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IBF orders Daniel Dubois vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid set for Nov. 13

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 12:23 AM ET

Daniel Dubois’s road back to world title gold now runs through Frank Sanchez. After initial negotiations for Sanchez to face Moses Itauma or Richard Torrez fizzled, the IBF pivoted to Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs). With talks failing to produce a deal by the Oct. 22 deadline, the sanctioning body has called a purse bid for Nov. 13.

A Dubois win would position the London heavyweight for another shot at Oleksandr Usyk—or, more realistically, a crack at a vacant IBF title should the belts fragment. Dubois rebuilt superbly after a 2022 stoppage loss to Usyk, stringing wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua to claim the IBF strap, before Usyk halted him again on July 19.

IBF letter I have obtained scheduling a heavyweight final title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Daniel Dubois. Sides have not engaged in any serious discussions, per source. #boxing pic.twitter.com/g762mWaHo6

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) November 5, 2025

The opponent: Frank Sanchez

Sanchez (33, Cuba) has yet to fight for a world title. His surge stalled with a May 2024 loss to Agit Kabayel, and though he rebounded with a keep-busy third-round KO of Ramon Olivas Echeverria, he still needs a signature win to reinsert himself into the elite mix. Stylistically, Sanchez’s smooth counterpunching and footwork pose a very different riddle than Dubois’s straight-line power.

The mandatory maze

Even with a Dubois–Sanchez winner clarified, an immediate Usyk shot is unlikely. The WBO is next in the rotation, which points to Fabio Wardley (WBO interim) as Usyk’s probable opponent in early 2026. That makes Dubois–Sanchez a high-risk, high-reward eliminator that could define the IBF’s path if the division splinters.

This is a classic style clash with real consequences. If Dubois powers through Sanchez’s finesse, he’s back on the doorstep. If Sanchez paints the edges and keeps the big man honest, he may finally punch his ticket to a title shot.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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