What Fights Should We Expect in 2026: Joshua vs Fury and Dubois vs Harper?

As boxing fans look ahead to 2026, British fighters are poised to play pivotal roles in some of the biggest bouts of the year. Anticipation is building for high-profile matchups such as Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury, alongside rising stars like Caroline Dubois. These potential clashes could redefine the boxing landscape and reignite national pride in British boxing.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of late 2023, boxing enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement about the potential matchups on the horizon for 2026. With the heavyweight division particularly heating up, the prospect of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally stepping into the ring together remains a hot topic. Both fighters, despite their recent setbacks, are still considered the best in British boxing history, and fans are eager for this fight to materialise.

Key takeaways

• Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown for 2026.
• Caroline Dubois is emerging as a significant talent and is expected to pursue unification fights.
• Adam Azim and Dalton Smith could face off in a crucial light-welterweight clash.

Timeline: how we got here

The landscape of British boxing has evolved significantly over the past few years, setting the stage for exciting matchups in 2026. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

• December 2021: Anthony Joshua loses his heavyweight title to Oleksandr Usyk, sparking discussions about his future.
• March 2022: Tyson Fury announces his retirement after defeating Dillian Whyte.
• January 2023: Caroline Dubois makes her promotional debut with a victory, showcasing her potential.
• October 2023: Anticipation builds for Joshua vs. Fury, with both fighters hinting at a possible matchup by the end of 2026.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of October 2023, the boxing community is focused on the potential for highly anticipated matchups in 2026. Notably, the conversations surrounding Joshua and Fury have intensified, with both fighters expressing renewed interest in finally facing each other.

What was already established

Joshua and Fury have been on a collision course for years, with various negotiations falling through. Both have faced their share of challenges, including retirements and losses, but their legacies remain intact. Meanwhile, rising stars like Caroline Dubois and Adam Azim have firmly established themselves as future champions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For boxing fans in the UK, the prospects of these major fights could drive significant interest and attendance, boosting local economies and creating buzz around the sport. Pay-per-view revenues from these fights are expected to be substantial, potentially revitalising interest in boxing as a mainstream sport.

Businesses and jobs

Promoters, gyms, and related businesses stand to benefit from the rise of these fighters. Increased ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights could lead to job creation within the sector, particularly as fans return to live events post-pandemic.

Policy and regulation

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) will play a crucial role in regulating these fights and ensuring the safety of the boxers involved. As the sport evolves, the BBBoC may also implement new guidelines to keep pace with modern boxing trends.

Numbers that matter

• 36: Age of Anthony Joshua by 2026, a crucial factor in his career trajectory.
• 37: Tyson Fury's age, highlighting the urgency for a matchup.
• 51: Total knockouts between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, showcasing their punching power.

Definitions and jargon buster

• WBO: World Boxing Organisation, one of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing.
• Unified Champion: A boxer who holds multiple titles from different sanctioning bodies in the same weight class.
• Bantamweight: A weight class in boxing for fighters weighing up to 53.5 kg.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, boxing fans should keep an eye on upcoming fights, including Azim’s clash against Lemos and Smith’s title shot against Matias. These bouts could significantly influence the landscape for 2026 matchups.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Smith win his fight in January, discussions for a potential Azim-Smith encounter will likely intensify. Meanwhile, Dubois is expected to pursue unification fights, which could set the stage for her to face Harper or Baumgardner.

Signals to watch

• Results of major upcoming fights in early 2024.
• Negotiations and announcements regarding Joshua vs. Fury.
• Performance of rising stars like Dubois and Azim in their next bouts.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on fight announcements and ticket sales for major bouts.
• Engage with boxing communities online to discuss and analyse upcoming matches.

Don’t

• Ignore the health and safety regulations put in place by boxing governing bodies.
• Underestimate the potential rise of new boxing stars.

Checklist

• Follow key fighters on social media for the latest updates.
• Subscribe to boxing newsletters for insights and analysis.
• Plan ahead for attending major boxing events in 2026.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement around these potential matchups is palpable, there are risks involved, including injuries or unexpected losses that could alter the fight landscape. Additionally, boxing politics may hinder negotiations, as seen in previous attempts to schedule Joshua vs. Fury. Fans should remain cautious but optimistic as the situation develops.

Bottom line

The future of British boxing in 2026 is filled with promise, with high-stakes matchups on the horizon. Fans can expect significant bouts that could shape the next era of boxing, provided that negotiations succeed and fighters remain healthy. Keeping an eye on emerging talents will also be crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of the sport.

FAQs

Will Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight in 2026?

While there is no confirmed date, both fighters have expressed interest in making the fight happen, creating optimism among fans.

Who is Caroline Dubois?

Caroline Dubois is a rising star in women's boxing, currently holding a world title and expected to pursue unification fights.

What should I watch for in 2024 regarding British boxing?

Key fights involving young talents and the outcomes of title bouts will be critical in shaping the landscape for 2026 matchups.