Daniel Dubois stopped Filip Hrgovic in the sixth round to retain his IBF heavyweight title. Hrgovic entered the ring after the victory, expressing interest in a rematch. Dubois previously stopped Hrgovic in June 2024, but Hrgovic has since rebuilt his reputation, claiming the vacant IBF title with victory over British prospect Moses Itauma in August.
However, Hrgovic, 34, has Cuba's Frank Sanchez waiting as a mandatory challenger. Promoter Frank Warren is working towards staging Hrgovic's first defence in Croatia early next year, potentially delaying a reunion with Dubois. The biggest financial prize for Dubois could be a meeting with the winner of Fury and Joshua's December showdown.
Meanwhile, British hopeful Frazer Clarke and American Jarrell Miller remain highly ranked. New Zealand's former world champion Joseph Parker is seeking a return after his provisional doping suspension was lifted in August. With Usyk, Fury and Joshua approaching the ends of their careers, the heavyweight division is entering a new era.
There is no shortage of potential big fights, but bringing the champions together before mandatory obligations, rematches and boxing politics get in the way could prove the greatest challenge.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing