#3 ranked IBF contender Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) and #5 Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) have a purse bid scheduled for November 13th after failing to reach an agreement for an IBF heavyweight title eliminator.
Desperate move from Dubois
It is unclear which of these two is the one that stood in the way of reaching an agreement. Either way, it’s going to a wallet bid this month on November 13th, and we’ll see what’s what.
The Ring reports the news of Dubois-Sanchez going the purse route. Dubois’ promoters at Queensberry will have to be seen as an excellent chance to win the purse, given their deep pockets.
It is a desperate move for recently eliminated former IBF champion Dubois, 28, to take this fight against Cuban Sanchez in the hope of getting a quick trilogy fight with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
‘DDD’ Dubois was knocked out in the fifth round by Oleksandr in their rematch on July 19, 2025 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. It was the second time in the last two years that Usyk Dubois had KO’d.
With the $71 million purse Dubois received for the rematch with Usyk last summer on July 19, it’s understandable why he’s willing to take the risky IBF eliminator against speedy Frank Sanchez. Realistically, there is no one else Dubois can fight that will give him the kind of money he can make in a third fight with Usyk.
Usyk will likely evacuate anyway
It could be a wasted effort on Dubois’ part to take on Sanchez, as Usyk, 38, would have no reason to fight him a third time. If the IBF were to order the fight, it’s possible Oleksandr will vacate the belt rather than defend against a guy he’s already knocked out twice. The boxing public would consider a trilogy match between them miserable.
Sanchez brings dangerous speed
Dubois may still regret choosing to fight Frank Sanchez because with his hand speed, power and combination of punches there is an excellent chance he will knock him out. If the focus is entirely on landing that third fight with Usyk, Daniel has to take the risk. It is highly unlikely that Dubois will ever get another fight against Usyk at this point. When you’ve been knocked out by a fighter twice, there’s no interest in a third fight.
It would be Dubois’ second straight KO loss, and it would be a sign that his career as a major player in the division is coming to an end. He would still be pretty rich from the dough he made in his two fights against Usyk, and his clash against Anthony Joshua on September 21, 2024.
Frank Sanchez was stopped in the seventh round by Agit Kabayel a year ago on May 18, 2024. Sanchez was fighting with an existing right knee injury and was wearing a brace during the fight. Kabayel took advantage of the situation by leaning on him during the clinches, and it quickly led to the KO.
Last updated on 11/05/2025
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