Who should Daniel Dubois fight next?

Here are five potential opponents

Daniel Dubois has the world at his feet after decimating Anthony Joshua in five rounds.

Dubois, 27, has turned his career around in the last 12 months with three emphatic victories in a row.

After suffering his second professional loss to Oleksandr Usyk, many questioned whether ‘Triple D’ would ever reach the higher echelons of the division.

In truth, Usyk handed the IBF World Heavyweight title to Dubois like an early Christmas present. 

Yet registering wins over Filip Hrgovic and then Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September, brings legitimacy to Dubois’ status as a world champion.

Even if Usyk is the widely recognised best heavyweight on the planet following his points victory over Tyson Fury to become undisputed.

Regardless, a new era of heavyweight boxing is approaching and Dubois looks to be at the forefront.

In 12-18 months, it’s possible the likes of Usyk, Fury and Joshua will all be retired. 

But before such a change to the landscape, there are lucrative fights for Dubois to consider.

Here are five potential opponents for Dubois.

Anthony Joshua rematch

After being dropped multiple times and then getting knocked out, some would argue that Joshua does not deserve a rematch with Dubois.

Apart from stunning Dubois with a powerful right hand in the fifth, Joshua never had a strong foothold in the bout.

AJ was overpowered by the younger, fresher and arguably stronger man. 

Therefore, it’s difficult to see what Joshua could do differently in a rematch, aside from starting more sharply and not getting dropped in the first round.

However, from Dubois’ perspective, Joshua is still probably the biggest money fight out there.

96,000 fans clamoured to watch the first edition of Joshua-Dubois and a similar turnout is likely in a rematch. 

The winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury

Usyk-Fury 2 is set for December 21 and Dubois will be watching the contest like a hawk.

Despite Usyk officially beating Dubois via 9th round KO in August 2023, there was controversy in the 5th when Dubois landed a low blow to floor Usyk.

Until this day, Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, believes the punch was legal and should have resulted in his charge being victorious. 

Therefore, there is some unfinished business, especially on Dubois’ side. 

Besides, if Usyk beats Fury again, he will be considered a modern time great so Dubois would have everything to gain by challenging the Ukrainian a second time. 

On the other hand, if Fury exacts revenge on Usyk, he could be the one that Dubois faces next. 

‘The Gypsy King’ has never been undisputed and a bout against Dubois would provide him with a second chance at immortality. 

In a nutshell, whether it’s Usyk or Fury, Dubois would be facing the best possible opponent in his new reign as world champion.

Fabio Wardley

Fresh off his one-round destruction of Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley has emerged as a potential opponent for Dubois.

Both signed with Queensbury and Frank Warren, Dubois-Wardley would be an in-stable contest for the IBF title. 

Despite coming from a white-collar background, Wardley has primarily gone from strength to strength in the pro ranks, beating fighters with extensive amateur experience like Clarke, Nathan Gorman and David Adeleye.

Wardley’s first fight with Clarke ended in a draw and this remains the only blip in an otherwise impressive run as a professional.

Furthermore, Wardley’s following continues to grow thanks to the excitement he produces inside the ring and his alignment with Ipswich Town FC.

So from a British perspective, a fight with Dubois could do solid numbers on PPV as long as it’s supported by a Saudi-esque undercard. 

However, Dubois would be the favourite as Wardley has never fought at world level. 

The winner of Martin Bakole vs Agit Kabayel

If Dubois decides to take a break out of the ring, he could choose to face the winner of Martin Bakole vs Agit Kabayel.

Bakole and Kabayel are set to fight in a IBF final eliminator with the victor becoming mandatory for a shot at Dubois.

Both Bakole and Kabayel are considered dark horses in the heavyweight division.

Commercially, Dubois fighting either is unlikely to generate enormous interest.

Still, hardcore boxing fans might appreciate Dubois giving one of the formidable yet under-the-radar heavyweights an opportunity. 

Bakole is a mountain of a man who consistently weighs in over 270 lbs, coupled with dynamite in both hands. 

Kabayel is slick, skilful and is becoming the king of upsets after handing Arslanbek Makmuhdov and Frank Sanchez their first losses. 

Moses Itauma

Moses Itauma is scheduled to take on Demsey McKean on December 21.

If the 19-year-old wins, fighting Dubois afterwards is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Itauma has made it clear he wants to beat Mike Tyson’s record and become the youngest world heavyweight champion of all time.

If Dubois doesn’t have a fight pencilled in for the new year, Itauma could be given the nod by Frank Warren.

Of course, Itauma hasn’t faced anyone at Dubois’ level and that will include McKean.

However, he is a special talent and with Dubois being under the same stable, stranger things have happened in boxing. 

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