In fresh updates for the heavyweight division, Daniel Dubois, once a title holder, is getting his chance to fight for a belt soon. The European Boxing Union (EBU) has suggested his next opponent for their vacant heavyweight title.

Dubois, 20-2, was last featured on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ undercard as a part of the ongoing Riyadh season. In the December fight, he clashed against the then-undefeated New Yorker, Jarrell Miller. As he comes fresh off of this stellar victory, his next opponent also comes with an impressive record.

Daniel Dubois to fight for the vacant European title

Boxing insider, Michael Benson reported on his X that the EBU has ordered Belgium-based fighter, Ryad Merhy, as Dubois’ next opponent for their vacant heavyweight title. He also noted that purse bids for this fight would begin on the 13th of February. Benson wrote, “The EBU have now officially ordered Daniel Dubois vs Ryad Merhy for the vacant European heavyweight title. Purse bids Feb 13th.”

31-year-old Merhy, born on the Ivory Coast, is the number 1 fighter on Boxrec’s Belgium heavyweight rankings. He comes with a record of 32 wins in his 32-fight-long career and 26 knockouts. Last year, in early December, he competed against French ‘La Conquete’, Tony Yoka, winning the Paris fight through a split decision.

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At present, the EBU holds Londoner Dubois in the 3rd position of their rankings, while Merhy finds himself in the 7th spot. The title was last held by German boxer, Agit Kabayel that he won in March last year.

If this fight gets finalized through agreements, it will be the breakthrough Dubois has been eagerly anticipating for a re-entry into the championship class. However, it is uncertain if the EBU title could provide him a segue into the world titles.

Zhilei Zhang down to fight ‘Dynamite’

Ahead of ‘Dynamite’ Dubois’ fight against Jarrell Miller in December, WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang expressed his readiness to fight Dubois if he defeated Miller. This was a ray of hope for the 26-year-old fighter after he lost his Poland fight against Oleksandr Usyk in August last year. For Zhang, it is an easy fight, suggests the Chinese heavyweight.

“It might be too early for him to get in the ring with me,” Zhang told Boxing Scene. “I can see his potential. Maybe one or two fights down the line but right now it’s probably a bit early.”

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Daniel Dubois remains at a crucial juncture in his fight career. If he wins the fight against Merhy and defeats the Belgium-based fighter, he can power through to the elite opponents once again. Will he be able to do that? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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