The welterweight boxing landscape has changed significantly since Terence Crawford was its undisputed world champion.
Since then, Jaron Ennis unified titles in the division and has moved up in weight. Mario Barrios, Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero, and Devin Haney all currently hold world titles at welterweight. Over on the women’s side, Lauren Price and Mikaela Mayer are titleholders. Things could change significantly in the division in 2026, thanks to all the talent that is coming up through the ranks.
In no particular order, Big Fight Weekend presents its list of five welterweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026.
Five welterweight boxers to keep an eye on in 2026
Delante Johnson
Delante Johnson (17-0, 8 KOs), also known as Tiger Johnson, represented the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. He made it to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual gold medalist Roniel Iglesias. Johnson signed with Top Rank in 2021 and continues to be promoted by them. The American has spent the bulk of his professional career fighting close to the super lightweight limit. In 2025, however, Johnson campaigned at welterweight and picked up three wins. He is ranked within the top 15 in the IBF and WBO rankings. This could be a breakout year for the Olympian.
Rohan Polanco
Rohan Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo Olympics. However, he lost his only fight at the games to Bobo-Usmon Baturov. Polanco, who had already begun boxing professionally prior to the games, returned to the pro ranks and eventually signed with Top Rank in 2022. He is currently ranked within the top 15 in the IBF, WBC, and WBO rankings. Polanco was supposed to fight on the Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou undercard, but fell ill and had to withdraw from the bout. If he can stay healthy, 2026 could also be a breakout year for him.
Sora Tanaka
Sora Tanaka (5-0, 5 KOs) is a 24-year-old Japanese boxer who has made quite an impression in a short amount of time. He turned professional in the summer of 2024 and just under a year later became the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welterweight champion. Tanaka has also made one defence of that title. Although he is yet to find a spot in the rankings of the world title sanctioning bodies, he might not have to wait long should he continue to impress in 2026.
David Whitmire
David Whitmire (11-0, 8 KOs) is the only welterweight on this list who has already fought this year. He began his professional boxing career in 2023 while he was still 17 years old. Fight fans may have noticed him on ProBox undercards. Whitmire also fought on the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jr. card. Expect the young American to continue his development in 2026.
Christopher Guerrero
Christopher Guerrero (16-0, 9 KOs) was born in México, but moved to Canada at a young age. He began his professional boxing career in 2021 with Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) and has been with the company ever since. Guerrero had an active 2025 with four 10-round fights. Expect him to step up the competition in 2026. This should be the year where boxing fans find out whether Guerrero has what it takes to compete at the highest level.