Daniel Dubois has welcomed a fight with Fabio Wardley next.
The IBF heavyweight champion was in talks over an immediate rematch with Anthony Joshua next year after blasting him out inside five rounds in September.
Dubois knocked out Joshua in September and was targeting an immediate rematchCredit: Getty
However, AJ is still nursing some ‘niggles’ from their inaugural encounter that could prove to be problematic.
Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren claims Dubois will defend his red and gold strap in February while Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is concerned that it could be too tight of a turnaround for his client.
As a result, Dubois’ representative may be forced to look for another opponent.
IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed that Dubois ‘can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22’, leaving the door open for a domestic dustup with Wardley.
The Ipswich puncher knocked out Frazer Clarke earlier this month to defend his British heavyweight title and is currently ranked No.12 by the IBF.
Weighing in on Wardley’s last outing, Dubois told talkSPORT’s White and Jordan show on Thursday afternoon: “It was a good performance.
“He didn’t give him a chance to get into it. He took him right out of there.”
He then expressed his willingness to duke it out with Wardley, or any ranked contender for that matter.
“Bring them all on, all these contenders,” he continued. “If it makes sense they can all get a piece…
“It will be everyone’s decision: my dad’s, the team and Frank Warren to finally get me in there and do the business.
Wardley is ranked in the IBF top 15 and is therefore eligible to face Dubois nextCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“But we will all sit down and decide what is next. I can’t wait for it, I’m really excited.
“Who is next? I can’t wait.”
Asked if he would prefer the Joshua rematch or a showdown with Wardley next, Dubois replied: “Whoever I have got to destroy and take out of there I will do it.
“I’m on form now and my confidence is right up there. I’m on top of the world right now.
“So whoever I have got to destroy and take out of their misery we will do it.”
A fight between Wardley and Dubois would be easy to make.
Both men are represented by Queensberry Promotions and have never shied away from a challenge.