The Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk trilogy fight is still a distinct possibility, with DDD agreeing a deal to face Frank Sanchez.
The British heavyweight has agreed to negotiate a contest against Sanchez to become the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s IBF belt.
The Ukrainian legend is the current undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating Dubois at Wembley earlier this year.
But DDD wants another crack after disappointing himself in his last bout.
Dubois was comfortably beaten by Usyk, with the 38-year-old knocking the Londoner down before dealing the killer blow later in round five.
Dubois has since sacked his coach Don Charles, while it has been revealed he attended a gathering the night before the contest.
And if he wants to face Usyk again, Dubois will have to get through Sanchez first.
The Cuban has already seen plenty of other potential opponents pull out, but Dubois has accepted the challenge.
Efe Ajagba turned down a rematch after being floored in a points loss to Sanchez.
Britain’s next great heavyweight, Moses Itauma, also turned down a potential contest against Sanchez.
Richard Torrez Jnr is officially ahead of Dubois in the IBF rankings, but despite being No.7, the 28-year-old has seized the opportunity.
The two camps have until October 22 to agree a fight or the IBF will step in and order a purse bid.
Sanchez is a mean competitor
If the contest is agreed, Dubois would be facing a tricky opponent.
Sanchez has 25 wins to his name and just one defeat, so it’s no wonder that other people have been trying to find alternatives, but you can never say Dubois shirks a challenge.
The British star has fought some of the best around, and he wants one more crack at Usyk.
Will Dubois face Usyk again?
Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO belt against Joseph Parker next.
Parker was meant to face Dubois in Saudi Arabia, but the Englishman withdrew through illness, and the New Zealander knocked out an unfit Martin Bakole, who was drafted in as a very late replacement.
Parker has enjoyed a great few years in his career after some setbacks, including losing to Joe Joyce.
Parker was far too good for Bakole
But he is back to the top of his game, and he wants to take on Usyk.
However, a date for that has yet to be arranged due to a back injury for Usyk.
He has been granted a three-month extension to sort out a deal for that fight.
Parker will now take on Fabio Wardley for the right to face Usyk.
So once that is resolved, and Dubois wins, we could see a third contest between the two.But equally, it is far from guaranteed.
That is because Usyk is starting to approach the end of a glittering career, with the CEO of his promotional company, Sergey Lapin, saying: “Oleksandr has earned the time to recover. And after that, fans will see him back in the ring – ready for new great fights.
“Right now, our team is considering new opportunities and an exciting location to stage another fight for the undisputed world championship.
“In the meantime, we wish good luck to Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley – may the best man win.”
