Dubois to face Sanchez in IBF final eliminator for Usyk

Daniel Dubois has agreed to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator that will determine the mandatory challenger to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, the governing body ordered on October 7. The IBF said the two sides have until October 22 to reach terms for the bout, after which a purse bid will be ordered if no agreement is reached. The winner will be designated the IBF mandatory challenger for the number one spot.

In its correspondence, the IBF identified Sanchez as the fourth ranked available contender and Dubois as seventh. The organisation said both fighters confirmed in writing their willingness to participate and reminded the camps that neither boxer may take an intervening fight while the eliminator is being negotiated. The letter also set out standard procedural consequences should either side decline to participate.

Dubois, coming off a stoppage loss to Usyk in July at Wembley Stadium, is seeking to rebuild his place among the division’s top contenders. He was elevated to IBF champion when Usyk vacated the belt and then defended that title by stopping Anthony Joshua last September before losing twice to Usyk. In the wake of the rematch, Dubois...