Daniel Dubois is looking to make his ring return in early 2026.
The British heavyweight lost his IBF world title last time out. It was his second fight against Oleksandr Usyk and his second loss to the Ukrainian great.
Following the fight, there was some controversy over a party he had at his house in the hours leading up to his ring walk. After his loss to Usyk, Dubois changed up his team and is now coached by former Anthony Joshua man Tony Sims.
In between the Usyk fights, Dubois had put together a superb run of wins with knockouts of Jarrell Miller, Fillip Hrgovic and Joshua, so will be looking to get back to that sort of form,
Speaking to iFL TV at ringside in the aftermath of Fabio Wardley’s victory over Joseph Parker, Dubois was asked what he wants next.
“I would have liked the winner of tonight or Kabayel. Get my belt back, man.”
WBC interim champion Kabayel – who does not have people queueing up to face him – has been making moves of his own of late with KO wins over Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sánchez and recent Dave Allen victor Arslanbek Makhmudov in his last three. He has recently stated he would be open to the Dubois fight.
Kabayel returns to the ring in Germany on January 10, with former Olympian Tony Yoka a frontrunner.
Dubois’s manager Sam Jones then also suggested they would be open to fight the WBO mandatory, Fabio Wardley.
“If he wants to fight next, not a problem, we’re open for business.”
Wardley is more likely to chase down his shot at Usyk, with his manager Frank Warren looking at making that world title fight in March 2026.
