Daniel Dubois has officially withdrawn from his scheduled IBF world title eliminator against Frank Sanchez, abruptly ending plans for a bout that would have positioned him as next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk. The 28-year-old British heavyweight had been ordered by the IBF to face Sanchez, but his team has now confirmed he will not proceed.
A spokesperson for Queensberry Promotions explained the decision, stating that the eliminator “holds little value right now for Daniel.” With Derek Chisora recently named the IBF mandatory challenger, the Sanchez fight would only determine the next contender after him. Furthermore, the IBF sits last in the rotation among Usyk’s unified belts, meaning Dubois could face a lengthy wait even with a victory.
His team also noted that accepting the eliminator would restrict Dubois’ opportunities with other sanctioning bodies as he works to rebuild his position. “Daniel was proud to be IBF champion but the order and fight itself do little for his career,” the statement read. “Daniel will be back in 2026 and there are some huge fights out there for him.”
Dubois fought Usyk earlier this year at Wembley Stadium, his second defeat to the Ukrainian after a loss in Poland in 2023. With 22 wins and 21 knockouts, he remains one of the division’s biggest punchers, but now shifts his focus toward a fresh campaign next year.
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