The International Boxing Federation (IBF) is reportedly set to order Derek Chisora‘s mandatory challenge for Daniel Dubois‘ world championship on April 22.
The British heavyweight floored Otto Wallin twice to earn a points win in his 49th career fight in February, which was designated as a title eliminator for the right to challenge current IBF champion Dubois.
Chisora has been installed as the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt without having to compete in a final eliminator.
“Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois, but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22. There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois’ mandatory is due on June 21,” Sky Sports quoted the IBF as saying.
Dubois’ unification plans could delay fight
World title unifications take precedence over mandatory defenses, meaning Dubois could still be allowed to face Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed world championship bout before meeting Chisora.
Dubois is currently pursuing a rematch with Usyk, the WBC, WBO, and WBA champion. However, Usyk is also facing a similar situation, having been ordered to fulfill a WBO mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker.
“He won [the mandatory spot] in his last fight, and everyone knew what the fight was going to be for,” promoter Frank Warren previously told Sky Sports. “He is mandatory to our man, ‘Dangerous Dan,’ so that’s the position he’s in.”
Bakole drops out of title contention
Martin Bakole was set to fight Efe Ajagba in an IBF final eliminator, but the Congolese contender is no longer eligible after suffering a second-round knockout loss to Parker in February for the WBO’s Interim strap.
Chisora eyes retirement after 50th fight
Chisora, who was stopped by Tyson Fury in a WBC title fight in 2022, has suggested that he will retire after his 50th fight.
Warren added: “He wants a big fight to go out on. Eddie [Hearn] and I have had a couple of chats today, and in due course, we will let people know our views on what we’ll do.
“We both have been involved in his career—he started with me, was with me a long time, and was with me for his last few fights.
“We want to deliver that 50th fight. I want to work something out between us that we both [Warren and Hearn] walk him out.”
