The IBF have given Daniel Dubois, their heavyweight belt-holder, permission to make a voluntary defense after confirming that the deadline for a mandatory defense is April 22, 2025.
It was expected that Dubois would again battle Anthony Joshua, whom he stopped in four rounds last month.
However, with Eddie Hearn stating that Joshua will first wait for the outcome of the December 21 clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury before making his next move, Dubois might be left without a dance partner.
Fabio Wardley, who knocked out Frazer Clarke on October 12, has been mentioned as a potential rival for Dubois. When asked about that fight by Sky Sports, IBF president Darryl People’s said Dubois “can make an optional defense against any ranked fighter before April 22.”
In the latest IBF rankings, published on October 11, Wardley was ranked No. 12.
Frank Warren, who promotes both Dubois and Wardley, has confirmed that Dubois will defend his title in February, irrespective of whether Joshua is in the opposite corner.
Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole, ranked three and four respectively, have been ordered to fight by the IBF in an eliminator for the currently vacant mandatory position.
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