IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has publicly named a three-man shortlist for his next opponent, with a rematch against Anthony Joshua high on his priority list.
Dubois has not fought since knocking out Anthony Joshua in brutal fashion last September at Wembley Stadium. A planned February bout with Joseph Parker fell through after Dubois withdrew just days before the fight due to illness. Parker went on to stop rising contender Martin Bakole in Riyadh, then called for a title shot against Usyk.
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However, the WBO has since ordered Usyk to make a mandatory defence against Parker, potentially complicating that matchup. Still, Dubois remains in the frame for a major showdown.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the British heavyweight made his ambitions clear.
“Those are the names I want—Usyk, Parker, or AJ. One of the big three. That’s what I’m after right now.”
“I heard a lot of people saying that after the Parker thing, I’m ducking fights. But right now I just want to deck someone. Line them up. I’m coming back soon—firing on all cylinders, back with a vengeance.”
Dubois was recently spotted ringside during Joe Joyce’s defeat to Filip Hrgovic in Manchester, fueling further speculation about his next move.
However, his plans might be delayed. The IBF has confirmed it will order Dubois to defend his title against Derek Chisora, with the mandatory bout due to be called on April 22 and a deadline of June 21.
“Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois, but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22. There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois’ mandatory is due on June 21,” an IBF spokesperson told The Ring:”
