DANIEL DUBOIS has new choices to think about if a right away 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 dropped at an finish a slugfest between the 2 Londoners, which noticed Dubois upset the chances.
A second battle between the 2 had been mooted for early subsequent yr, however the champion’s promoter, Frank Warren, has made it clear he desires Dubois to battle once more in February. That, nonetheless, could not work for Joshua, who’s prone to need as a lot time as attainable after a 3rd defeat.
Nevertheless, life could have been made a bit of bit simpler for Dubois and his group after the IBF declared their heavyweight champion free to make a voluntary defence in opposition to anybody of their prime 15.
On the time of writing, the IBF prime 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 remaining.
A prime 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 mentioned 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 actual fact he could be keen to face Dubois.
