Daniel Dubois is cleared to slaughter any lamb he pleases.
The Ring has confirmed that Dubois stays within the voluntary section of his IBF heavyweight title reign. The excellence works to his benefit, notably since there are plans for the British knockout artist to return in February.
IBF officers confirmed that Dubois (22-2, 21 knockouts) has till April 22 to defend his belt versus any Prime 15-ranked contender. His necessary might be due after that, although one nonetheless must be assigned. That ought to come within the ordered Martin Bakole-Agit Kabayel title eliminator, which is now headed to a handbag bid listening to.
By then, Dubois hopes to have lodged the second protection of his unlikely title reign.
The excellence of with the ability to face any contender as soon as upon a time would have cleared a path for an Anthony Joshua rematch. Dubois battered the previous two-time unified titlist through fifth spherical knockout on Sept. 21 at Wembley Stadium in London.
The feat validated Dubois’ heavyweight title reign, after he was upgraded from interim beltholder. Dubois defeated unbeaten Filip Hrgovic through eighth-round stoppage of their June 1 secondary IBF heavyweight title combat. The belt was moved to full standing after RING champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) vacated the IBF belt in time for it to be at stake in September.
Dubois seized the second and scored his third consecutive stoppage victory. All have come within the aftermath of his knockout loss to Usyk final August.
The trio of wins inside the space additionally got here on Riyadh Season-branded occasions. Dubois will seem on that circuit for a fourth straight time, probably subsequent February.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) was the focused opponent, though their September assembly was one-sided and conclusive. His staff is now hesitant to proceed with that possibility.
Sky Sports activities theorized that unbeaten Fabio Wardley (18-0-1, 17 KOs) is in line to land the plum project. Former WBO heavyweight titlist and now-resurgent contender Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) has additionally pledged his willingness to face Dubois.