This Week in Boxing

This Week in Boxing 

From elite lightweight championship boxing in Las Vegas to the launch of Zuffa Boxing, heavyweight maneuvering in the UK, veteran activity in Mexico, and a looming pound-for-pound collision at Madison Square Garden, we are offered a clear snapshot of a sport balancing tradition, transition, and high-stakes ambition as 2026 gathers momentum.

Muratalla Retains Lightweight Crown in Win Over Cruz

Saturday night at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Raymond Muratalla retained the IBF lightweight world title with a majority decision over Andy Cruz in a fight that tested both experience and pedigree. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing, the bout paired Muratalla’s professional seasoning against Cruz’s decorated amateur background, including an Olympic gold medal.

Muratalla used sustained pressure, body work, and combination punching to edge many of the rounds, particularly as the fight progressed. Cruz’s speed and counterpunching were evident, but he was frequently forced to reset under pressure. After 12 rounds, two judges scored the bout 118-110 and 116-112 for Muratalla, with a third turning in a 114-114 draw. The result moved Muratalla to 24-0, while Cruz absorbed his first professional defeat in only his seventh bout.

Zuffa Boxing’s Debut: Callum Walsh Outpoints Carlos Ocampo

Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event in Las Vegas signals a welcome addition to the promotional landscape.

They delivered with their main event and their expertise in producing a professionally televised show. Callum Walsh outpointed veteran Carlos Ocampo at the Meta APEX, maintaining his unbeaten record.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Stays Active With Knockout Victory

Veteran Mexican fighter Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. returned to the win column this weekend with a fourth-round knockout of Angel Julian Sacco in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. It was Chavez Jr.’s first win since 2024.

His brother Omar Chavez fought on the same card. Both Chavez brothers won their respective fights comfortably.

Heavyweight Buzz: Fury Targets Wardley in his Comeback

Tyson Fury is reportedly planning a 2026 return with an eye on Fabio Wardley for a potential summer showdown on British soil. Fury’s camp has publicly welcomed the idea of an all-British heavyweight title fight that would pit him against Wardley, a rising WBO champion. While the matchup is being discussed and welcomed on both sides, neither a date nor a contract have been confirmed.

Daniel Dubois Reunites With Don Charles

Across the Atlantic, Daniel Dubois has announced that he is returning to trainer Don Charles after a brief stint elsewhere. The change, confirmed by Dubois’ management team, signals a bid to sharpen his competitive edge as he prepares for bouts at heavyweight.

Looking Ahead: Lopez vs. Stevenson Looms Large

Attention is shifting to one of the most consequential matchups on the immediate horizon. On January 31, Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO super lightweight title against Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden, headlining The Ring promotional series.

The bout represents a stylistic crossroads: Lopez’s explosiveness and championship experience at 140 pounds against Stevenson’s elite movement and defensive mastery as he moves up in weight. Lopez enters the fight with a record of 22-1, 13 by KO; and Stevenson enters as 24-1, with 11 by KO. According to Box Rec, both are ranked number one in the world in their respective weight divisions. Stevenson is vying for his fourth weight division title.

Beyond the belt, the fight carries significant pound-for-pound implications and could reshape the junior welterweight landscape early in the year.  A strong undercard featuring multiple contenders and title bouts further elevates the event as one of the sport’s first true marquee nights of 2026.

Rising Contenders: Kingsley Ibeh Eyes MSG Statement Bout

Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs) has publicly stated that he expects to stop Jarrell Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) when the pair square up at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The bout positions Ibeh as a fast-rising contender and Miller as a veteran test.

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