FILIP HRGOVIC and Daniel Dubois will now be competing for the IBF Interim heavyweight belt tomorrow night (June 1) in Riyadh.
This decision comes after the sanctioning body approved undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk’s request to have he and Tyson Fury fight for all four titles in their rematch on December 21.
Many had anticipated the IBF stripping Usyk of his title after defeating Fury last month, as he had not been able to fulfill his mandatory against Hrgovic on time. If this had occurred, Hrgovic would have been competing for the vacant IBF world title against former challenger Dubois in the all-star 5 v 5 event tomorrow night between Queensberry and Matchroom.
Hrgovic has been the mandatory challenger since 2022 and now understands that if he beats Dubois, he will either face the winner of Usyk-Fury 2 in 2025 or be promoted to full IBF champion if the winner gives up the title or cannot fulfill their mandatory obligation.
Dubois fell short in his maiden world title challenge against Usyk
(Getty Images)
This development is a significant advancement in Dubois’ career as well. Despite being the underdog in this fight, a great opportunity awaits him if he secures the victory.
Anthony Joshua might be waiting for the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois fight on Saturday. The former unified champion, ranked as the highest contender (3) with the IBF after ‘El Animal,’ is rumored to make a comeback in September at Wembley Stadium. While his promoter Eddie Hearn had hoped to include the IBF title as an added incentive, it seems that any hopes of regaining another world title will have to wait until next year for ‘AJ.’