IBF Heavyweight World Champion Daniel Dubois has options once he returns from a viral infection
Dubois has put together an impressive run of victories over the last year or so. He began his rise to the top with a last round knockout of Jarrell Miller in December 2023, then stopped Filip Hrgovic in impressive fashion after taking lots of big shots early on. Both opponents were undefeated prior to facing the Brit.
‘DDD’ was then elevated to full IBF champion after that win. He defended his new belt with a big knockout of Anthony Joshua last September.
In January he was due to make a second defence of the world title against Parker but took ill days before the first bell. Instead, Martin Bakole stepped up and was stopped inside two rounds by former WBO champion Parker.
Dubois can now either reschedule that voluntary defence against Parker – something many feel the New Zealander deserves – when he is back to full fitness, or pursue a second fight with Usyk who is the unified champion and offers a way for ‘DDD’ to become undisputed heavyweight king.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Dubois’ dad Stan outlined his son’s plans and said the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is in his sights.
“Next, he wants Usyk, it’s frustrating about the Parker fight but he couldn’t fight with an infection. Usyk is who we’re going after next.”
Dubois has already fought Usyk once back in the summer of 2023. Though he had the Ukrainian down, his shot was ruled low and Usyk rallied, knocking Dubois out in the 9th round in Wroclaw, Poland.
