Daniel Dubois plans to return to the boxing ring this summer. The IBF world champion had to pull out of his title defense against Joseph Parker in February because he got sick.
Dubois won the IBF title last June when he beat Filip Hrgovic. He followed that up with a big knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September. These wins put Dubois in a strong position in the heavyweight division.
When Dubois couldn't fight Parker in February, Martin Bakole stepped in. Parker made quick work of Bakole, stopping him in just two rounds.
Now Dubois has some options for his comeback fight. He could reschedule with Parker, have another go at Joshua, or try to set up a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Dubois' promoter Frank Warren talked to talkSPORT Boxing about what's next for his fighter:
"He's recovering and he's eager to get back in the ring again, having basically worked very hard and spent a fortune on a training camp for a fight that didn't happen. He'll probably be back in summer."
Warren seems to favor a fight with Usyk over Parker:
"Well, what's a harder fight, Joe Parker or Usyk? What's the bigger fight? It's a no brainer. I don't get where anybody's brains can be on this."
He also shot down any ideas that Dubois is avoiding tough opponents:
"He ain't ducking anyone. The objective of the fight that didn't happen was that the winner would face Usyk. So if the Usyk fight can be made, it will be made. We're talking."
Dubois and Usyk have history. They fought in August 2023, with Usyk winning after some controversy. Dubois landed a body shot that was ruled low, giving Usyk time to recover. The Ukrainian then came back to stop Dubois.
A rematch could look very different. Dubois has more confidence and momentum now, while Usyk is two years older. If they fight again, it could be for all the heavyweight belts.
We'll have to wait and see who Dubois faces when he gets back in the ring this summer. But it's clear he's not shying away from any challenges as he looks to cement his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
