The boxing world is once again divided, and this time, it’s Daniel Dubois at the center of the storm. The rising heavyweight contender has publicly refused to accept a fight against veteran warrior Derek Chisora, even as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) reportedly pressures him to take the bout.

The situation has ignited a firestorm of debate: is Dubois showing cowardice, or is he making a cold, calculated career decision?

Earlier this week, the IBF announced its intention to mandate a clash between Dubois and Chisora as part of its updated heavyweight rankings plan. Many fans welcomed the news, eager to see Dubois tested against Chisora, whose brutal, relentless style has broken many top fighters over the years. Chisora, despite being past his physical prime, remains one of the most dangerous gatekeepers in the division.

However, Dubois’ reaction shocked many. In a bold social media post, he declared:
“With all respect to Chisora, that fight doesn’t make sense for me right now. I’m aiming higher. I’m not here to take unnecessary risks against opponents with nothing for me to gain.”

The backlash was immediate. Critics accused Dubois of ducking a true test, questioning his heart and hunger. Longtime boxing analyst Teddy Atlas didn’t mince words:
“Daniel Dubois has all the physical gifts in the world, but if you start choosing your fights out of fear, you’ll never be great.”

Others pointed to Dubois’ past — most notably, his 2020 loss to Joe Joyce, when Dubois took a knee and was counted out after suffering a fractured eye socket. Some argued that ever since that defeat, Dubois has shown flashes of mental vulnerability, even as he rebuilt his career with impressive knockout wins.

On the other hand, Dubois’ supporters argue that his decision is not fear-based but strategic. They point out that Dubois is currently ranked highly and on the cusp of a potential world title shot. A fight against Chisora — dangerous, dirty, and unpredictable — could derail that momentum for minimal reward.

Promoter Frank Warren, who has guided Dubois’ career since his pro debut, defended his fighter:
“Daniel has earned the right to choose smarter fights. Derek is tough as nails, but beating him doesn’t move Daniel closer to a title. We have bigger plans.”

It’s worth noting that Chisora, while beloved for his toughness and entertaining brawls, has lost 13 professional fights — including recent losses to Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker. Beating him might offer credibility, but it would not necessarily advance Dubois significantly in the current heavyweight landscape, crowded with names like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Filip Hrgovic.

Sources close to Dubois suggest he is eyeing a bigger payday and a higher-risk, higher-reward fight — possibly against one of the division’s top five names. Talks are rumored to be ongoing for a major bout later in 2025, potentially on a Saudi Arabian card where the money would dwarf what he’d earn against Chisora.

Meanwhile, Derek Chisora responded in typical Chisora fashion during an interview with a London radio station:
“He’s scared. Simple as that. I don’t blame him. Once I get my hands on him, it’s over. He knows it.”

Whether fear or strategy is driving Dubois’ refusal, the debate speaks to larger questions about modern boxing. Should fighters be expected to take every tough challenge thrown at them? Or, in an era where careers and legacies can turn on a single misstep, is smart career management the mark of a true professional?

Daniel Dubois has made his choice. Time will tell whether it was the right one — or a missed opportunity that haunts him later.

One thing’s for sure: the boxing world will be watching his next move very, very closely.