As the 2026 boxing calendar moves into its spring stretch, two marquee matchups are drawing significant attention from fans and analysts worldwide: the undisputed junior featherweight title defense by Naoya Inoue against Junto Nakatani on May 2, and the highly anticipated super middleweight clash between David Benavidez and Zurdo Ramirez, also scheduled for May 2. These bouts represent some of the most compelling fights on the horizon, featuring elite talent across divisions and promising high-stakes action in the first half of the year.
The Inoue-Nakatani fight, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, will see the pound-for-pound king defend his unified junior featherweight titles against one of the division’s most dangerous challengers. According to verified boxing schedules, Inoue vs. Nakatani is listed for May 2 at a venue in Tokyo, with the fight expected to stream on Lemino in Japan and potentially on international platforms depending on regional broadcasting rights. This matchup has been highlighted as a key early-season event, building on Inoue’s reputation for technical precision and explosive power, although Nakatani brings a perfect record and significant reach advantage into the ring.
On the same date, Las Vegas will host David Benavidez versus Zurdo Ramirez in a super middleweight showdown that carries major implications for the 168-pound division. Both fighters enter the bout with strong credentials: Benavidez, a former two-time WBC super middleweight champion, is known for his volume punching and relentless pressure, while Ramirez, a former WBC and WBO titleholder, combines slick boxing skills with counterpunching acuity. The fight is scheduled for May 2 at a Las Vegas venue and will be available on Prime Video as a pay-per-view event, according to confirmed listings from authoritative boxing calendars.
These two fights are part of a broader 2026 boxing schedule that has already seen several notable events unfold earlier in the year. On February 21, Ryan Garcia defeated Mario Barrios to claim the WBC welterweight title in what was described as the biggest win of his career. Earlier, on February 21, Shakur Stevenson secured a dominant victory over Teofimo Lopez Jr. To win the WBO junior welterweight championship, a performance widely regarded as one of the most impressive pound-for-pound displays of the young season. Tyson Fury ended his fifth retirement on April 12 with a decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, marking his return to active competition after a period of absence.
Looking ahead beyond May, the boxing calendar includes other significant matchups. On May 9, WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley is set to face Daniel Dubois in Manchester, UK, a bout that could shape the future of the European heavyweight scene. Later in May, on the 23rd, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will take on kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt, in a crossover event that has generated considerable interest due to Usyk’s status as the undisputed cruiserweight champion who moved up to claim the heavyweight titles. The Usyk-Verhoeven fight is scheduled for DAZN PPV and is one of the most anticipated non-traditional boxing events of the year.
Perhaps the most talked-about fixture on the 2026 horizon is the September 19 rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. And Manny Pacquiao, billed as “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2.” This encounter, set to take place in Las Vegas, revives one of the most financially successful rivalries in boxing history. Though both fighters are well past their athletic primes, the exhibition-style bout continues to draw global interest due to their enduring fame and the legacy of their 2015 fight, which remains the highest-grossing pay-per-view event in boxing history. The September date is listed across multiple verified schedules, with streaming expected via Netflix in select regions.
Other upcoming fights include Jermell Charlo’s return to action, though specific dates and opponents remain unconfirmed in current listings, and continued activity in the women’s divisions, where champions like Alycia Baumgardner and Shadasia Green have already defended their titles in April bouts. Baumgardner successfully retained her IBF, WBA, WBO, and The Ring super featherweight titles on April 17 in New York against Bo Mi Re Shin, while Green defended her IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles the same night against Lani Daniels — both events streamed on ESPN+ as part of a doubleheader at Madison Square Garden.
For fans seeking to follow these developments, official updates are regularly posted by major boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies. Broadcast information, including streaming platforms and pay-per-view details, is typically finalized closer to fight dates and announced through official channels such as DAZN, Prime Video, ESPN, and Lemino. Fans are encouraged to verify fight times and availability through these platforms, as schedules may be subject to change due to licensing, regulatory, or logistical factors.
The 2026 boxing season continues to deliver a mix of title unifications, crossover attractions, and generational rivalries, offering something for both hardcore enthusiasts and casual viewers. With Inoue vs. Nakatani and Benavidez vs. Ramirez headlining the May 2 slate, the spring period has already proven to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for ongoing coverage of the 2026 boxing calendar, including fight results, expert analysis, and exclusive insights from the sport’s leading figures. Share your thoughts on the upcoming matchups in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the word to fellow boxing fans.