Dubois Opts Out of Sanchez Fight, Eyes Wardley Title Opportunity
Daniel Dubois has decided to forgo a potential IBF heavyweight title eliminator against Frank Sanchez, a move considered strategic by many. This allows Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) to pursue a challenge for Fabio Wardley’s WBO title within the Queensberry Promotions framework, avoiding the substantial risk posed by the eliminator bout.
Wardley as a More Favorable Opponent
While Wardley presents a challenging matchup, analysis suggests he may be more suited to Dubois’s skillset than Sanchez. Wardley possesses a potent combination of power, swift combinations, and a resilient chin, demonstrating superiority in various aspects of the fight. However, Dubois’s team likely sees this as a more direct path toward a title shot.
The Perils of Facing Sanchez
Fighting the Cuban Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) would have been a near-impossible hurdle for the former IBF heavyweight champion ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.
Sanchez represents a significant threat due to his powerful punches, speed, and devastating combinations. A fight against Sanchez carried a high risk of another knockout loss and potentially jeopardized Dubois's future title aspirations. The prevailing sentiment suggested a likely defeat for Dubois, potentially marking his fourth career loss and diminishing his title hopes.
A Direct Route to a Title Shot
Now 28 years old, Dubois has an opportunity to directly compete for the WBO heavyweight championship held by the recently crowned Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs), bypassing the need to earn the fight through preliminary bouts. Facing Sanchez would have been a difficult undertaking, particularly given his dangerous style.
Author's Summary: Dubois strategically sidestepped a risky eliminator against Sanchez, aiming for a more attainable WBO title shot against Wardley, a decision prioritizing a quicker path back into world title contention despite Wardley's inherent strengths.