Daniel Dubois has chosen to withdraw from an IBF heavyweight title eliminator against Frank Sanchez.
Wardley Becomes the Target
It’s a predictable move by Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs), as he can now potentially challenge Fabio Wardley for his WBO title in a Queensberry in-house fight without the need of a risky title eliminator.
On paper, Wardley will be too much for Dubois in terms of his complete game. He punches hard, throws combinations, and has a strong chin. In every area, Wardley is superior to Dubois. But it’s understandable why Daniel’s promoters would want to go in that direction for a straight title shot if they decide to.
Why Sanchez Was Too Much Smoke
Fighting the Cuban Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) would have been a near-impossible hurdle for the former IBF heavyweight champion ‘Dynamite’ Dubois, as he punches with power, speed, and he’s lethal with his combinations.
What This Says About Dubois
Getting through that fight in one piece without suffering another knockout loss would have been a minefield for Dubois. The odds are that Sanchez would have sent Dubois down to his fourth career defeat, likely permanently ruining his chances of ever winning another world title.
The 28-year-old Dubois can go straight into a world title fight against newly elevated WBO heavyweight champion Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) without having to work for the fight. It’s the better option for Dubois, because again, it might have been too much for him facing Sanchez. That guy is bad news for fighters with weak chins and poor concentration.
The Joshua–Usyk Jackpot Angle
If Dubois can dethrone Wardley to capture the WBO title, it would give him the golden ticket to lure Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk to face him for the big money. Daniel is coming off a fifth-round knockout loss to Usyk on July 19, 2025, in an undisputed four-belt clash. Dubois got a massive $71 million payday for that fight.
Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his world title eliminator against Frank Sanchez 🚨
Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his world title eliminator against Frank Sanchez 🚨 pic.twitter.com/yBJ88PEC8o
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 20, 2025