Daniel Dubois return timetable set and main target opponent named

Daniel Dubois will soon look to bounce back after its second defeat for Alexander Ousykback in the ring this year with a new training team and his goal is to become a two-time heavyweight champion of the world.

The powerful Briton was knocked out by Usyk at Wembley Stadium in May 2025, surrendering the IBF belt he had reclaimed when the Ukrainian vacated it the previous year. The loss ended a great streak for Dubois, who had stopped Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua in his last three.

Now recovered from a minor injury, Dubois will be keen to take advantage of the ever-changing heavyweight landscape and rise to the top once again.

Talk to IFLTVDDD manager Sam Jones said his protégé would return within the first five months of the year.

“Last April, May.”

Jones then named Fabio Wardley, WBO world champion as the ideal opponent.

“Fabio Wardley is the champion, so it would be a voluntary defense. But outside of AJ, Tyson Fury, Usyk – Dubois is the biggest name Fabio Wardley will fight, which would therefore generate the most money.

“If Fabio Wardley wins the fight against Usyk, then all the credit goes to him, he deserves this opportunity. But… if he wants to take this fight, we can do it very, very quickly.”

With Usyk determined to next defend his three belts against Deontay Wilderand talks appear to be progressing well, Wardley will defend rather than unify with the Ukrainian.

Dubois – who is ranked number four with the sanctioning body – presents an intriguing match for fans and a suitably dangerous first outing as champion for the Ipswich man, who has made it his mission to put up entertaining fights every time he steps through the ropes.

With both men under Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions banner and the fight being an all-British affair that would have no trouble selling out, few obstacles stand in the way. Wardley’s team could, however, look for a slightly less dangerous opponent for a willing first defense.