The cruiserweight division has the potential to enjoy a memorable 2026, with Jai Opetaia moving to Zuffa Boxing and chasing unification fights. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is also due back in action, and rumoured to be facing David Benavidez. Another cruiserweight tipped for a big 2026 is Pat Brown (5-0, 5 KOs).
The Manchester fighter has walked through all five opponents with ease, and when speaking to First Round TV, Eddie Hearn teased a huge potential fight for Brown.
Cruiserweight division: Current champions
Currently in the cruiserweight division, Gilberto Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) holds the WBA and WBO titles and was last seen in action, defeating Yuniel Dorticos. The Mexican fighter has been out since undergoing shoulder surgery, but is set to return in 2026, with Benavidez the rumoured opponent.
Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) is the IBF champion and is set to fight again on Sunday, March 8, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, with Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) the rumoured opponent. Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) is the current WBC champion, having beaten Badou Jack in his last fight to win the title.
Eddie Hearn wants Jai Opetaia vs Pat Brown
Discussing Pat Brown’s future, Hearn teased a huge fight for the Brit:
“Pat’s next fight will also be announced this week. That will be headlining the first week of April. Listen, you know how highly I think of Pat. I just think this guy’s an absolute monster. I wanna get him in with Jai Opetaia ASAP.
“I know he needs another 2,3,4 fights, we can do that quickly. Do you honestly see those guys standing up to him? I know Jai…that’s another level, but he’s got a granite chin, he’s got a great IQ, and he hits so hard.”
Hearn was then asked if Opetaia vs Brown could happen by the end of 2026, and Hearn said:
“I want to get Pat into a mandatory position for a world title by the end of the year. The fight that I really want is Pat Brown against Aloys (Junior). I think that’s a tremendous fight. Aloys is all-action, big-puncher. I mean, that would be an absolute barn burner.”
Is Hearn just being a good promoter, or is Opetaia vs Brown a realistic option in the near future?