The world of pugilism had one of its most vibrant weekends of the year on July 19, when it witnessed Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring, and although he did not win, he left a pleasant feeling in the eyes of the public. In Europe, Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed heavyweight champion. With this adrenaline rush, the public wants to know what possible fights could take place in the future.
Canelo Alvarez’s rivals for 2026
The Mexican champion will fight Terence Crawford on September 13, but people are already thinking about Canelo’s fights for 2026. In the public’s mind there are many possibilities, but what is in the mind of the promoter and Arab boxing sheikh, Turki Alalshakih, with whom he signed an agreement to hold four to five fights over a period of two to three years. “My plan for Canelo is that he could face Hamzah Sheeraz, Christian M’billi or maybe someday against David Benavidez. I do not rule out a rematch against Dmitry Bivol. But we will have to wait and see what happens in September,” he said.
Jake Paul wants a quality opponent, Anthony Joshua?
A character with little athletic credibility has begun to generate debate as to whether he should face real boxers. YouTuber Jake Paul thinks he is ready to leave exhibition fights behind and has in mind to face a former world champion: Anthony Joshua. If this happens, and it is seriously talked about, the two-time world champion will sacrifice some of his legitimacy to face an uncompetitive opponent for a million-dollar payday.
Joshua (28-4, 24 KOs) has not fought since he was knocked down four times in a fifth-round KO loss to Daniel Dubois last September for the IBF title. Surgery on his elbow would keep him out until late this year.
Oleksandr Usyk’s next test will be against Joseph Parker or Tyson Fury
Before we can think about a trilogy with Tyson Fury, Usyk could have a warm-up fight against Joseph Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger, who fits the bill. However,
Fury confirmed last Saturday in London that he will return to the sport, but not before next year. Fury has not fought since losing the rematch with Usyk in December 2024. So Usyk’s next fight will aim to win and set up the fight with Fury. Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions and Parker’s promoter is in favour of the former WBO champion being Usyk’s next opponent.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero wants to face Teofimo Lopez or Manny Pacquiao
Both are great winners. Manny Pacquiao is an established champion over the years who, although he does not currently hold a belt, will certainly be a great rival for Rolly Romero in the welterweight division. It is a good clash between the Filipino’s technical qualities and the raw and unpredictable power that Romero showed. Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), the WBO super lightweight champion, showed a better version in New York by defeating Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision, and facing Romero would be a good first step at 147 poundsRomero’s aggressive style could favour Lopez’s technical boxing, but Romero’s victory over Garcia showed that he can also make more skilful boxers uncomfortable.
It’s a fight that would generate attention because of the amount of insults they both tend to throw, and there’s a story about a sparring session between them in 2017 that will be revived. It’s a rivalry that would become a personal fight that would sell itself.
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