Boxing
Daniel Dubois poised to face Fabio Wardley in IBF heavyweight title defence as Anthony Joshua talks stall
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Daniel Dubois looks set to potentially defend his IBF heavyweight world title against British rival Fabio Wardley after talks stalled over a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Having been elevated to the vacant belt after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished it earlier this year, Dubois defeated Joshua with a spectacular fifth-round knockout in September.
Expectations had been that a rematch with former two-time world champion Joshua would be next on the list for Dubois, having headed to Wembley Stadium as the underdog.
But now it appears he will instead be able to make an "optional defence" against Wardley after the International Boxing Federation gave the green light for such a bout.
IBF president Daryl Peoples said Dubois is able to do so against any ranked fighter ahead of April 22 next year, where he would make a mandatory title defence.
Joshua had looked set for the match in the immediate aftermath, but talks over a February date to beat the deadline have been suggested as too soon by promoter Eddie Hearn.
Wardley has emerged as a leading contender after a brutal first-round victory against domestic rival Frazer Clarke in Riyadh this October, to soar up the division's ranks.
The former indicated he was ready for a major title shot after his latest triumph, stating after his victory in Saudi Arabia: "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."
Dubois is unlikely to have a shot at a unified title before his mandatory deadline, with Usyk currently holding all other heavyweight titles.
The Ukrainian will stage a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, live on DAZN PPV, with any follow-up bout for either man likely to be not until next summer.
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