a newfound vulnerability after an impressive prior year.
Last but not least, Khalil Coe found himself in a tough position after weighing in excessively at 182.8 pounds for his bout against Jesse Hart, resulting in a hefty penalty and diminishing the significance of his victory.
As January comes to a close, the boxing world has revealed a spectrum of triumphs and trials, setting a structured yet unpredictable tone for the rest of 2026.
