IBF Allows Rematch Between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially announced that heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will be permitted to rematch Anthony Joshua. However, a deadline has been set for this fight, requiring the Dubois vs. Joshua bout to take place before April 22 of next year. This match holds significant importance, as Dubois impressively defeated Joshua by knockout at Wembley Stadium last month, successfully defending his title.
For Dubois, who was promoted from interim champion to world champion prior to that fight, the showdown with Joshua is not just another match; it is essentially a mandatory title defense. According to IBF regulations, Dubois has nine months to carry out a voluntary defense, which opens the door for a rematch with Joshua, provided it occurs within the stipulated time frame. Section 5.A.2 of the IBF’s heavyweight regulations states that “all voluntary defenses and any other bouts of the champion must be completed at least 60 days before the date on which the champion must defend his mandatory title.”
Dubois’ Title Defense Plan
After this period, Dubois will need to conduct a mandatory title defense, likely against the winner of the IBF eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel. Dubois is expected to receive notice regarding this mandatory fight around April 22, with the bout scheduled for June 21.
The IBF regulations also specify that the champion “must be obligated to defend his mandatory title within a period not exceeding nine months against a top-rated available opponent in the heavyweight division as designated by the championship president”. Nevertheless, the IBF has confirmed that Dubois will have the opportunity to pursue an undisputed title fight after April 22.
The only undisputed clash available to Dubois would be against the winner of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. This matchup would open the door for Dubois to compete for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set to face off in Saudi Arabia on December 21, with the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles awaiting a new champion.
