Daniel Dubois has a huge list of opponents to choose from if he doesn’t defend his IBF title against Anthony Joshua again.
Dubois made an incredible first defence of his IBF heavyweight strap, ousting British rival Joshua at Wembley Stadium by dropping him four times in a phenomenal win.
Dubois beat Joshua to retain his IBF title, but a rematch appears in doubtMark Robinson/Matchroom
AJ refused to bow down to calls to retire and defiantly vowed to pursue an immediate sequel with Dubois in 2025, with February 22 touted as a target date.
But it appears that could now be off the table, with Joshua struggling with minor injuries which will see him unlikely to be ready in time.
According to Sky, the IBF have now informed Dubois that he can choose a top 15 ranked opponent for a voluntary defence of his belt if a rematch fails to materialise.
There are 12 viable options on the table for ‘Dynamite’, which include a whole host of leading talent.
Joseph Parker has been heavily linked with the fight, but would only be an acceptable rival if he vacates the WBO ‘interim’ title which currently excludes him from the IBF rankings.
We at talkSPORT take a look at those options that could stand opposite Dubois in the ring in the new year…
Agit Kabayel
The German is the highest ranked in third position (first and second are vacant), having cemented his status at the pinnacle with a superb win over Frank Sanchez.
It would be a unique opportunity for the star who is currently unbeaten with 25 wins as a professional.
Martin Bakole
Bakole is keen to push for a shot at world honoursGetty
Bakole is considered an avoided competitor but could be a key option given his ranking in fourth, and notoriety on British shores.
The Congolese star picked up a huge win over American prospect Jared Anderson and is firmly in the mix.
Zhilei Zhang
‘Big Bang’ will want a world title shot as he is now aged 40 and is coming to the twilight years of his career.
Most recently, the Chinese power puncher defeated Deontay Wilder, and is a key member at the top of the pile.
Frank Sanchez
An unlikely option, the Cuban will still be a contender despite his defeat to Kabayel, but will likely find himself near the back end of the queue.
Filip Hrgovic
Dubois has already beaten HrgovicMark Robinson/Matchroom
Perhaps the most unlikely option, Hrgovic was beaten by Dubois earlier in June and there is no talk of a rematch any time soon.
Efe Ajagba
Another unlikely foe, Ajagba has worked his way back up the rankings after defeat to Sanchez in 2021, and most recently beat fellow IBF ranked Giado Vianello.
Derek Chisora
Chisora has not yet retired and would be welcoming to a final hoorahGetty
‘WAR’ will be looking for fan-friendly fight and the British pair could be thrown together in a surprise fight.
Chisora beat Dubois’ former conqueror Joe Joyce, and would needed to be handed a surprise lifeline by Dubois if he is to secure one final shot at world glory.
Otto Wallin
Wallin finds himself behind a sea of contenders after losing to Joshua, and is currently going through a rebuilding process.
Fabio Wardley
Wardley will be at the top end of the mix having ousted a domestic rival
A central option, the British champion recently made a statement in a win over Frazer Clarke, and is after a title shot.
He is keen to work his way up, but it could be too soon for the Ipswich native, who has also suggested he would be open to an eliminator to build up experience.
Jared Anderson
Anderson is now seemingly far away from a world title shot but remains in the top 15, despite a brutal defeat to Bakole in August.
Guido Vianello
Vianello has sparred Dubois previouslyGetty
Vianello earned his place back in the top 15 with a win over Arslanbek Maakhmudov in Canada, but may need higher level wins to secure a title shot.
Justis Huni
It is likely to be too early for the talented young Australian, who already has a fight scheduled for December, and may need more time before securing a shot.
