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Major Boxing Bouts in 2026: Fury, Dubois, Wardley, Smith and the Mayweather v Pacquiao Rematch

The boxing calendar over the coming months is stacked with elite-level contests across the heavyweight, light heavyweight and lightweight divisions. From long-awaited returns to domestic showdowns and legacy-defining rematches, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in the sport.

For punters, these bouts also provide significant betting opportunities across outright, round betting, method of victory and special markets at bet365.

Below is a full breakdown of the biggest confirmed fights, the current bet365 odds, key storylines, and betting angles to consider.

If you’re new to wagering on fight sports, you may also want to read our Boxing Betting Guide and our detailed breakdown of How Method of Victory Markets Work here on BonusReferrerCode.com.

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Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov

Heavyweight Clash – April 2026

Tyson Fury’s return to the ring immediately headlines the spring schedule. After time away from the sport, the former heavyweight champion faces dangerous knockout artist Arslanbek Makhmudov in London.

Fury’s advantages remain clear:

  • Superior ring IQ
  • Movement unusual for a heavyweight
  • Championship experience
  • Proven ability to adapt mid-fight

Makhmudov, however, brings raw power and an aggressive front-foot style. If Fury shows signs of ring rust, the early rounds could be volatile.

bet365 Odds

  • Tyson Fury – 1/6
  • Arslanbek Makhmudov – 4/1
  • Draw – 25/1

Fury is a strong favourite, but method of victory markets offer more competitive prices. Fury by stoppage and Fury on points are both popular selections.

For more on heavyweight betting angles, see our Heavyweight Boxing Betting Tips feature.


Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois

All-British Heavyweight Showdown – May 2026

This domestic clash could reshape the British heavyweight hierarchy.

Fabio Wardley has shown durability, engine and composure in recent bouts, while Daniel Dubois remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the division.

The stylistic contrast makes this compelling:

  • Wardley thrives in high-tempo exchanges
  • Dubois carries concussive one-punch power
  • Both fighters have proven knockout ability

This is unlikely to be cagey. Early round markets are drawing attention.

bet365 Odds

  • Fabio Wardley – 8/11
  • Daniel Dubois – 11/10
  • Draw – 20/1

This is effectively a pick’em fight. Small movements in price are likely as fight week approaches.

You can compare this to other domestic heavyweight breakdowns in our recent British Boxing Preview article.


Callum Smith v David Morrell

Light Heavyweight Contender Fight – April 2026

At 175lbs, Callum Smith faces one of the division’s rising forces in David Morrell.

Smith brings:

  • Big-fight experience
  • Strong fundamentals
  • Proven durability

Morrell offers:

  • Youth and athleticism
  • Southpaw angles
  • Stopping power

This feels like a fight that may go the distance unless Morrell’s explosiveness overwhelms Smith early.

bet365 Odds

  • Callum Smith – 6/4
  • David Morrell – 4/9
  • Draw – 18/1

Morrell is favoured, but Smith’s price may attract value-focused punters.


Caroline Dubois v Terri Harper

WBC Lightweight Title Fight – April 2026

Women’s boxing continues to gain momentum, and this all-British clash is one of the most significant female fights on the UK calendar this year.

Caroline Dubois has been dominant in recent performances, showcasing speed, footwork and sharp combinations. Terri Harper, however, has championship pedigree and resilience.

Expect technical exchanges rather than a reckless shootout.

bet365 Odds

  • Caroline Dubois – 2/9
  • Terri Harper – 9/2
  • Draw – 16/1

Dubois is heavily favoured, but Harper’s experience keeps the upset angle alive.

If you’re exploring betting markets beyond outright winners, read our Guide to Boxing Round Betting for alternative strategies.


Moses Itauma v Jermaine Franklin Jr

Heavyweight Prospect Test – March 2026

Moses Itauma is widely viewed as one of Britain’s most exciting heavyweight prospects. This bout against Jermaine Franklin Jr represents a measured step up in opposition.

