Daniel Dubois is allowed to slaughter any lamb he likes.
The Ring confirmed that Dubois remains in the IBF heavyweight division. The difference is helping him, especially since there are plans for the British singer to return in February.
IBF officials have confirmed that Dubois (22-2, 21 knockouts) has until April 22 to defend his belt against any fighter ranked in the Top 15. His commitment will be after that, although he still needs to be assigned. That should come to an end in the Martin Bakole-Agit Kabayel case, which is now heading to the fund bid hearing stage.
Meanwhile, Dubois hopes to have put in a second defense of his elusive title reign.
The distinction of being able to face any opponent once in a while would pave the way for Anthony Joshua’s rematch. Dubois broke the previous combined record two times by striking out in the fifth round on September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London.
This confirmed that Dubois held the heavyweight title, after he was promoted to interim belt holder. Dubois defeated undefeated Filip Hrgovic by eighth-round stoppage in their second IBF heavyweight title fight on June 1. The belt is now up for grabs after RING champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) vacated the IBF belt in time to put it at risk in September.
Dubois held on this time and earned his third consecutive victory. It all happened after his loss to Usyk last August.
Three wins over the distance also came in Riyadh Season events. Dubois will appear on that circuit for the fourth time in a row, probably next February.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) was the target opponent, although their meeting in September was one-sided and lackluster. His team is now hesitant to continue down that path.
Sky Sports reckons undefeated Fabio Wardley (18-0-1, 17 KOs) is in with a chance of getting a share of the plum. Former WBO heavyweight champion and resurgent Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) has also pledged his willingness to face Dubois.
