Daniel Dubois vs. Zhilei Zhang - Spring 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Daniel Dubois reconciles with Don Charles and open to challenging Agit Kabayel in Germany but Zhilei Zhang likely next

The return of former IBF champion Daniel Dubois is closer to being formalised, with China’s giant Zhilei Zhang the man most likely to be in the opposite corner.

Sam Jones, Dubois’ manager, is the man tasked with making the moves behind the scenes for the 28-year-old, who is now 22-3 (21 KOs) and one of the biggest punchers in the world.

And as Dubois enters the next phase of his career, he does so alongside his old trainer, Don Charles.

Dubois had been working with Tony Sims, but has now returned to Charles, who was hurt when Dubois left him following the rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last July.

“There’s been talks to try and make Zhilei Zhang against Daniel Dubois, which allegedly has highlighted, so we’re actively trying to make that happen,” said Jones.

“We are actively now, with allegedly, trying to get Daniel back into the ring pretty soon. He’s ready, he’s back in the gym and he’s raring to go. He’s ready to fight now.”

It looks like London in April could happen.

“Possibly, yes,” Jones said. “We’ve got to speak to allegedly again this week but that is what we’re looking at, yes.”

Boxing Scene understands that Agit Kabayel, who holds the WBC interim heavyweight strap, is being lined up for another Germany outing with an English opponent likely. Would Dubois take that bout?

“It hasn’t been offered, but we would 100 per cent,” said Jones. “Daniel wants to fight Kabayel. He would love to fight Kabayel in Germany because, let’s face it, Daniel Dubois against Kabayel is not going to points so we won’t have to worry about any judging decisions. That’s a fight between six to eight rounds, in my opinion.

“Daniel Dubois would love to fight [WBO heavyweight champion] Fabio Wardley, but again, Fabio’s the boss of the situation because he’s the champion and he’s going to decide who he fights as a voluntary. But we’re there. Daniel Dubois would love to fight Fabio Wardley, he’d love to fight Agit Kabayel, and if the Zhilei Zhang fight’s there… look at Daniel’s CV. It’s one of the best out there. He will fight anybody.”

Dubois has not boxed since a repeat loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year at Wembley Stadium.

[joshj909]

Zhang early KO or Dubois mid rounds KO. No way this goes to 8 rounds. I think Dubois has more of a chance but I wouldn't bet the house on it.

[jameswilson]

Even in defeat Zhang has knocked down most opponents on his recent record.

Dubois obviously the big favourite but he’s not a fighter I’ve ever seen as tactically astute, whereas Parker and Kabayel who’ve both beat Zhang, are probably in that camp. Provided he can wear Zhang down and play a long game he stops him as he has power of his own.

[deadpan]

I'll be betting on Zhang early. First heavy shot will take Daniel back to Lerenaland. I think he lacks the technique and discipline to stay out of range in the first 6.

[tigermoth87]

If Big Bang can make it past round five he takes it. Dubious Dan has a glass heart.

[mickey1975]

If Big Bang can make it past round five he takes it. Dubious Dan has a glass heart.

Literally the opposite for me.

[Controversial]

Both have limitations but Dubois too young and strong IMO. Zhang is slow so Dubois won’t have to go at a pace which will suit him.

[tony1234]

Could be an entertaining few rounds if it goes ahead

[jamesmcdonnell]

I think that unless Dubois punches himself out, he wins.

Zhang is older than God's dog, and his stamina is fittingly, dogshit. All Dubois has to do is box a bit for the first few rounds, and try and back Zhang up.

Of course, there's a chance Zhang lands bit and early, but I suspect he doesn't manage to, runs out of gas, and finally get stopped.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Both have limitations but Dubois too young and strong IMO. Zhang is slow so Dubois won’t have to go at a pace which will suit him.

Good point, Zhang also fights at a very slow pace.

[NazNaci1]

Dubois, due to stamina, is likely to outlast Big Bang. Always a chance he can get caught but he will be well conditioned, so should be able to survive and take the W.

Probably, in no more than 6-8 rounds.

[golden_labrador]

I'll be betting on Zhang early. First heavy shot will take Daniel back to Lerenaland. I think he lacks the technique and discipline to stay out of range in the first 6.

same. I reckon a quicker version of the Wilder fight except Dubois will get hit hard earlier while going for it, whilst Wilder was in his gunshy phase by then and managed to last till the 5th. DDD will be scrambled by the first knockdown and Zhang the old dog will finish it quickly

[deadpan]

I'll be betting on Zhang early. First heavy shot will take Daniel back to Lerenaland. I think he lacks the technique and discipline to stay out of range in the first 6.

same. I reckon a quicker version of the Wilder fight except Dubois will get hit hard earlier while going for it, whilst Wilder was in his gunshy phase by then and managed to last till the 5th. DDD will be scrambled by the first knockdown and Zhang the old dog will finish it quickly

Indeed! And I much prefer ZZ to DDD. He's a far more appealing bloke than Dubois despite only seemingly knowing 20 English words. I hope this is his way back into the top tier fights.

[Coco]

Lol, dunno why, but I think Zhang is great, one of my fav fighters

[londonwar]

Dubois's stock is as low as Joyce right now.

[Frostieballs]

Lol, dunno why, but I think Zhang is great, one of my fav fighters

Me too! We all love a giant banger!

[Frostieballs]

Lol, dunno why, but I think Zhang is great, one of my fav fighters

Me too. We all love a giant banger!