WHO will Daniel Dubois fight when he returns early next year?
Promoter Frank Warren has made it clear that his IBF heavyweight champion will make the second defence of his title in February.
The IBF will allow Dubois to take an optional defence for his next fight and we now know that the Anthony Joshua rematch will not happen. What we do know is Dubois will face someone from the IBF top 15. There is time for some surprise entrants, however, with the rankings getting monthly updates.
Number 12 contender Fabio Wardley will have to wait as his promoter (Warren) believes it’s too early for his new signing. The top two slots are vacant, while the number three and four contenders – Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole – have been put forward for an eliminator.
So, who could be next for ‘Dynamite’ Dubois? Boxing News presents five possible options.
Parker has called out Dubois. (Getty Images)
Joseph Parker 35-3 (23 KOs)
Former WBO champion
No IBF ranking
Parker would represent a different type of challenge for Dubois. The New Zealander can do a bit of everything and in his two wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang he used his boxing ability and speed to beat the two hard-hitters. Parker is a threat to Dubois, and having not fought since April, the 32-year-old will do everything in his power to ensure he gets the shot.
Zhang is a dangerous proposition. (Getty Images)
Zhilei Zhang 27-2-1 (22 KOs)
Former WBO Interim belt holder
Ranked five with the IBF
Zhang’s career suffered a knock after his loss to Parker in March. The Chinese southpaw had Parker down twice but couldn’t finish the job and lost a majority decision. In June, however, Zhang got going again with a stoppage win against a past-his-peak Deontay Wilder. Zhang remains one of the hardest punchers in the division and has already called out Dubois. A dangerous proposition for the Brit.
Chisora refuses to retire. (Getty Images)
Derek Chisora 35-13 (23 KOs)
Ranked 10 with the IBF
The argument that Chisora should not be fighting began years ago and yet the old warhorse is still going. Chisora shouldn’t even be in contention but his top 10 ranking with the IBF puts him in the mix. His win in July over a declining Joe Joyce should not and cannot be used as justification, however. And if a potential fight against Jarrell Miller doesn’t materialise it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dubois vs. Chisora.
Ajagba is ranked inside the IBF top 10. (Getty Images)
Efe Ajagba 20-1 (14 KOs)
Ranked seven with the IBF
Ajagba could be considered if he can maintain his top 10 ranking with the IBF until a decision is made on Dubois’ opponent. The 30-year-old Nigerian is yet to fight over the 12-round distance and taking on Dubois would be a massive step-up. Ajagba has improved since his defeat to Frank Sanchez but putting him forward as a world title challenger would be a tough sell.
Could Vianello survive against Dubois? (Getty Images)
Guido Vianello 13-2-1 (11 KOs)
Ranked 14 with the IBF
The Italian was pipped to victory by Ajagba but grabbed the biggest victory over his career in August. Vianello was in must-win territory against Arslanbek Makhmudov and won by eighth-round stoppage. His top 15 ranking puts him in the running to face Dubois, but ‘The Gladiator’ would be in deep against the champion.