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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois [Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire]
British heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois may defend his IBF world title against compatriot Fabio Wardley after rematch negotiations with Anthony Joshua hit a snag.
Dubois, who claimed the vacant belt following Oleksandr Usyk’s relinquishment earlier this year, secured a stunning fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
IBF president Daryl Peoples has confirmed that Dubois can make an “optional defence” against any ranked fighter before April 22, 2024, when he would be required to make a mandatory title defence.While Joshua was initially favoured for an immediate rematch, his promoter Eddie Hearn suggested the proposed February date would be too soon.
Wardley has emerged as a potential challenger following his impressive first-round victory over domestic rival Frazer Clarke in Riyadh this October.
“I’m ready to mix it with those boys. I’ve got the power to mix it with them all. I can take a shot. I can have a war. You’ve seen me do everything. I’m ready for that world stage now,” Wardley said after his victory in Saudi Arabia.
Dubois is unlikely to pursue a unified title shot before his mandatory defence deadline, as Usyk, who holds all other heavyweight titles, is scheduled for a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21 live on DAZN PPV.
Any potential unification bout would likely be delayed until next summer, following the outcome of the Usyk-Fury rematch.
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