Matchroom Boxing will begin the new year with a host of blockbuster events across the UK and US as promoter Eddie Hearn today revealed its stellar start to 2026 – delivered to fight fans all part of their subscription with the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
With his pledge to ‘Make Boxing Great Again’, Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing get things up and running on Saturday, January 24 at the incredible Fontainebleau Las Vegas in the heart of the famous Nevada strip, when Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz challenges for his first World Title against reigning IBF Lightweight ruler Raymond Muratalla.
One week later, on Saturday, January 31, the IBF strap is on the line in the first UK card of the year as Matchroom Boxing’s latest addition Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly, fighting in his native North-East at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, goes up against undefeated World Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
February sees two outstanding back-to-back shows, beginning with a long awaited domestic grudge rematch between two former World Champions when bitter rivals Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington collide on Saturday, February 21, at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena.
Then, on Saturday, February 28, we look forward to a monumental all-Mexican clash in the Arizonan desert when IBF World Super Featherweight king Eduardo Sugar Núñez and WBO Champion Emanuel Navarrete meet in a mouth-watering unification battle at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, USA.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “I told you all we would be coming in hot – and this is proof that we are standing on business. By kicking off the new year with some of the best fights you will see in the sport, we really will ‘Make Boxing Great Again’.
“Andy Cruz finally gets his shot to win his first world title, before our latest new signing bids to become one of Britain’s next World Champions. Then all eyes will be on two former kings – and absolute bitter enemies – in what will be a must-see rematch between two brilliant warriors in Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington. And Naverette-Nunez is an all-out Mexican war that every fight fan needs. This promises to be one of the contests of the year. What is even better is that all of these brilliant events will be live and exclusive worldwide as part of your subscription plan on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Cuba’s undefeated 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games hero Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) is confident he will begin the new year as he means to go on, by upsetting Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) on January 24 in Vegas, and fulfilling his ultimate childhood dream of becoming a World Champion.
Cruz said: “This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. Raymond Muratalla is a great fighter, but I believe I’m on another level. I’ve sacrificed everything to get here, and that’s why I came to the United States to make history in the best boxing in the world. On fight night, the world will see the real Andy Cruz and why I’m ready to become a World Champion.”
Muratalla is confident, however, that his first defence will be a successful one – but knows Cruz will present a tough challenge.
Muratalla said: “I’m excited to make my first title defence against a worthy contender in Andy Cruz. I know the fans are excited for this fight, and I’m coming to Las Vegas to prove I’m the class of the lightweight division. Thank you to Top Rank, Matchroom, and DAZN for making this fight happen. This is what boxing needs —more great fights — and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Matchroom Boxing’s new recruit Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) shares that dream too – and he hopes he will deliver a memorable night in Newcastle as he bids to dethrone the 23-0 (17 KOs) unbeaten American-based knockout artist Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) on January 31.
Josh Kelly said: “What can I say, I’m back to where it all started, being promoted by Matchroom Boxing, in time to realise my dream. I want to say a huge thank you to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith. I am massively excited and I am looking forward to the next phase of my career, becoming World Champion in 2026 with Matchroom and fulfilling my potential that has always been there. Also, I want to say a big thank you to Wasserman for everything they have done for me over the last few years and getting me into a mandatory position.”
There is no love lost between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington. And with his fervent home support behind him in Nottingham on February 21, former two-time WBA World Featherweight Champion Wood (28-4, 17 KOs) is determined to prove that his stunning seventh round knockout that settled their barnstorming 2023 encounter was no fluke.
Leigh Wood said: “I’ve been gathering my four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and a rabbit’s foot for luck. Because apparently that’s all it was last time.”
Warrington (32-4-1, 8 KOs), the former two-time IBF World Featherweight Champion, is out for redemption as he looks to scratch a longstanding itch to defeat his arch-nemesis.
Josh Warrington said: “It’s finally here, I can close a chapter that has irritated me for the last two years. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m ready now.”
And Eduardo Sugar Núñez (29-1, 27 KOs) – who earlier this year won the IBF crown on away soil in Japan against Masanori Rikiishi – has his heart firmly set on adding more hardware to his collection and what he believes will be a battle for the ages in Glendale on February 28 against fellow countryman Navarette (39-2-1, 32 KOs).
Eduardo Sugar Núñez said: “I’m very excited and eager to be in the ring with Vaquero. He’s a fighter I’ve always admired, and it will be an honor to unify the titles. Above all, it will be a great fight for all the fans. Mexico vs. Mexico is a guaranteed war. And this one will be no exception”
Navarette has ruled the world as a three-weight World Champion over the past seven years – and is now determined to fulfil his ambition of becoming a unified king in what he has vowed will be an unmissable night in Arizona.
Navarette said: “In my seven years as World Champion, I’ve always been clamoring to unify my titles, and finally, my dream is coming true. I want to tell everyone to expect a war between Mexicans and that I’m willing to die fighting to defend what’s mine. I have a lot of respect for ‘Sugar’ Nuñez, but this is my moment, and he’s going to face a ‘Vaquero’ who’s twice as motivated. And to all the people of Phoenix who have always supported me, I promise you a war and a great show. I’m going to win this fight.”
All of these events are available exclusively to DAZN viewers as part of their regular subscription.
DAZN VP Alfie Sharman said: “We are starting 2026 with a bang with World Title fights, grudge matches and local heroes. These Fight Nights have it all. All unmissable – and all part of your subscription only on DAZN.”
