WHO will Daniel Dubois combat when he returns early subsequent yr?
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 permit Dubois to take an non-compulsory defence for his subsequent combat and we now know that the Anthony Joshua rematch won’t occur. What we do know is Dubois will face somebody from the IBF high 15. There’s time for some shock entrants, nevertheless, with the rankings getting month-to-month updates.
Quantity 12 contender Fabio Wardley should wait as his promoter (Warren) believes it’s too early for his new signing. The highest two slots are vacant, whereas the quantity three and 4 contenders – Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole – have been put ahead for an eliminator.
So, who may very well be subsequent for ‘Dynamite’ Dubois? Boxing Information presents 5 attainable choices.
Parker has known as out Dubois. (Getty Photographs)
Joseph Parker 35-3 (23 KOs)
Former WBO champion
No IBF rating
Parker would symbolize a distinct kind of problem for Dubois. The New Zealander can do a little bit of all the things and in his two wins towards Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang he used his boxing potential and velocity to beat the 2 hard-hitters. Parker is a risk to Dubois, and having not fought since April, the 32-year-old will do all the things in his energy to make sure he will get the shot.
Zhang is a harmful proposition. (Getty Photographs)
Zhilei Zhang 27-2-1 (22 KOs)
Former WBO Interim belt holder
Ranked 5 with the IBF
Zhang’s profession suffered a knock after his loss to Parker in March. The Chinese language southpaw had Parker down twice however couldn’t end the job and misplaced a majority choice. In June, nevertheless, Zhang bought going once more with a stoppage win towards a past-his-peak Deontay Wilder. Zhang stays one of many hardest punchers within the division and has already known as out Dubois. A harmful proposition for the Brit.
Chisora refuses to retire. (Getty Photographs)
Derek Chisora 35-13 (23 KOs)
Ranked 10 with the IBF
The argument that Chisora shouldn’t be combating started years in the past and but the previous warhorse continues to be going. Chisora shouldn’t even be in rivalry however his high 10 rating with the IBF places him within the combine. His win in July over a declining Joe Joyce mustn’t and can’t be used as justification, nevertheless. And if a possible combat towards Jarrell Miller doesn’t materialise it wouldn’t be a shock to see Dubois vs. Chisora.
Ajagba is ranked contained in the IBF high 10. (Getty Photographs)
Efe Ajagba 20-1 (14 KOs)
Ranked seven with the IBF
Ajagba may very well be thought-about if he can preserve his high 10 rating with the IBF till a call is made on Dubois’ opponent. The 30-year-old Nigerian is but to combat over the 12-round distance and taking up Dubois could be a large step-up. Ajagba has improved since his defeat to Frank Sanchez however placing him ahead as a world title challenger could be a tricky promote.
May Vianello survive towards Dubois? (Getty Photographs)
Guido Vianello 13-2-1 (11 KOs)
Ranked 14 with the IBF
The Italian was pipped to victory by Ajagba however grabbed the largest victory over his profession in August. Vianello was in must-win territory towards Arslanbek Makhmudov and received by eighth-round stoppage. His high 15 rating places him within the operating to face Dubois, however ‘The Gladiator’ could be in deep towards the champion.
