DANIEL DUBOIS has new choices to think about if a direct rematch in opposition to Anthony Joshua doesn’t pan out.
The IBF heavyweight champion made a profitable first defence of his title in opposition to his British rival at Wembley Stadium final month. A fifth-round knockout win delivered to an finish a slugfest between the 2 Londoners, which noticed Dubois upset the chances.
A second struggle between the 2 had been mooted for early subsequent 12 months, however the champion’s promoter, Frank Warren, has made it clear he needs Dubois to struggle once more in February. That, nevertheless, could not work for Joshua, who’s more likely to need as a lot time as potential after a 3rd defeat.
Nevertheless, life could have been made a bit bit simpler for Dubois and his staff after the IBF declared their heavyweight champion free to make a voluntary defence in opposition to anybody of their high 15.
On the time of writing, the IBF high 15 seems to be like this:
- Vacant
- Vacant
- Agit Kabayel
- Martin Bakole
- Zhilei Zhang
- Frank Sanchez
- Efe Ajagba
- Anthony Joshua
- Filip Hrgovic
- Derek Chisora
- Otto Wallin
- Fabio Wardley
- Jared Anderson
- Guido Vianello
- Justis Huni
Kabayel and Bakole have been put ahead for a title eliminator with purse bids scheduled for November 5, leaving the door open for the remainder.
A high 15 opponent brings Warren’s newest addition to his heavyweight squad into play. Fabio Wardley made a shocking debut for Queensberry earlier this month, blasting out rival Frazer Clarke in a single spherical. Warren stated post-fight he believes the Ipswich fighter is prepared for a world title shot.
Another choice is Zhilei Zhang who has labored with Queensberry up to now when the Chinese language ‘Large Bang’ beat Joe Joyce in back-to-back fights. And Zhang has made no secret of the very fact he could be keen to face Dubois.