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, have laid the groundwork or have notable abilities worth watching in 2026.
To be considered a prospect, a fighter can’t be ranked in the top-15 of any of the four major sanctioning bodies, and has to have an undefeated record.
10. Dominic Valle
Record: 12-0 (7 KOs)
Division: Junior lightweight
Valle has flown under the radar, but he is a massive workhorse in the 130lbs division. Valle uses the gym as his biggest weapon. He shrinks down to a smaller weight class and can force a pace while pushing volume on his opponents. Additionally, his last three wins are quality as he defeated Rene Alvarado, Brandon Valdes, and Kevin Piedrahita.
9. Teremoana Jnr
Record: 9-0 (9 KOs)
Division: Heavyweight
A fun Australian heavyweight who has some of the traits of George Foreman. Teremoana didn’t fight a ton this year, as his second year as a pro felt more like a lateral step than real progression up the ranks. Nonetheless, he is a very exciting heavyweight who could be a top name in the future, given his ability and the division he fights in. Teremoana continues to be untested as a pro, but might be the biggest puncher in the division. Teremoana needs to face better opposition, but could be the best heavyweight from his Olympic class (especially since amateur boxing is so different from the pros in the modern era).
8. Curmel Moton
Record: 8-0 (6 KOS)
Division: Lightweight
A very slow year for the 19-year-old Moton, who only fought twice. Moton is a promising protege of Floyd Mayweather, who fought four times in 2024. Yet, Moton, a good puncher who can box, is one of the most exciting up-and-comers who many tab as a future superstar. He holds a win over Anthony Cuba, who is on a winning streak and has fought quality competition. Moton has established himself as a notable up-and-comer; 2026 needs to see him fight more often and make the leap from a prospect to a contender.
7. David Lopez
Record: 8-0 (6 KOs)
Division: Welterweight
An explosive puncher from Oakland, California, Lopez spent most of the year out of the ring. His lone appearance was on December 20 as part of a Misfits Boxing card. Lopez has also signed with Misfits Boxing. Lopez has a lot of traits that contribute to superstar status in boxing. He has boxing ability, fast-twitch muscle reaction, and the ability to record highlight reel knockouts; He is a violent puncher who doesn’t just rely on his punching ability; rather, he sets up his shots and is defensively sound, looking to pounce. The only thing holding him back is activity.
6. Giorgio Visioli
Record: 10-0 (6 KOs)
Division: Lightweight
Visoli holds wins over veteran James Wilkins and Joe Howarth in consecutive bouts. Already nearing the point of being a contender, Visoli has been dominant since his pro debut in November 2023. Visoli is a fantastic boxer who also looks to close the show. Visoli looks the part of a future title challenger, given his step-up in opposition and willingness to take hard developmental fights early in his career.
5. Iyana Verduzco
Record: 7-0 (1 KO)
Division: Women’s junior featherweight
“Right Hook Roxy” Verduzco has a lot of star potential. She mirrors many of the traits of boxing superstar Ryan Garcia: She has a big social media following; She can generate attention in different media markets; She is talented. Verduzco ought to be a titleholder. It could happen as soon as next year.
4. Joel Iriarte
Record: 9-0 (8 KOs)
Division: Welterweight
Iriarte has moved fast as a pro. With a deep amateur pedigree, the puncher from Bakersfield, California, Iriarte resembles a modern version of the 2012 U.S. Olympian Jose Ramirez, who also hails from California’s central valley. He has been pro for two years and fought nine times, five in his first year and four in 2025. He is on the brink of being a fringe contender after beating tough veteran Kevin Johnson. The welterweight Iriarte is an extremely promising prospect promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
3. Cain Sandoval
Record: 17-0 (15 KOs)
Division: Junior welterweight
Sandoval has a style similar to David Benavidez, and now training with Freddie Roach, could make for memorable fan-friendly fights. Sandoval fought three times in 2025, all of which wins by knockout. Sandoval has a fighting style fans love, and the Mexican-American fighter already has a win over a credible name in Javier Molina. Look for Sandoval to make the leap next year and contend.
2. Troy Nash Jnr
Record: 5-0-1 (1 KO)
Division: Featherweight
Nash was the breakout star of the WBC Grand Prix despite not winning it. With wins over unbeaten prospects Alexander Kovrigin and Zholdas Zhengissov. Nash exited the tournament after fighting to a draw with Muhamet Qamili, with an advanced scoring system favoring Qamili, who continued in the tournament. The 20-year-old Nash could be a fringe contender by the end of 2026. Not many fighters have elected to fight three unbeaten prospects within six fights as a pro. Nash is taking a different route than most modern fighters and has established himself as one of the best young fighters in the U.S.
1. Yuta Sakai
Record: 6-0 (6 KOs)
Division: Bantamweight
Sakai might be another Japanese breakout boxing star in the greatest era of Japanese boxing. As an amateur, he won gold at the 2022 Youth World Championships. At 20 years old, Sakai looks the part of a future titleholder in the bantamweight division. So far, he has faced quality opponents with good records and stopped all of them. Sakai has all the elements to be not just a titleholder, but a star, as it is his ability to think inside the ring, not just power, that is most impressive for a fighter of his age.
