The IBF has confirmed that the date for an obligatory defence is April 22, 2025, and has granted their heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, permission to undertake a voluntary defence.
After stopping Anthony Joshua in four rounds last month, it was anticipated that Dubois would face the latter again.
Dubois may not have a dance partner, though, as Eddie Hearn has stated that Joshua will first wait for the result of the fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on December 21 before making his next move.
Fabio Wardley, who defeated Frazer Clarke on October 12, has been suggested as Dubois’s possible opponent. IBF president Darryl Peoples stated that Dubois “can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22” in response to a question regarding that contest posed by Sky Sports.
Wardley was placed No. 12 in the most recent IBF rankings, which were released on October 11.
Regardless of whether Joshua is on the other side, Dubois will defend his championship in February, according to Frank Warren, who promotes both Dubois and Wardley.
The IBF has ordered Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole, who are rated three and four, respectively, to compete in an eliminator for the required spot that is now open.
By: Mustapha Hadji Dean
