JUST three months after losing his IBF heavyweight world title, it seems as though Daniel Dubois is lining up a challenge for the belt, after being ordered for a surprise IBF eliminator contest.
Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs), was upgraded to IBF world champion last summer and famously defended the strap with a dominant display and iconic fifth round knockout of Anthony Joshua under the Wembley Arch last September.
However, upon his return to England’s national stadium, Dubois found himself on the other side of a fifth-round stoppage, losing his crown to Oleksandr Usyk when challenging for the undisputed heavyweight throne.
During the aftermath, Dubois decided to part ways with trainer Don Charles and instead appoint Tony Sims as his cornerman, and Sam Jones as his new manager, as he sets about a bid to become a two-time titlist.
Now, it seems as though ‘Triple D’ may be within one victory of a challenge for the title which he previously held, with an IBF eliminator contest around the corner.
On X, esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael shared a letter from the IBF, where a fight between Cuba’s Frank Sanchez, 25-1 (18 KOs), and Dubois was ordered, following Efe Ajagba, Moses Itauma and Richard Torrez’s respective decisions to turn down the fight.
“Please be advised that Frank Sanchez, ranked #4, and Daniel Dubois, ranked #7, are the two highest-ranked available contender in the IBF Heavyweight Division. Both have confirmed in writing their willingness to participate in an eliminator bout.
“Accordingly, the IBF is ordering an elimination contest between these two contenders to determine the mandatory challenge for the #1 position. The winner of this bout will be designated as the #1 contender and the mandatory challenger. All negotiations must be concluded by October 22, 2025.”
Sanchez represents a tough assignment for Sims’ first fight with the hard-hitting Londoner, but Dubois and his team will gain confidence from the fact that ‘The Cuban Flash’ was stopped by Agit Kabayel in his latest appearance at the world level.
Should Dubois come out on top, there is every chance that Usyk could either retire or vacate the IBF title during 2026, meaning the Briton could be upgraded to full champion for a second time or at least involved in a fight for the vacant belt.
