The IBF has ordered a final eliminator bout between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine the mandatory for Daniel Dubois’ world title, talkSPORT understands.

No.4 ranked Kabayel and No.5 ranked Bakole have been given three days as of Tuesday to provide the major sanctioning body with their availability for the fight.

Dubois is the full IBF world champion and knocked out Joshua last monthMark Robinson/Matchroom

The IBF’s official order letter, exclusively obtained by talkSPORT.com, reads: “Be advised that #4 rated Agit Kabayel and #5 rated Martin Bakole are the 2 highest ranked available contenders in the IBF Heavyweight division.

“In an effort to determine who the mandatory challenger will be, the IBF is ordering an elimination bout between Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole for the number 1 position.

“The winner will be #1 and the mandatory challenger.

“Within 3 days of October 8, 2024, or no later than October 11, 2024, you should contact this office in writing advising your availability.

“In the even we do not hear from you in writing by 5 PM EST on October 11, 2024, we will assume that you do not wish to participate in this eliminator process and proceed down the list of rankings to the next available contender.

“Any boxer who is contracted with a promoter, a network, or a state, tribal or national commission to take another fight, or who is ill, injured, under a legal impediment which could prevent the bout from taking place in the opinion of the IBF, or on suspension at the time the Championships Chairman and the President order a bout under this rule shall be considered unavailable.”

At the time of writing, the No.1 and No.2 spots in the IBF rankings are vacant while No.3 is occupied by Anthony Joshua.

However, the ratings are from September 9 before Joshua suffered his devastating knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

The expectation is that Joshua and Dubois will pursue a rematch for the world title, with Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn recently confirming that talks are underway.

Whoever emerges victorious from that fight will likely end up facing the winner of Bakole vs Kabayel providing everything goes to plan.

Bakole is 21-1 and is coming off a career-best win over AndersonGETTY

Kabayel boasts an unblemished 25-0 record and defeated Sanchez last time outGETTY

Bakole recently saw his stock rise significantly after stopping highly-rated American prospect Jared Anderson inside five rounds in August.

Meanwhile, Kabayel has been on an absolute tear as of late, recording statement victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez over the last 12 months.

Both men have never shied away from a challenge and aren’t expected to do so here.

But in the event that either of them is unable to take the fight, the next highest-ranked available boxer is Zhilei Zhang.

If, for whatever reason, Zhang also can’t accept the call, then the IBF will continue down the rankings until they have two pugilists who are willing to square off.