Daniel Dubois wins IBF Interim world heavyweight title – next could be Anthony Joshua clash at Wembley

Daniel Dubois is the new IBF Interim world heavyweight champion after an eighth round stoppage of Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last night.

The Greenwich puncher could now be set to face Anthony Joshua at Wembley on September 21.

Plans had been in place for American KO specialist Deontay Wilder to take on Joshua in England’s capital in a clash of two former world champions. But Wilder’s career looks over after being halted in six rounds by Zhilei Zhang on the same Riyadh event as Dubois.

Referee John Latham called a halt to the Dubois-Hrgovic fight on the doctor’s advice with the previously unbeaten Croatian badly cut above both eyes.

But the South Londoner (21-2, 20KOs) also looked like he was close to knocking Hrgovic out. Hrgovic (17-1, 14KOs) was a spent force from the seventh round and just absorbing big punches.

The main IBF world title is held by Oleksandr Usyk but there is speculation that the undisputed champion will be stripped of that belt as he enters into a December rematch with Tyson Fury.

Dubois lost his WBA regular world title when he was knocked out in the ninth round by Usyk in August 2023 but has bounced back with impressive inside-the-distance victories over Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic.

Dubois told TNT Sports Box Office: “I have full respect to Hrgovic, he is a good fighter. To come through that, was just a learning experience for me. I’m glad I’ve got this IBF belt, and on to the next.

“I was a bit cold to start with but I heard the corner’s advice – Frank Warren and my dad. They have supported me since day one.

“I ate those shots but it was all to wake me up and I was on it.

“The round before the last, I was getting to him. It was coming together like magic. My dad told me beforehand that things will happen. I’m just so proud of myself for this.

“I came from rock bottom and now I am back on top. It’s felt amazing. I’ve got the best promoter in the world, Frank Warren, for giving me these opportunities.”

Asked if he would prefer to see his IBF title elevated to the full belt – or want to win it in the ring, Dubois said: “I’ve heard the next opponent will be AJ – so bring it on.

“I’m just anxious to become the best. This is my era, this is my time – I need to keep improving and coming through these tests.”

Warren, who has promoted Dubois since he turned professional, said: “It means a lot. There have been a lot of things said about whether he has enough nerve and courage and he’s showed that again tonight – like he did in his last fight.

“Once he got his jab going and right hand he was doing a lot of damage. I know what he is capable of doing. One thing he is, is a good finisher. He (Hrgovic) is lucky the bell went the round before because I think it would’ve been all over. The bell saved him.

“He is 26 and still a young heavyweight, still maturing. Now he will have his mandatory for the full title. That is going to be interesting once we see what the IBF do, in 30 days time.

“There is a possibility he could be in with AJ at Wembley.”

Crystal Palace light-heavyweight Craig Richards lost a unanimous points decision to Willy Hutchinson in Riyadh.

Richards (18-4-1, 11KOs) was one-paced and struggled to work out the switch-hitting Scot (18-1, 13KOs).

Hutchinson won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109.

PICTURES: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM BOXING