British heavyweight Daniel Dubois has pulled out of his IBF world title eliminator bout with Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez, abandoning his opportunity to secure mandatory challenger status for Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight crown.
The International Boxing Federation had mandated the final eliminator between the former IBF champion and Sanchez, with the victor earning the right to challenge unified titleholder Usyk.
By stepping away from the contest, the 28-year-old Briton has relinquished his path to a potential third encounter with the Ukrainian champion, who stopped him in both their previous meetings.
Usyk defeated Dubois in Poland in August 2023 before stopping him again at Wembley Stadium earlier this year in their undisputed championship bout.
Daniel Dubois will no longer fight Frank Sanchez
| PAThe Cuban fighter Sanchez now awaits a new opponent for the eliminator, with American boxer Jared Anderson positioned as the next highest-ranked contender in the IBF's heavyweight standings.
The British fighter's withdrawal marks the latest in a series of rejections for the Sanchez eliminator, following similar decisions by Efe Ajagba, Moses Itauma and Richard Torrez Jr, who all declined the opportunity to compete for the mandatory position.
Queensberry, the promotional company representing Dubois, explained the rationale behind the decision in a statement to Sky Sports.
"The eliminator holds little value right now for Daniel. Derek Chisora was named the IBF mandatory at their last convention so the fight vs Frank Sanchez is to be installed as next in line after Chisora," the spokesperson said.
The statement highlighted that the IBF belt sits at the bottom of the priority list among Usyk's unified championships.
Oleksandr Usyk has already beaten Daniel Dubois twice in his career
|REUTERS
"If Daniel accepted the fight, it would also limit his options with the other organisations," Queensberry added, noting that whilst Dubois took pride in his former IBF championship, the mandated bout offered minimal benefit for his career progression towards another world title opportunity.
The promotional team confirmed that Dubois intends to make his ring return in 2026, with significant bouts on the horizon.
"Daniel will be back in 2026 and there are some huge fights out there for him," Queensberry stated.
The British heavyweight currently holds the number four position in the WBO rankings, where his promotional stablemate Fabio Wardley recently captured the world title.
Promoter Frank Warren has indicated that Wardley will defend his championship against a top-10 ranked opponent in early spring, suggesting potential opportunities within the Queensberry stable.
Dubois' professional record stands at 22 victories, including 21 by knockout, against three defeats.