British heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is poised to defend his IBF world title against fellow British fighter Fabio Wardley, as negotiations for a highly anticipated rematch with Anthony Joshua have encountered significant hurdles.
Daniel Dubois clinched the vacant IBF title after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished it earlier this year. His remarkable journey to the championship culminated in a breathtaking fifth-round knockout over Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September, a victory that not only established his status but also showcased his formidable punching power and resilience in the ring.
According to IBF president Daryl Peoples, Dubois has the opportunity to execute an “optional defence” against any ranked fighter before the critical deadline of April 22, 2024. After this date, he will be obligated to engage in a mandatory title defence.
Initially, it seemed that Joshua would secure an immediate rematch; however, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated that the proposed fight date in February would be premature given the circumstances surrounding Joshua’s recent performance. 
With the rematch against Joshua in jeopardy, Wardley has emerged as a strong contender for Dubois’ first title defence. This comes on the heels of Wardley’s impressive first-round victory over domestic rival Frazer Clarke during an event in Riyadh earlier this October.
Following his triumph, Wardley made a bold statement about his readiness to compete at the highest level, expressing confidence in his ability to handle himself against the best in the heavyweight division.
“I’m ready to mix it with those boys. I’ve got the power to mix it with them all. I can take a shot. I can have a war. You’ve seen me do everything. I’m ready for that world stage now,” he declared.
As for Dubois, it appears unlikely that he will pursue a unification title shot before meeting his mandatory defence obligation. Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds all other major heavyweight titles, is scheduled for a highly anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21.
The outcome of this clash will significantly impact the heavyweight landscape, and any potential unification bout featuring Dubois is likely to be postponed until the summer of the following year, allowing time for the dust to settle after the Usyk-Fury bout.
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