Boxing's Future Stars
WBO Lightweight Champion Abdullah Mason Leads Top 10 Boxers Under 25 in 2026
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Abdullah Mason, just 22 years old, has claimed the top spot among the best boxers 25 and under in 2026, according to Athlon Sports. The Cleveland native holds the WBO lightweight title after stopping Albert Bell in the 12th round — a win that some outlets called controversial. Mason is the clear face of boxing's next generation.
Fernando Itauma rounds out the top two on the list. The News Tribune notes that Itauma is likely in line for a world championship fight — one that could earn him more money than anyone else on the list.
Mason's TKO Win Earns Him the No. 1 Spot
Mason stopped Bell in round 12 to capture the WBO lightweight belt. He did it in his hometown of Cleveland, which added to the moment. At just 22, he is already a world champion. Kansas.com ranked him first on its list of the top 10 fighters 25 and under in all of boxing.
Some called the stoppage controversial, according to Myrtle Beach Online. Even so, Mason's overall body of work put him ahead of every other young fighter in the sport. His combination of youth, a world title, and big-fight experience makes him the clear leader of boxing's new era.
Itauma Eyes a Championship Payday Against Frank Sanchez
Fernando Itauma sits at No. 2 on the list. He is in talks to fight Frank Sanchez for a world title. Mahoning Matters reports that a Sanchez fight could earn Itauma far more money than any other fighter on this list. That makes him one of the most watched prospects in the sport right now.
Itauma is still young and unbeaten. A win over Sanchez would vault him into the upper tier of heavyweight boxing. The heavyweight division tends to generate the biggest paydays in the sport, which is why this fight carries so much weight beyond just the title.
Fundora, Azim, Pacheco, and Schofield Fill Out the List
Gabriela Fundora made the list as a rising star in her own right. She is the sister of WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian Fundora. Herald Sun also highlights Azim Azim and Pacheco, the latter being the son of a former world champion. All three bring big names and bigger expectations into 2026.
Schofield also earned a spot near the top of the rankings, according to Kentucky.com. These fighters — Fundora, Azim, Pacheco, and Schofield — represent a deep and talented group of young boxers. Each one could realistically hold a world title before the decade is over.
Why 2026 Feels Like a Turning Point for Young Boxing Talent
It is rare for so many elite young fighters to rise at the same time. Mason holds a world title at 22. Itauma is knocking on the door of a major heavyweight fight. Fundora carries a famous last name and serious skills. Mod Bee called this group a sign that boxing's future is in good hands.
The sport has gone through long stretches without a clear next generation. That appears to be changing now. With Mason leading the way and Itauma close behind, boxing fans have real stars to follow — ones who are still years away from their peak.
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