As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to take a look at some of boxing’s most talented up-and-comers. These prospects, who BoxingScene ranks according to our estimation of their current status, are certainly worth watching in 2026.
*To be considered here, a fighter can’t be ranked in the top-15 of any of the four major sanctioning bodies, and they have to have an undefeated record.
26b. Jadalie Medeiros
Record: 5-0 (1 KO)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Medeiros has a solid amateur pedigree, who has shown star quality since moving to Las Vegas. Medeiros is an up-and-comer who is becoming a notable name in a division and also has a strong social media presence with her fights being posted to YouTube, and content created for specific platforms.
26a. Cayden Griffiths
Record: 6-0 (6 KOs)
Division: Welterweight
A 19-year-old welterweight from Joel Diaz’s Boxing Gym in Indio, California, who is garnering some attention since signing with Golden Boy Promotions. He fought four times in 2025.
25. John Joe Carrigan
Record: 1-0 (1 KO)
Division: Junior middleweight
An extremely talented British amateur who recently turned pro. Carrigan had an outstanding career in the vest that should serve him well as he looks to progress in the professional ranks. Carrigan is a solid boxer who uses his feet well and walks his opponents into his shots.
24. Quincey Williams
Record: 6-0 (6 KOs)
Division: Welterweight
An undefeated welterweight, Williams carried his good amateur form into the pros. Most impressive of all is his power; he was stopping high-quality amateurs in national tournaments and has won every fight as a pro by knockout.
23. Stephanie Simon
Record: 5-0 (1 KO)
Division: Women’s junior welterweight
A high-volume fighter with good power, who has only improved since working with trainer John Pullman. Simon is a fringe title contender already, with an exciting fighting style. Simon should prove a formidable challenge at world-class level as she is stronger than most of her peers. Better still, her solid amateur boxing background will ensure she thinks and not just bangs with opponents.
22. Marco Romero
Record:11-0 (10 KOs)
Division: Super middleweight
Romero, a 20-year-old unbeaten super middleweight, fought six times this year. His last bout was scheduled for eight rounds, but only went two, when he stopped Javier Dario Aragon, 7-2-1 (3 KOs). Romero is looking like a top up-and-comer who might be the best fighter not signed by a major promoter. With 168lbs seeing a lot of new faces emerge, watch for Romero to begin to get opportunities in the coming year.
21. Benjamin Johnson (pictured)
Record: 7-0 (7 KOs)
Division: Welterweight
Johnson is a good puncher with a big engine who is trained by Lamont Roach Snr. Heavily avoided as an amateur, Johnson is making waves as a pro, but probably 18 months or so away from being a contender. Johnson stopped his first four opponents in the first round. In September, that changed as Johnson halted Luis Caraballo Ramos in the fifth round. Johnson is a 6ft 1ins and a pressure fighter who should develop nicely.
