Daniel Dubois Agrees To Negotiate Against Frank Sanchez

JAKARTA Former heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois agreed to negotiate the IBF final elimination battle against Cuban boxer Frank Sanchez.

In a recent report, Sky Sports wrote that the IBF gave the negotiations between Dubois and Sanchez to agree on the terms of the fight until October 22, 2025.

If the two fighters can't reach an agreement then the IBF will order an auction. Another candidate who can fight Sanchez is Richard Torrez Jr.

If the duel is realized, the winner of the battle between Dubois and Sanchez next will face the undisputed world heavyweight champion twice, Oleksandr Usyk from Ukraine.

Previously, a number of potential challengers had decided to reject this elimination match, including the rising young boxer, Moses Ituma.

Efe Ajagba, who previously lost through Sanchez through a point decision in 2021, has also refused a rematch in the form of final elimination.

The decision to reject the elimination match was then tried by Dubois to pursue revenge clashes against Usyk.

Dubois in July 2025 lost his IBF belt after losing a knockout to Usyk in the fifth round in a match that took place at Wembley Stadium, London, England.

The 28-year-old boxer was sworn in as IBF champion after Usyk vacated his title in June 2024. He then defended his title after beating Anthony Joshua.

Usyk has confirmed that he is entering the final stages of his career and committed to a ring for a mandatory title fight against Joseph Parker versus Fabio Wardley.

Sergey Lapin, who serves as CEO of Ready to Fight, promoted company Usyk, had previously hinted that the unbeaten world champion was ready to return.

"Oleksandr has gained time to recover. After that, fans will see him back in the ring, ready for the next great fights," he said.

Usyk actually immediately received an order for the mandatory match against Joseph Parker after winning over Dubois. However, he was injured and proposed an extension of the deadline.

The decision resulted in Parker risking the WBO interm belt against Wardley which was planned to take place at the O2 Arena, London, England, on October 25, 2025.