How are your New Year’s resolutions progressing?
Have you given up drinking? Are you limiting yourself to just three candy bars weekly? Did you join a local gym for $200 a month, only to find yourself in a chaotic situation without the right gear?
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Or have you let December slip effortlessly into January, hardly taking a moment to reflect?
No judgment here! While you were focusing on your own goals, some names in the boxing world were securing wins and losses in January 2026.
Let’s explore who emerged victorious and who faced defeats this month.
WINNERS
Shakur Stevenson
Shakur had a standout month and could potentially become one of the biggest winners of 2026. The 28-year-old made history as the third-youngest fighter to become a four-weight world champion, trailing only Oscar De La Hoya and Adrien Broner, by defeating Teofimo Lopez Jr. for the WBO super lightweight title.
His impressive performance cemented his position in the pound-for-pound rankings, moving him to third, just behind Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk. Stevenson is poised for greatness as a potential American sports superstar.
Xander Zayas
Turning to another remarkable young talent, Xander Zayas from Puerto Rico made headlines as the youngest unified male world champion at just 23, securing the WBA super welterweight title after a victory against Abass Baraou.
While Shakur’s achievements might have garnered more attention, Zayas showcased that there are emerging stars beyond the well-known names, especially in a competitive weight class with other fighters like Sebastian Fundora and Josh Kelly.
British World Champions
Forget the Year of the Horse; 2026 is unfolding as the Year of the Brits! This month, Dalton Smith and Josh Kelly both claimed WBC super lightweight and IBF super welterweight titles, respectively, following impressive January victories.
Joining them are Nick Ball, Fabio Wardley, Jazza Dickens, and Lewis Crocker, marking a significant uptick in success for Team GB after a lackluster previous year.
Bruce Carrington
January also belonged to “Shu Shu,” who captured the vacant WBC featherweight title by stopping Carlos Castro in the ninth round at Madison Square Garden. His victory has set the stage for a promising career at 126 pounds.
He expressed his aspirations to unify the division and challenge notable fighters like Naoya Inoue, aiming for even greater heights in the sport.
LOSERS
Teofimo Lopez Jr. & Sr.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. and his father had a rough start to the year, as Terence “Bud” Crawford deemed them “losers” in the ring after Shakur Stevenson’s notable victory. This wasn’t merely poor sportsmanship; Crawford was responding to their provocative remarks leading up to the fight.
Lopez’s post-fight comments also raised eyebrows as he bizarrely apologized for historical injustices, showcasing the need for context and timing in such statements.
Subriel Matias
Unfortunately for Subriel Matias, he faced another setback after losing to Dalton Smith via TKO, following a failed drug test for ostarine. Although the fight proceeded, the controversy around the substance underscored the importance of athlete health in a contact sport.
Bakhram Murtazaliev
Bakhram Murtazaliev, once seen as an invincible champion, was unmasked by Josh Kelly, who defeated him in Newcastle for the IBF super welterweight title. This defeat revealed vulnerabilities that may hinder Murtazaliev’s career moving forward.
Khalil Coe
The light heavyweight contender Khalil Coe faced consequences after weighing in significantly over the limit for his fight against Jesse Hart, resulting in a hefty fine. This not only affected his performance but also highlighted the importance of meeting weight requirements in boxing.
iVB
In other news, iVB’s plans for a record-breaking boxing event remain unclear, as their CEO recently retreated from the spotlight after initially sharing grand ideas. While they have a notable online following, the lack of concrete plans or athletes raises questions about their future in boxing.
