The IBF has given heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois the green light for a voluntary title defense, allowing him some flexibility ahead of the April 22, 2025, deadline for a mandatory defense. Dubois, who recently shocked fans by stopping Anthony Joshua in four rounds, is now free to select an opponent for his February title defense.
Initially, a rematch with Joshua seemed likely, but with Eddie Hearn signaling that Joshua will wait for the outcome of the December 21 fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, Dubois might need a new opponent. Enter Fabio Wardley, who recently climbed the rankings after a decisive knockout of Frazer Clarke on October 12 and now sits at No. 12 in the IBF's October rankings. When asked by Sky Sports about the possibility of Dubois facing Wardley, IBF President Darryl People confirmed that Dubois "can make an optional defense against any ranked fighter before April 22."
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Frank Warren, who promotes both Dubois and Wardley, has already announced that Dubois will defend his title in February, with or without Joshua in the opposite corner. Meanwhile, the IBF has ordered Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole, ranked third and fourth respectively, to fight in an eliminator to establish the next mandatory challenger.
Whether Dubois faces Wardley, Joshua, or another ranked fighter, fans can expect a thrilling February title defense as Dubois continues to make waves in the heavyweight division.
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