Matchroom Boxing Announces Early 2026 DAZN Schedule

Matchroom Boxing announced its 2026 early schedule pledging to "Make Boxing Great Again."

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.”

Kicking off the first event, Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) takes on IBF Lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) Saturday, January 24 Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

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 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."

The following week from North-East at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, super welterweight Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs) fights in his hometown as he goes up against undefeated IBF world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs).

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.”

Former world champions Leigh Wood (28-4, 17 KOs) and Josh Warrington (32-4-1, 8 KOs) continue their rivalry as they square off in a rematch on Saturday, February 21, at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena.

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.”

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."

In an all Mexican showdown, IBF world super featherweight champion Eduardo Sugar Núñez (29-1, 27 KOs) and WBO Champion Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs).will clash in a unification bout at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

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 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.”