Daniel Dubois ‘given permission by IBF to make world title defence against surprise British contender’ as Eddie Hearn states AJ won’t be ready for February clash

Daniel Dubois has been given permission by the IBF to make a ‘optional defence’ of his heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley. 

Dubois retained his IBF world heavyweight title with a career-defining performance against AJ on September 21 at Wembley Stadium. 

The self-proclaimed ‘King Slayer’ floored Joshua four times and delivering a knockout in the fifth round in front of a crowd of 98,000 fans. 

Fans were expecting AJ to rematch with Dubois on February 22, but Eddie Hearn has said Joshua may not be ready in time given the ‘fast turnaround’. 

The Matchroom promoter has earmarked May as a potential date for Joshua’s next outing – leaving Dubois in limbo as to what he does next. 

Dubois retained his IBF world heavyweight title with a career-defining performance against AJ on September 21 at Wembley Stadium

Dubois – who is eager to face the winner of Usyk vs Fury – is keen to remain active, with Frank Warren confirming he will fight on February 22 regardless of AJ.

IBF President Daryl Peoples has now confirmed that Dubois ‘can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22’. 

The International Boxing Federation have also given Dubois the green light to face Wardley in that optional defence. 

Wardley propelled himself into the IBF rankings after securing a knockout victory over Frazer Clarke in Saudi Arabia. 

Wardley – who has 17 knockouts in 18 wins – caught his British rival with a looping overhand right hand during their rematch.  

Clarke dropped to the canvas, taking a knee and gripping the ropes for support as referee Victor Loughlin began his count. 

Loughlin only reached five before deciding to stop the fight, declaring Wardley the winner via devastating KO. 

Wardley celebrated exuberantly as he turned away from the ring, reveling in his hard-fought victory, while Clarke received prompt medical attention.

Medical staff quickly administered oxygen to Clarke before assisting him as he exited the ring and made his way back to the changing room.

Clarke was forced to undergo surgery in Saudi Arabia but insisted he would return to the ring once fully recovered.  

Fans were expecting AJ to rematch with Dubois on February 22, but he could now face Wardley

Wardley propelled himself into the IBF rankings after securing a knockout victory over Frazer Clarke in Saudi Arabia

Wardley celebrated exuberantly as he turned away from the ring, reveling in his hard-fought victory, while Clarke received prompt medical attention

A potential meeting between Dubois and Clarke in February would be an interesting battle of strength and power. 

However, Frank Warren is adamant a fight between the British pair would be found on Dubois’ terms given he is the champion. 

‘He is the champion and it’ll be done on his terms,’ Warren told Sky Sports. ‘Daniel will defend his title in February and if it’s not Joshua then it’ll be against somebody who is ranked in the top five.’