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Why Lopez vs. Stevenson could start an incredible year for American boxing
Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson are just days away from clashing in what is set to be one of the biggest fights of 2026 .
Super-lightweight glory is set to be on the line, but the winner will be confident in addressing himself as the current face of American boxing following the recent retirement of Terence Crawford.
Here, DAZN News looks at how Lopez vs. Stevenson can be the platform for a monumental year for American boxing.
Jaron Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz
Another major American fight could occur in 2026 with super-welterweight rivals Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz currently in talks to meet at some point.
Both unbeaten stars have enjoyed an impressive rise to world level, and both have the necessary qualities to believe they are the better fighters.
Throw in their promoters, Oscar De La Hoya for Ortiz with Eddie Hearm representing Ennis, and boxing has every essential ingredient required for what could be a compelling fight built-up with a superb story.
The emergence of a true American heavyweight superstar
With Deontay Wilder close to the exit door, America requires another charismatic heavyweight who can bring titles back to the country that gave the world Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
Joshua Edwards has made an impressive start under the guidance of Oscar De La Hoya, and he currently has five stoppages from as many fights.
In the amateur code, Joseph Awinongya is creating a big buzz and after national success at the backend of last year, he may consider turning professional rather than focusing on the Olympics as several high-profile promoters are interested in him.
Could Edwards and Awinongya be the heavyweight rivalry to reignite American interest in the division?
Bam Rodriguez vs. Naoya Inoue
Jesse Rodriguez's incredible rise in recent years was a leap that not many predicted for the talented Texan, but now he finds himself on the verge of truly crossing over into the mainstream.
Blitzing his way through the lower weight categories, Rodriguez has shown plenty of heart, skill, and power, and his performances have brought him to the attention of pound-for-pound superstar, Naoya Inoue.
The Japanese star is likely to have his hands full with Junto Nakatani at some point in 2026, but once that fight is out of the way, he may provide Rodriguez with the opportunity to prove that he is the true king of boxing’s smaller weight groups.
Will it be David Benavidez’s year at last?
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
Boxing fans have long sung with the praises of David Benavidez, but 2026 has to be the year he lands a monumental victory.
Seemingly fed up of not landing shots against the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol, Benavidez looks set to make the move to cruiserweight to challenge Gilberto Ramirez.
Victory there will make Benavidez a three-weight world champion and the exposure it provides may finally tempt one of boxing’s pound-for-pound names to finally grant him the opportunity he deserves.
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia 2
Boxing could really do with the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia rivalry being settled as so many questions still exist from their first meeting in 2024.
Then, Haney was floored three times before losing on the scorecards, but the result was later changed to a ‘No Contest’ after Garcia failed a drugs test.
Haney is now WBO welterweight champion and with Garcia aiming to win the WBC title against Mario Barrios next month, a bitter unification fight looks likely to do great business in 2026.
Watch López vs. Stevenson only on DAZN PPV this Saturday
Teofimo López and Shakur Stevenson headline the Ring VI fight night in New York, exclusively on DAZN PPV, this Saturday, January 31.
Purchase as a one-off PPV, or get included at no extra cost with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which includes minimum of 12 PPV events per year, plus another 185 fight nights. Monthly and annual options available.
Sign up for Ultimate for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here.