Franklin has shared the ring with high-level competition and offers durability, making this a useful test of Itauma’s maturity.

bet365 Odds

  • Moses Itauma – 1/20
  • Jermaine Franklin Jr – 25/1
  • Draw – 40/1

Given the short outright price, punters are instead focusing on:

  • Itauma by KO
  • Under rounds markets
  • Round group betting

Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao II

Legacy Rematch – Late 2026

One of the most talked-about rematches in modern boxing is set to take place later this year as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao meet again.

Their first bout was one of the highest-grossing fights in history. This rematch carries a different narrative:

  • Both fighters are older
  • Legacy is already secured
  • Pride and historical debate are on the line

Mayweather’s defensive mastery remains his hallmark. Pacquiao’s speed and angles have always posed unique problems.

Early bet365 Odds

  • Floyd Mayweather – 4/7
  • Manny Pacquiao – 6/4
  • Draw – 16/1

Markets are expected to fluctuate significantly as the fight approaches.

Expect strong interest in:

  • Fight to go the distance
  • Points victory markets
  • Total rounds betting

For a broader look at boxing history and how legacy fights influence betting markets, see our Biggest Boxing Rivalries of All Time feature.


Key Boxing Betting Angles for 2026

Across these major bouts, several recurring betting themes emerge:

1. Heavyweight Volatility

One punch can end a fight. This often makes:

  • Round betting
  • Method of victory
  • Under total rounds

more attractive than short outright favourites.

2. Experience vs Youth

Smith v Morrell and Mayweather v Pacquiao both highlight generational dynamics. Experience can neutralise athleticism.

3. Domestic Rivalries

Wardley v Dubois demonstrates how British clashes often produce aggressive starts.

If you’re new to combat sports wagering, our Beginner’s Guide to Boxing Betting at bet365 explains how odds, markets and promotions work.

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Boxing Betting Tips & Predictions – 2026 Big Fights

Below are our early betting thoughts on each of the headline bouts. Prices may move closer to fight night, so always check the latest bet365 markets before placing a wager.


Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov

Current bet365 Odds: Fury 1/6 | Makhmudov 4/1 | Draw 25/1

Fight Breakdown

Makhmudov’s best chance lies in early aggression. He must pressure Fury before the Brit settles into rhythm. However, Fury’s size, reach, adaptability and championship experience make him extremely difficult to break down over 12 rounds.

If Fury avoids early exchanges and controls range with the jab, this becomes a disciplined dismantling rather than a firefight.

Betting Tips

  • Fury by KO/TKO – Strong value compared to the short outright price
  • Fury to win in Rounds 7–12 – If the early danger passes, stoppage late is logical
  • Fight Over 5.5 Rounds – Covers Fury control before accumulation takes effect

Prediction

Fury by late stoppage (Rounds 8–10).


Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois

Current bet365 Odds: Wardley 8/11 | Dubois 11/10 | Draw 20/1

Fight Breakdown

This is the tightest bout on the schedule. Dubois has raw knockout power, but Wardley has shown composure under pressure and improved conditioning in longer fights.

The key question: Can Wardley absorb Dubois’ early power shots?

If Wardley survives the first six rounds, momentum likely swings his way.

Betting Tips

  • Fight Not To Go The Distance – Both fighters carry stopping power
  • Dubois by KO – If backing the underdog angle
  • Wardley by Decision – If you expect him to weather the early storm

Prediction

Wardley by competitive decision, but high volatility early.


Callum Smith v David Morrell

Current bet365 Odds: Smith 6/4 | Morrell 4/9 | Draw 18/1

Fight Breakdown

Morrell is quicker and more explosive, but Smith is battle-tested at elite level. This may turn into a chess match rather than a shootout.

If Morrell cannot secure an early breakthrough, the fight could tighten significantly down the stretch.

