Daniel Dubois has officially withdrawn from his scheduled final eliminator against Frank Sanchez. This bout was initially ordered by the IBF to determine the mandatory challenger for the heavyweight title, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. By stepping back, Dubois forfeits a significant opportunity to face Usyk for a third time.
Background of the Title Eliminator
The IBF had sanctioned a match between Dubois, a former champion, and Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez. The victor would have become the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s title, consolidating their position in the heavyweight rankings. Previously, Dubois faced Usyk in two different bouts, both of which ended unfavorably for him.
Impact of Dubois’ Withdrawal
By withdrawing, Dubois joins the ranks of other notable fighters who have turned down this final eliminator opportunity. These include Efe Ajagba, Moses Itauma, and Richard Torrez Jr. A spokesperson for Queensberry Promotions, which represents Dubois, stated that the eliminator does not hold significant value for him at this time.
- IBF recently named Derek Chisora as their mandatory contender.
- Moreover, the IBF holds lower priority compared to other sanctioning bodies regarding Usyk’s unified championships.
- Accepting the fight would limit Dubois’ options with alternate organizations.
Future Prospects for Dubois
The promoter indicated that Dubois is aiming for a comeback in 2026, targeting high-profile fights that can revive his career. The current climate in the heavyweight division presents several intriguing matchups for him in the future.
Frank Sanchez’s Next Steps
With Dubois now out of the picture, Frank Sanchez remains available for a potential fight, although he currently has no confirmed opponent. Jared Anderson is next in line in the IBF heavyweight rankings and could be a future contender for Sanchez. This shift increases Sanchez’s chances of securing a meaningful bout in the immediate future.
As Dubois focuses on his long-term boxing journey, the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, promising exciting new matchups ahead.
