Daniel Dubois is one win away from reclaiming a shot at the world heavyweight title he lost just four months ago. The 28-year-old Brit has been ordered to face Frank Sanchez in a final eliminator for the IBF World Heavyweight title, with purse bids scheduled for November 13.
Dubois captured the belt in 2024 after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it, later defending successfully with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. That victory marked a high point in his career, but a rematch with Usyk the following year ended in disappointment as the Ukrainian unified all four titles with a dominant stoppage win in their second meeting.
Following an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of 2025, Dubois is now preparing for an early 2026 return. Standing in his way is Sanchez, ranked third by the IBF and coming off his only defeat - a points loss to Agit Kabayel. Dubois, ranked fifth, sees this as his direct path back into world title contention.
The IBF’s eliminator will determine the next mandatory challenger for Usyk, who still holds all four heavyweight titles. However, with the WBO next in the rotation, Dubois may have to wait for his opportunity unless Usyk vacates. Meanwhile, Kabayel holds the WBC Interim belt, and Moses Itauma, the WBA’s top contender, is also closing in on a title shot.
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