British heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is gearing up to defend his IBF world title against Fabio Wardley, as plans for a highly-anticipated rematch with Anthony Joshua face considerable delays. Dubois claimed the IBF title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it earlier this year, capping his rise with a stunning fifth-round knockout over Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September—a bout that highlighted his power and resilience.
According to IBF President Daryl Peoples, Dubois has the option to make a voluntary defense against a ranked contender before April 22, 2024, after which he must fulfill his mandatory title defense. While an immediate rematch with Joshua seemed likely, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently noted that a February date would come too soon given Joshua’s recent form.
With the rematch uncertain, Wardley has stepped forward as a viable opponent for Dubois’ first defense. Fresh from his powerful first-round knockout against Frazer Clarke in Riyadh this October, Wardley declared his readiness for the world stage, confident he can go toe-to-toe with any heavyweight contender. “I’ve shown I can take a hit, go to war, and compete with the best. I’m ready for the world stage now,” he stated.
As for Dubois, a unification match may have to wait until he completes his mandatory defense. Meanwhile, Usyk, who holds the other major heavyweight titles, is slated for a highly-anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21. The outcome will likely shape the heavyweight division’s future, with any potential unification bout for Dubois expected in the summer after the dust settles on the Usyk-Fury showdown.
