Frank Sanchez predicts his IBF heavyweight title eliminator fight against Daniel Dubois “explosive” one. October 22 was the deadline for “Dynamite” Dubois (22-3, 21 KO) and the Cuban Sanchez (25-1, 18 KO) to agree on the terms.
The IBF ordered both fighters to fight to determine the next mandatory challenger to the title of champion Oleksandr Usyk. Both players agreed to participate in the IBF qualifiers.
Four heavyweight fighters who said no
Dubois, 28, shows courage by agreeing to fight Sanchez, which all four prominent fighters have refused:
- Moses will bite
- Filip Hrgovic
- Leaflet
- Richard Torrez Jr.
We don’t know why everyone decided not to fight Sanchez, but it could be that they or their promoters saw how risky a punch the Cuban was and decided it wasn’t worth the risk.
Watching two or three rounds of Sanchez’s recent fight against Agit Kabayel would be enough to deter many fighters and their managers from selecting him.
Even as the Eddy Reynoso-trained Sanchez struggled with a knee brace on his right leg, he still landed plenty of powerful shots that would have knocked out many, if not all, heavyweights in the division with the exception of Kabayel.
Boxing expert, Mike Coppinger, later revealed that Sanchez was successful right knee arthroscopy a month after losing to Kabayel in June 2024 in Miami, Florida.
“The operation went perfectly, and Frank should be back training in three months,” Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao told ESPN.
Sanchez has had a year to strengthen his surgically repaired right knee, and he already had one fight earlier this year, a knockout Ramon Olivas Echeverria in the third round on February 22, 2025.
“I have to beat him to fulfill my dream of becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion in history,” said Frank Sanchez Heavenly sports about his possible fight with Daniel Dubois. “Our styles will make the fight very thrilling and explosive, you’ll see!”
A better version of Itaum
Imagine a better version of Moses Itauma, one who throws combinations with the same force as his own and doesn’t rely on potshots or avoiding contact to win fights. Sanchez is a nightmare for everyone, especially the players who have repeatedly given up when the going gets tough.
Dubois taking this fight could be read as desperation on his part because it is risky. Sanchez is incredibly quick, powerful and has a punching combination that doesn’t match Dubois.
On July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London, Dubois, promoted by Queensberry, loses by knockout in the fifth round to the then WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Dubois looked mismatched from the start and was dominated by the highly skilled Usyk. In the fifth round, Dubois was eliminated twice. After the second knockdown, Daniel was counted out. Many boxing fans thought Dubois had given up as he looked around the crowd while taking the count.
“I hope the negotiations go well and we can take this fight in the UK, Saudi Arabia, the US, wherever, as long as it is taken. I will be well prepared with Eddy Reynoso in my corner,” said Sanchez.
Dubois’ career hangs in the balance
Another defeat for Dubois could spell the end for the British heavyweight as he will no longer stand a chance. It is not enough for a player to be ambitious. If they lack the beard or mental toughness to stay on the front lines among other soldiers, they would be better off leaving and focusing on something else.
If Dubois loses this fight, it could be game over for him. How will Queensberry rebuild it after consecutive knockouts? Would it even be worth it? Dubois would be better off fighting in Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing league, where he won’t have to fight top heavyweights like Sanchez.
Olly Campbell has been covering boxing since 2010 and writing for Boxing News 24 since 2014. He has been based in the UK and currently covers the world boxing scene, providing fight news, results and features that allow fans to hear the biggest stories in the sport.
With a background in reporting from the UK and Europe, Olly has developed a style that combines piercing analysis with accessible writing, making his work valuable to dedicated followers and casual fans alike. His reports consistently highlight champions, challengers and emerging prospects on the global stage.
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