Daniel Dubois will make a ring return early next year
Daniel Dubois has been given the green light to make an IBF heavyweight title defence against an optional opponent.
Dubois first laid his hands on the red and gold world title in June, after winning the Interim strap against unbeaten Croatian Filip Hrgovic after the belt was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk following his undisputed victory over Tyson Fury.
Many felt that, despite technically being the champ, ‘Triple D’ had yet to earn his stripes in the division, having lost to Usyk in 2023 and without a win over any of the heavyweight superstars.
However, any doubts were quickly put to bed as the big man faced off against heavyweight titan Anthony Joshua, winning in emphatic fashion.
AJ was a clear favourite heading into the September matchup. On a streak of vicious knockouts, the former unified champion looked back to his explosive best.
However, chinks in his armour were quickly identified, with Dubois hurting him early on. Joshua never looked to fully recover, and despite rallying in the fifth he found himself sprawled on the canvas for the fourth time, unable to beat the count.
It was a clear changing of guards moment in the British heavyweight scene. Both Fury and Joshua are without a belt for the first time since 2020. Dubois looks to be the next heavyweight icon.
Joshua looking for vengeance?
Despite not having any belts before the bout. Joshua did secure a rematch clause and looks keen to try his luck once again against the younger man.
However, it’s hard to see the result going any different a second time around. Joshua clearly struggles to recover after being clipped, and with Dubois’ all-or-nothing style, it’s near impossible to see ‘AJ’ going twelve rounds without finding himself in trouble.
It was first revealed, that Joshua would rematch for the title on February 22. Though Eddie Hearn has stated that his fighter may not be ready in time, expecting the Watford man to make his ring return in May.
As a result, IBF president Daryl Peoples has confirmed that Dubois, “can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22”. Simply begging the question: Who’s next?
Dubois’ options
A few names have been thrown in the hat surrounding Dubois’ next opponent. With none more enticing than a potential British heavyweight clash against Fabio Wardley.
The 29-year-old firmly cemented himself as a top contender on the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev card. Flatlining fellow Brit Frazer Clarke in round one of their highly anticipated rematch.
The pair’s first meeting will go down as an all-British classic, with the two big men trading blows for twelve rounds, and the all out war declared a draw.
It had been voiced that Clarke had all the opportunity to outpoint his rival in their second meeting, possessing the cleaner skillset, and looking to have the better boxing IQ. However, Wardley had other plans.
Wardley isn’t the only option for the IBF champ. Heavyweights Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel look likely to lock horns in the new year. The IBF have set a purse bid for November 5, although a deal will likely be made before the November deadline.
The prospective matchup would take place as a title eliminator, meaning the winner would find themselves as the IBF’s next mandatory challenger.
Unfortunately, the pair likely wouldn’t meet till the new year, meaning if Dubois opted to wait, he wouldn’t be in the ring till mid-2025 (the same time AJ is scheduled to make a return).
With Frank Warren stating that Dubois will definitely fight on February 22 regardless of the opponent, Wardley would appear to be the most likely candidate.
