Just when boxing fans think they know how they heavyweight picture will play out – the sport throws another surprise contest, as reports emerge that Daniel Dubois is poised to challenge Filip Hrgovic for his position as IBF mandatory challenger.
Many fans around the globe anticipated that Hrgovic’s position with the IBF would see Anthony Joshua seek him out, in order to eventually become a three-time world champion.
The belt is expected to be vacated by the winner in the aftermath of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk and giving ‘AJ’ the chance to fight either Fury or Usyk for the undisputed title himself in 2025.
However, in an interview with W.A.W. Boxing, Hrgovic’s trainer Ronnie Shields says that Hrgovic-Dubois is expected to be on the upcoming Matchroom vs. Queensbury event on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, to fulfil the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard.
“We have just found out that Hrgovic is going to fight on June 1st and it is supposed to be against Daniel Dubois.
“In Saudi [Arabia].”
Recent news suggests that an announcement for the five bouts between Eddie Hearn’s fighters and Frank Warren’s is imminent, with weights for each contest expected to be revealed in the coming days.
Yet, it appears as though the curtain may have been pulled on what would have been the biggest shock of the bill, especially with Hrgovic technically being a free agent.
If Hrgovic does face Dubois on June 1st, Joshua may target the winner before the end of the year. The rematch-clause in the Fury-Usyk contract could well mean Joshua is forced to wait until 2025 for his shot at the title.