Garcia to defend WBC welterweight title against Benn in Las Vegas
The 2026 boxing calendar features a packed fall slate, headlined by a title defence in Las Vegas and a long-awaited return for Canelo Alvarez in Saudi Arabia.
The fall boxing schedule for 2026 is set to deliver a series of high-profile title fights, with the calendar currently focused on key defences and significant returns for the sport’s top contenders. According to CBS Sports, the upcoming fixtures represent a critical period for the division, with several major belts on the line in the coming months.
The centrepiece of the current schedule is a WBC welterweight title defence scheduled for 12 September in Las Vegas. Champion Ryan Garcia will face challenger Conor Benn in the main event, a bout that has generated significant anticipation among fans and analysts alike. The fight is part of a card organised under the Zuffa Boxing banner, which also features a cruiserweight title contest.
On the same 12 September card, Jai Opetaia is set to defend his Zuffa cruiserweight title against WBC champion Noel Mikaelian. This double-header in Las Vegas underscores the growing prominence of the Zuffa brand in the boxing landscape, offering fans a comprehensive look at multiple weight classes in a single evening.
Looking further ahead, the schedule includes a highly anticipated return for Canelo Alvarez, who is set to step back into the ring on Halloween. The Mexican star, who has been out of action for over a year, will face Christian Mbili in Saudi Arabia. The bout is scheduled to determine the WBC super middleweight title, marking a significant moment for Alvarez’s career as he seeks to re-establish his dominance.
The fall slate has not been without its surprises, as rising heavyweight Moses Itauma recently suffered a setback in London. On 29 August, the 21-year-old contender faced former title challenger Filip Hrgovic in a fight that was expected to crown a new face of the heavyweight division. However, Itauma suffered an upset loss, missing the opportunity to win the IBF title and become a world champion for the first time in his career.
While the schedule is subject to constant updates with changes and additions, the confirmed fixtures for September and October provide a clear roadmap for the remainder of the year. The inclusion of a return for Andy Ruiz is also noted in the broader context of the fall slate, although specific details regarding his opponent and date remain to be fully detailed in the current reporting.
