Daniel Dubois’ ideal next opponent named by promoter Frank Warren: ‘It makes sense’

Frank Warren is keen to make Daniel Dubois vs Zhilei Zhang next.

Dubois is set to make his return in the first half of 2026, having not thrown a competitive punch since losing in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last July.

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Having challenged for the undisputed crown on his last outing, he is keen to put himself back in the world title mix this time out.

An announcement is due imminently his promoter Warren told talkSPORT previously, with manager Sam Jones expressing interest in a WBO world title clash with Fabio Wardley.

But it appears that Wardley is instead being paired up with veteran Derek Chisora while alternative plans are also being made for ‘Dynamite’.

And Warren has now revealed that he is intent on matching Dubois with Chinese heavyweight Zhang.

He told Queensberry’s Dev Sahni: “I want to make a fight with him and ‘Big Bang’ [Zhang].

“I think it’s a great fight, I’d really like to see that fight, we’ll see.

“It’s a fantastic fight, two big punchers. That is what you want, two big guys throwing bombs.

“That is what people want, exciting fights.”

It is clearly a possibility that the pair could meet, given the 42-year-old has named Dubois on his own hit-list.

Talks over Dubois’ return are ongoing, and it is likely that Zhang will now firmly be in the running given Warren’s intent.

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Twilight moments in Zhang’s career are calling, but he is hoping for one last hurrah after a stoppage loss against WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel last February.

What has changed for Dubois, how is he shaping up in 2026?

The British power-puncher has rung the changes since falling to a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Ukrainian genius Usyk.

He has parted ways with trainer Don Charles and is now working at the Matchroom gym with Tony Sims.

Dubois has been knuckling down and is getting ready for the call to get back into action again.

And his coach Sims has been left impressed by his skillset, insisting it will be a big year for Dubois which will see him thrust straight back into a big fight.

He told Boxing Scene: “I don’t think it will be a tick-over fight. I feel like it’s going to be a good year for the heavyweights.

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“With the top 10 in the world, I don’t know that there’s a tick-over fight there for anyone.

“I knew him when he was young from sparring Joshua. I’ve known him since he was 18 year old and he was a phenomenal puncher then.

“He turned pro young and gained experience as he’s gone along. He trains hard, he lives the life and he’s still so young. He’s only 28.

“I feel it’s the same with most heavyweights, if they connect properly, it’s lights out and Daniel’s probably the biggest puncher out of all of them. He’s in with a shot of beating anybody.”