Queensberry Explains Why Dubois Declined the IBF Eliminator vs. Sanchez

A representative of Queensberry Promotions, which manages former Heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois, has explained why the fighter declined the IBF final eliminator against Frank Sanchez.

“The eliminator has little value for Daniel right now. Dereck Chisora was appointed the IBF mandatory at their last convention, so a fight with Frank Sanchez would only be for the position of ‘next in line’ after Chisora.

Add to that the fact that the IBF is last in the rotation of unified championship titles held by Usyk. If Daniel accepted the fight, it would also limit his opportunities with other organizations.

Daniel was proud to have been the IBF champion, but this order of mandatories and this fight itself don’t offer much for his career or for his path back to a title shot. Daniel will return in 2026, and big fights await him,” the statement said.

Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) last fought in July, when he was knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk in the fifth round and lost his IBF Heavyweight title.