With 2026 underway, the heavyweight division has already dominated the early headlines, with a host of contenders manoeuvring for position in an increasingly crowded title picture. In one of the most intriguing narratives, Daniel Dubois looks to win back his world heavyweight title.
Oleksandr Usyk’s next championship defence is close to being announced, Tyson Fury has confirmed his comeback after a year-long retirement and Anthony Joshua is back in training following a serious car crash that tragically claimed the lives of two of his friends. Elsewhere, Agit Kabayel marked a successful homecoming with victory over Damian Knyba, while Fabio Wardley’s first defence of his WBO title could come against Derek Chisora in what would be the veteran’s 50th professional bout.
But questions remain over the immediate future of former IBF heavyweight champion Dubois.
The 28-year-old has recently teamed up with Tony Sims after opting not to retain Don Charles and is looking to rebuild following his unsuccessful bid for undisputed honours against Usyk at Wembley Stadium last summer. Despite being ranked inside the top five by two of the four major sanctioning bodies, there has so far been little clarity on when — or against whom — Dubois will return.
His promoter Frank Warren, however, has a clear idea of the direction he would like to see ‘Dynamite’ take. Speaking to Queensberry’s Dev Sahni on Friday, Warren outlined a potential blockbuster.
“I’d like to see him in with ‘Big Bang’ [Zhilei Zhang]. I think it’s a great fight. I’d like to see that. That’d be a big, fantastic fight. Two big punchers — that’s what you want. Big guys who throw bombs at each other. That’s what people are buying into with heavyweights. Exciting fights. Whether it goes the distance or not, it’ll be exciting.”
While Dubois has already experienced life as a world champion, Zhang is still chasing that milestone. The 42-year-old Chinese heavyweight has consistently faced elite opposition, but his recent record stands at three wins and three defeats against Filip Hrgovic, Joe Joyce, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder and Agit Kabayel.
A victory over Dubois would represent a significant career boost for Zhang — and an equally valuable statement for the Brit — as both look to force their way back into a title conversation currently led by Usyk and Wardley.
