The IBF has ordered an eliminator bout between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel, which could derail Anthony Joshua’s immediate rematch plans against Daniel Dubois. This bout, aimed at determining the mandatory challenger for Dubois’ IBF title, may delay the highly anticipated rematch between the British heavyweights.
Bakole, 31, recently defeated Frank Sanchez, while Kabayel, 32, earned a career-defining knockout against Jared Anderson. Both have climbed the IBF rankings, setting up a “must-watch” eliminator for a shot at Dubois. Promoter Ben Shalom suggested a possible December date for the bout, although details remain unconfirmed.
Boxing commentator Michael Benson confirmed the news on social media, stating, “The IBF has ordered an eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine a mandatory challenger to heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois. Both fighters are coming off career-best performances.”
This development has raised questions about Joshua’s immediate future. Joshua, 34, is keen on a rematch with Dubois after suffering a knockout defeat in their September fight at Wembley, where Dubois, 27, floored Joshua four times before securing a fifth-round KO victory. With Dubois out until February for recovery, the Bakole-Kabayel fight could further delay Joshua’s return to the ring.
Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged that Joshua remains focused on reclaiming the IBF belt but may need to consider alternative opponents if the timeline extends. “If it’s down to AJ, which it will be, I think it’s hard to talk him out of taking the rematch,” Hearn said. Other potential matchups, including a fight with Deontay Wilder, remain possibilities, especially if the Usyk-Fury clash causes further delays.
As Bakole and Kabayel vie for a shot at Dubois, Joshua must decide whether to wait for the rematch or stay active in his career. The heavyweight division’s future, including a rematch in Saudi Arabia, hinges on the outcomes of these crucial bouts.
