Chisora named as mandatory challenger for Dubois’ IBF title

Derek Chisora has been named as the new mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title following his victory over Otto Wallin in February. The news was confirmed by Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren. 

The result of the February bout, which served as a title eliminator, has opened up a new timeline in the heavyweight division, as a clash between Dubois and Chisora could have an outcome that could ultimately affect the planned undisputed championship bout. 

With a record of 36 wins in 49 fights, the 41-year-old has twice challenged for the heavyweight world title, losing to Vitali Klitschko in 2012 and Tyson Fury in 2022. His recent win over Wallin marked his 36th victory and has now positioned him for a potential title shot for the third time.

Warren noted that Chisora’s win in the eliminator bout secured his place in line for the IBF belt, regardless of Dubois’ title defense outcome against Joseph Parker, if he had fought. He also hinted that the fight with Dubois could be very big, and he was in touch with Chisora’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, to make it happen: “He wants a big fight to go out on. Eddie and I have had a couple of chats today and, in due course, will let people know our views on what we’ll do.”

The emergence of a new mandatory challenger affects Dubois’ plans of dominating the heavyweight division. Following his pulling out from a planned bout with Joseph Parker last month, Dubois had thought he would face Oleksandr Usyk next for the remaining belts in the division. But Chisora entering the picture now means everything hangs in uncertainty. Dubois will only face Usyk if he manages to beat Chisora, and that won’t be a walkover. 

Whichever way it goes, it means that the heavyweight division would not see an undisputed champion anytime soon.