Daniel Dubois left boxing fans stunned when he called out Jake Paul shortly after the YouTube star’s controversial victory over Mike Tyson.
The IBF world heavyweight champion sent Jake Paul a private message on Instagram, expressing his desire to face the unproven boxer following his pedestrian performance last weekend.
In response, the American welcomed a potential clash with the destructive puncher, though it is safe to assume that he was not being completely genuine.
Nevertheless, Daniel Dubois has certainly captured the attention of a wider audience ahead of his return which, according to Queensberry promoter Frank Warren, is expected to take place on February 22.
- Read More [Daniel Dubois vows to put heavyweight contenders ‘out of their misery’ amid Anthony Joshua rematch doubts]
Ben Shalom insists that Martin Bakole will fight Daniel Dubois
Dubois comes off an emphatic fifth-round stoppage over Anthony Joshua in September, retaining his IBF strap in scintillating fashion.
An immediate rematch between the pair was then mooted to take place early next year, until Joshua, needing more time to recover, ruled himself out of the contest.
Instead, Dubois has been considering alternative opponents for his next outing, with the likes of Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang being mentioned by Warren.
Eventually, though, the 27-year-old will be ordered to face Martin Bakole, who comes off a dominant display against highly touted prospect Jared Anderson.
Bakole was set to face Agit Kabayel in a final eliminator for Dubois’ belt, until the unbeaten contender pulled out of their IBF purse bid.
But still, Boxxer boss Ben Shalom, Bakole’s promoter, is confident that his charge will earn a shot at the champion sooner rather than later.
“Agit Kabayel pulled out of the purse bids,” Shalom told Sky Sports. “He didn’t want the fight. Zhilei Zhang has now been ordered. We expect him to turn the fight down too.
“There is a reason people don’t want to fight Martin. We’ve all heard the sparring stories. Martin Bakole will be world champion in the next 12 months.
“He has a clear route to the IBF world title so people can’t avoid him any longer. He’s coming for Daniel Dubois.”
Daniel Dubois to headline a Riyadh Season card featuring Hamzah Sheeraz and Shakur Stevenson
While Bakole is likely to be given his mandatory shot at some point next year, he is not necessarily the opponent that Dubois will face next.
Rather, the Brit is expected to make a voluntary defense of his trinket when he returns to action in February.
His title defense is reportedly set to headline a Riyadh Season card, which is also likely to feature rising middleweight star Hamzah Sheeraz against WBC champion Carlos Adames.
According to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will also defend his belt against mandatory challenger William Zepeda on the same night.