These are the world champions in waiting - DAZN experts pick the stars that will win their first world title in 2026

2025 saw the likes of Fabio Wardley, Lewis Crocker,  Xander Zayas, Abdullah Mason and Jazza Dickens get a world strap around their waists for the first time in their careers. 

As we roll into 2026 the year is set up nicely to see further raising talents fight for world honours. Watch it all unfold on DAZN with 185 fight nights a year live and exclusive on the home of boxing.

The DAZN News experts have been predicting just who those new world champions could be.

Which fighters will become a new world champion in 2026?

Chris Walker

Ryan Garcia has a huge opportunity against Mario Barrios if that fight gets made and it will likely be his best chance to win a world title.

Garcia has proved he is world class on several occasions, but 2026 may be the time he finally gets his hands on a world title after several failed efforts.

Andrew Steel

He has to come through an eliminator with Liam Paro first, but Paddy Donovan certainly feels like a man with unfinished business in pursuit of a welterweight title.

The star was arguably the better fighter in both of his Belfast bouts with hometown hero Lewis Crocker, but lost their IBF strap bout after two knockdowns in their rematch.

Donovan heads overseas early in 2026 looking to lock up another shot at the title held by his rival - and he will be hoping it is third time the charm for him if they meet again.

Chris Oliver

Hamzah Sheeraz made a splash on his super middleweight debut and looks destined for world honours in 2026.

After knocking out Edgar Berlanga in five rounds when stepping up to 168lbs, Sheeraz has now been ordered to fight Christian Mbilli for the vacant WBC title and that fight could take place early next year.

Sheeraz clearly learnt plenty from his failed middleweight title tilt last February, when drawing with Carlos Adames, and his tall frame looked grateful of the extra 8lbs last time out.

With Terence Crawford retiring, the path looks clear for Sheeraz to dominate at super middleweight.

Matt Astbury

Dalton Smith will kick off the year in style by finally becoming a world champion against WBC super lightweight titleholder Subriel Matias.

Smith has been waiting for what feels like an eternity for his shot at gold, and I think he has the edge over Matias.

This triumph will be the perfect pay off for what has been a frustrating period for Smith when it comes to securing the big fights, and with his mentality and ability, he will not let this opportunity slip.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Mark Lelinwalla

If Terence Crawford stays retired and his super middleweight titles are up for grabs, I like Hamzah Sheeraz' chances to grab one of them to become a super middleweight world champion.

He had a strong year in fighting Carlos Adames to a draw before knocking Edgar Berlanga out in 2025 and should continue to learn, grow and make adjustments along the way.

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