THE proposed heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk has been thrown into doubt.
The two fighters first went head-to-head in 2023, with Usyk winning via knockout in the ninth round.
A rematch is now being discussed, with a potential July bout on the cards.
However, plans could face a huge stumbling block due to a mandatory challenger.
The IBF sanctioning body formally ordered Dubois to defend his heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Derek Chisora on Wednesday.
The two fighters have until May 22 to reach a deal, otherwise it will head to purse bids.
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If that is the case, Dubois will be entitled to 65 per cent of the winning offer with Chisora taking the other 35 per cent.
The minimum bid is £150,000 although the winning bid will likely be much higher.
Per the IBF’s rules, Dubois may request an exemption from his mandatory defence which would allow him to fight Usyk next.
The proposed rematch is reportedly set to take place at Wembley Stadium this summer.
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And it will see all the heavyweight belts on the line, with Usyk currently holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO and The Ring belts.
Earlier this month, Dubois declared that he was targeting a title fight against Usyk.
He said: “Definitely July, a big fight in July against Usyk. That’s what I want.
“There’s talks, negotiations happening behind the scenes, the two teams are going back and forth.
“I’m just doing my job as a fighter and staying ready and getting prepared for when I get a call on whoever is next, I’m ready to unleash hell.
“The Usyk fight would be like the AJ fight but way bigger, the biggest fight in the world.
“That’s the fight that really excites me and there’s revenge there as well.
“The Usyk fight for undisputed would create history, that would be a massive historic event.
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“Just like the AJ fight, the build-up at Leicester Square, it would just be amazing to be a part of that sort of fight.
“I’ll be the man to stop him, I just see it. I’ll be the first man to beat him. Fight news is coming soon.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
