Why is there always a buzz around heavyweights? The sheer power, flying punches, exciting action, and brutal knockouts remain a constant theme. IBF has ensured fans witness two hard-hitting heavyweights, as they fight it out to punch a golden ticket to face Daniel Dubois next. However, it might rob fans of another thrilling encounter, as it could potentially derail Anthony Joshua’s plans.
Notably, the IBF has ordered a title eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine who will challenge ‘Dynamite’ next for his IBF strap. While Bakole, 31, brushed aside Frank Sanchez in his last fight, Kabayel, 32, turned in the best performance of his career after he knocked out Jared Anderson. Their last respective wins had ensured the two moved up in the IBF hierarchy and looked to challenge for the title next.
TalkSports’ Michael Benson turned to his X handle and revealed this development to the fans. He wrote, “The IBF has ordered an eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine a mandatory challenger to heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois. Really good matchup; both coming off career-best performances. Bakole is ESPN’s No. 7 heavyweight while Kabayel is No. 8.”
There is no concrete timeline yet for their fight but Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom recently disclosed his intentions to get a date in December. The details are yet to be chalked out and it might not take time, given that getting a fight date early will only diminish ‘AJ’s chances of securing an immediate rematch with Dubois. But that’s a fight where the money will be, for the fighters and the promoters.
Anthony Joshua insists on Daniel Dubois rematch
Eddie Hearn admitted that Joshua, 34, was leaning towards the rematch to win the heavyweight title. Alternatively, he could fight Deontay Wilder or other top names in the division as the British boxer continued to wait for the result of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury. If Uysk vs. Fury is detailed, then Joshua, at 28-4, would have to wait longer for a fight.
But Dubois, 27, won’t be available till February too. So, waiting for a rematch could affect Joshua’s activity levels, especially when he has entered the twilight years of his boxing career. Hearn, 45, declared, “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.” It remains to be seen how the IBF title eliminator and Usyk vs. Fury pan out and how these fights affect the Dubois vs. Joshua rematch.
What do you make of this coming fight between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel? Do you think it will affect Daniel Dubois’ rematch with Anthony Joshua? Let us know in the comments below.