Betting Tips

  • Fight To Go The Distance – Strong tactical matchup
  • Morrell by Decision – Safer than backing stoppage
  • Smith by Decision (Value Play) – Experience-based angle

Prediction

Morrell by points in a technical contest.


Caroline Dubois v Terri Harper

Current bet365 Odds: Dubois 2/9 | Harper 9/2 | Draw 16/1

Fight Breakdown

Dubois’ speed and shot selection give her a clear edge. Harper’s resilience and ring craft mean she is unlikely to be overwhelmed easily.

Expect sustained pressure rather than explosive exchanges.

Betting Tips

  • Dubois by Decision – Most logical outcome
  • Fight To Go The Distance – Women’s title fights often reach the cards
  • Harper by Decision (Small Value Angle) – If expecting upset via experience

Prediction

Dubois by clear unanimous decision.


Moses Itauma v Jermaine Franklin Jr

Current bet365 Odds: Itauma 1/20 | Franklin 25/1 | Draw 40/1

Fight Breakdown

Itauma is expected to dominate, but Franklin has durability and experience against higher-level heavyweights.

Outright betting offers minimal value at current prices, so round markets become more interesting.

Betting Tips

  • Itauma by KO/TKO – Most realistic outcome
  • Itauma to Win in Rounds 1–6 – Aggressive early statement
  • Under 6.5 Rounds – If expecting early stoppage

Prediction

Itauma by stoppage inside six rounds.


Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao II

Early bet365 Odds: Mayweather 4/7 | Pacquiao 6/4 | Draw 16/1

Fight Breakdown

While both fighters are beyond their physical peak, stylistically the matchup remains fascinating. Mayweather’s defensive discipline and ring control remain his defining strengths.

Pacquiao must increase tempo and volume to disrupt rhythm.

Expect a measured fight rather than a brawl.

Betting Tips

  • Fight To Go The Distance – Strong historical pattern
  • Mayweather by Decision – Consistent with his career blueprint
  • Over 9.5 Rounds – Covers slower tactical pacing

Prediction

Mayweather by unanimous decision.

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Overall Betting Strategy for These Fights

Across this slate of contests:

  • Heavyweight fights offer knockout volatility
  • Technical matchups (Smith v Morrell, Mayweather v Pacquiao) favour decision markets
  • Short-priced favourites (Itauma, Dubois) offer better value in method-of-victory markets

Diversifying across outright, rounds and method betting can provide better value than simply backing favourites at short odds.


Frequently Asked Questions – Boxing Betting at bet365

How do boxing odds work at bet365?

Boxing odds are typically displayed in fractional format. For example, 4/1 means a £10 bet would return £50 total (£40 profit plus stake).

What is method of victory betting?

This market allows you to predict how a fighter will win:

  • KO/TKO
  • Decision
  • Disqualification

These often provide better value than simple outright markets.

Can a boxing match end in a draw?

Yes. If judges score the bout evenly or if technical rules apply, a draw is possible. That is why draw odds are always listed.

Are round betting markets available?

Yes. You can bet on:

  • Specific round of stoppage
  • Group rounds (1–3, 4–6 etc.)
  • Fight to go the distance

Do odds change before fight night?

Yes. Odds shift due to:

  • Betting volume
  • Injury news
  • Weigh-in results
  • Public money

Monitoring price movement can be crucial.

Is heavyweight boxing riskier to bet on?

Heavyweights carry more knockout power, increasing unpredictability. Many punters adjust staking accordingly.


Final Thoughts

The upcoming boxing schedule blends legacy names, rising stars and genuine 50/50 matchups. Fury’s return, Wardley’s domestic battle, Smith’s crossroads fight and the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch ensure sustained interest across divisions.

For punters, these bouts provide diverse betting angles beyond simple favourites. From stoppage markets in heavyweight contests to distance betting in tactical fights, understanding stylistic matchups remains key.

As always, check the latest prices at bet365 closer to fight week, monitor promotional boosts and stay disciplined with staking.

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