Immediate Joshua versus Dubois rematch under threat

The IBF has ordered an eliminator bout between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel, a move that could derail Anthony Joshua’s plans for an immediate rematch against Daniel Dubois, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

This fight, designed to determine the mandatory challenger for Dubois’ IBF title, may delay a lucrative rematch between the British heavyweights, which is eagerly awaiting by fans.

Bakole, 31, recently dispatched Frank Sanchez with ease, while Kabayel, 32, secured a career-defining knockout victory over Jared Anderson.

Both fighters have risen in the IBF rankings, setting up what many are calling a “must-watch” eliminator to secure the next shot at Dubois.

Promoter Ben Shalom hinted at a possible December date for the bout, though the details are yet to be finalised.

Boxing commentator Michael Benson took to social media, confirming, “The IBF has ordered an eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine a mandatory challenger to heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois. Both coming off career-best performances.”

The news has sparked speculations about how it might affect Joshua’s immediate future.

Joshua, 34, has been leaning towards an immediate rematch with Dubois after suffering a devastating knockout loss in their September clash at Wembley.

Dubois, 27, floored Joshua four times en route to a fifth-round knockout victory, shocking the boxing world. With Dubois unavailable until February due to recovery, any further delay—such as the Bakole-Kabayel bout—could hinder Joshua’s plans for a swift return to the ring.

Promoter Eddie Hearn admitted that Joshua remains focused on reclaiming his lost IBF belt but could be forced to consider other opponents if the timeline stretches out.

“If it’s solely down to AJ, which it will be at the end of the day, I think it’s going to be very hard to talk him out of taking the rematch,” Hearn revealed.

However, alternative matchups with Deontay Wilder or other top contenders remain on the table, especially if the much-anticipated clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury causes further delays.

While Bakole and Kabayel look to fight for their shot at Dubois, Joshua faces the tough decision of waiting for his rematch or staying active in the twilight of his career.

With Saudi Arabia set to host the rematch as part of its Riyadh Season festivities, the future of the heavyweight division hinges on the outcomes of these critical matchups.