Matchroom Boxing Announces Stacked Early 2026 Fight Schedule: Title Defenses,Unification,and a Heated Rematch
Matchroom Boxing has unveiled an exciting lineup of fight cards for early 2026,promising a compelling start to the year for boxing fans. The schedule boasts two world title defenses, a highly anticipated title unification bout, and a grudge match sure to deliver fireworks.Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups you won’t want to miss:
January 24th: Muratalla Defends Against Rising Star Cruz in Las Vegas
Raymond Muratalla will put his IBF lightweight title on the line against the undefeated Andy Cruz at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. This is a significant test for Muratalla, who earned the vacant title wiht a hard-fought decision victory over Zaur Abdullaev in May.
* Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs): The reigning champion is looking to cement his position at the top of the lightweight division.
* Andy Cruz (6-0): The 2020 Olympic gold medalist brings an unblemished record and a reputation for explosive power. his recent fifth-round stoppage of Hironori Mishiro signaled his arrival as a serious contender.
This fight pits a seasoned champion against a hungry, Olympic-proven challenger – a classic boxing dynamic.
January 31st: murtazaliev Returns to Defend in Newcastle
Across the pond, IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev will defend his title against Josh Kelly at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. Murtazaliev is a force to be reckoned with, having impressively stopped Tim Tszyu in just three rounds last October.
* Bakhram murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs): Coming off a dominant performance, Murtazaliev is eager to continue his reign.
* Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs): Kelly has quietly built a seven-fight win streak since a loss to David Avanesyan in 2021, and is looking to make a statement on the world stage.
This matchup will be Murtazaliev’s second title defense and his first fight in over a year, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
February 21st: Wood and Warrington Settle the Score in Nottingham
A highly anticipated rematch is set to headline a fight card at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham: Leigh Wood versus Josh Warrington. Their first encounter in October 2023 saw Wood pull off a stunning come-from-behind knockout victory.
* Leigh Wood (28-4,17 KOs): Wood aims to rebound from a recent loss to Anthony Cacace and re-establish his dominance.
* Josh Warrington (32-4-1,8 KOs): Warrington is persistent to avenge his previous defeat and secure a crucial win.
Expect a fierce battle as both fighters look to settle their rivalry.
February 28th: Navarrete and Nunez to Unify at Junior Lightweight
Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez will collide in a junior lightweight unification fight at the Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona. This bout promises to be a thrilling clash of styles and a significant step towards crowning an undisputed champion.
* Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs): The WBO titleholder is known for his relentless pressure and knockout power.
* Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez (29-1, 27 KOs): The IBF champion brings a formidable record and a reputation for precision striking. He earned this unification opportunity with a unanimous decision win over Christopher Diaz.
originally scheduled for March 7th, the fight has been moved to february 28th and relocated to Glendale.
Why This Matters to You
This early 2026 schedule from Matchroom Boxing is packed with compelling matchups that will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the sport. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated boxing enthusiast, these fights offer somthing for everyone. Keep an eye on these fighters and prepare for a year of exciting action in the ring