Dubois and Hrgovic Provisionally Cleared for IBF Interim Title Clash.

Posted 3 months ago

Daniel Dubois' fight against Filip Hrgovic this Saturday has received provisional approval from the IBF for the interim heavyweight title, according to BBC Sport.

If the bout is fully sanctioned as an interim title fight, the winner will become the world champion if Oleksandr Usyk is stripped of his IBF belt before his scheduled rematch with Tyson Fury in December.

Daniel Dubois, 26, is set to face Croatia's Filip Hrgovic, the top-ranked IBF fighter, as part of the Queensberry vs. Matchroom five-fight card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk, who currently holds all four major world titles, has requested an exemption from the IBF to defend his belt against Britain's Tyson Fury instead of facing his mandatory challenger next.

The IBF stated it "does not have a timeline for deciding on Usyk’s exemption request." Despite reports suggesting Dubois and Hrgovic will fight for the interim title, the decision is "not yet 100% confirmed."

If the fight is sanctioned, the IBF added, the winner of Dubois-Hrgovic will be promoted to champion if Usyk vacates the belt.