Wardley-Itauma, Crocker-Catterall, Smith-Azim: What are the biggest all-British world title fights to be made in 2026?

2026 is barely two weeks old, and yet has already ushered in a new British boxing hero after Dalton Smith's success in New York City.

The Sheffield fighter became WBC light-welterweight world champion with a fifth-round stoppage against Subriel Matias last Saturday.

It means the Steel City man is the latest to reach the sport's summit, joining Fabio Wardley, Lewis Crocker, Nick Ball and Jazza Dickens.

But the fivesome are far from the only Britons hunting major straps this year, with plenty pushing for title shots against their fellow countrymen.

Indeed, Dickens already has an all-domestic affair in the calendar to defend his WBA super-featherweight title against Anthony Cacace.

But just what other all-British world title fights could be made in 2026? DAZN News takes a look at five possibilities for the year ahead.

Fabio Wardley-Moses Itauma (WBO heavyweight title)

Ipswich-born Wardley made glamour division shockwaves when he stopped Joseph Parker for the latter's interim crown back in October.

Since then, the star has been elevated to the full title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt rather than take a mandatory fight with him.

One of Queensberry Promotions' star men, Wardley has already expressed an interest in several fellow Britons for potential opponents.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

But if there is one who will get a shot, it seems likely to be knockout phenomenon Itauma, who is currently ranked in first place by the WBO.

The rising star faces Jermaine Franklin this March in a rearranged fight, but seems otherwise primed to pursue Wardley before the year is out.

Lewis Crocker-Jack Catterall (IBF welterweight title)

After edging domestic rival Paddy Donovan by split decision at Belfast's Windsor Park last year, the Northern Irishman is set for a busy year.

Crocker had hoped to get a voluntary defence in first, but it looks like he will now face Australian Liam Paro as his mandatory challenger next up.

The latter had been due to face Donovan in a final eliminator before the latter withdrew at short notice, scuppering his old foe's possible plans.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

A win over Paro could theoretically clear the path for a trilogy of course - but it seems just as likely Crocker will chase the veteran Catterall too.

Arguably the best British fighter of his generation to never win a world title, the star has impressed at welterweight and would jump at the chance.

Nick Ball-Nathaniel Collins (WBA featherweight title)

Nobody has found a way to unlock the Liverpool fighter in the ring yet, with plenty wondering if he could move divisions to chase Naoya Inoue.

With the Japanese star set to face countryman Junto Nakatani instead, it is unlikely Ball will make his move from featherweight in 2026 though.

His latest defence against Brandon Figueroa in February could prove to be an early fight-of-the-year contender, with the star as home favourite.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Win there however, and a fascinating matchup with the unbeaten Collins could be in the pipeline, with the Scotsman set on chasing the clash.

A draw with Cristobal Lorente in Glasgow iced his short-term ambitions, but Ball would know that it could prove to be a bout with big business.

Dalton Smith-Adam Azim (WBC super lightweight)

The Sheffield fighter will be giving very little consideration to his next steps as he slowly comes down from the career high of his latest triumph.

Stopping Subriel Matias after a helter-skelter slew of exchanges in New York last weekend cemented his place on the world stage in fine fashion.

Now, Smith will turn his attention to pursuing a dream bout at Hillsborough, the home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, likely in the summer.

Matchroom/Mohsin Hussain

In a division dominated by major American names though, there is one blockbuster bout he could make on home soil, against Slough-born Azim.

The former European champion is unbeaten across his professional career too, and is ranked as a viable contender by the WBC for the crown.

Fabio Wardley-Derek Chisora (WBO heavyweight title)

Such is the strength of British fighters in the glamour division, Wardley has a veritable buffet of options he could choose from to make a defence.

Ex-champions such as Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua would surely all love another crack, though the latter's future is in the air.

But if there's one man that might prove the most romantic option of them all, it's legendary journeyman Chisora, as he reportedly signs off for good.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

'Del Boy' plans to retire after fight number 50 - his next bout - and was previously in the frame for a shot at the IBF crown after beating Otto Wallin.

Ranked with the WBO, and with rumours swirling that Wardley could take the dance, this would be a fitting finale for one of the sport's true characters.

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