Dubois gets green light to make voluntary defence

DANIEL DUBOIS has new options to consider if an immediate rematch against Anthony Joshua doesn’t pan out.

The IBF heavyweight champion made a successful first defence of his title against his British rival at Wembley Stadium last month. A fifth-round knockout win brought to an end a slugfest between the two Londoners, which saw Dubois upset the odds.

A second fight between the two had been mooted for early next year, but the champion’s promoter, Frank Warren, has made it clear he wants Dubois to fight again in February. That, however, may not work for Joshua, who is likely to want as much time as possible after a third defeat.

However, life may have been made a little bit easier for Dubois and his team after the IBF declared their heavyweight champion free to make a voluntary defence against anyone in their top 15.

At the time of writing, the IBF top 15 looks like this:

1. Vacant
2. Vacant
3. Agit Kabayel
4. Martin Bakole
5. Zhilei Zhang
6. Frank Sanchez
7. Efe Ajagba
8. Anthony Joshua
9. Filip Hrgovic
10. Derek Chisora
11. Otto Wallin
12. Fabio Wardley
13. Jared Anderson
14. Guido Vianello
15. Justis Huni

Kabayel and Bakole have been put forward for a title eliminator with purse bids scheduled for November 5, leaving the door open for the rest.

A top 15 opponent brings Warren’s latest addition to his heavyweight squad into play. Fabio Wardley made a stunning debut for Queensberry earlier this month, blasting out rival Frazer Clarke in one round. Warren said post-fight he believes the Ipswich fighter is ready for a world title shot.

Another option is Zhilei Zhang who has worked with Queensberry in the past when the Chinese ‘Big Bang’ beat Joe Joyce in back-to-back fights. And Zhang has made no secret of the fact he would be willing to face Dubois.