Derek Chisora could find himself in a heavyweight world title fight for his 50th and final bout later this summer.
The Ring has learned that the IBF will order their champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) to defend against No. 2-rated Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) by June 21, with the mandatory to be called on April 22. World Boxing News were first to report the news.
A spokesperson for the IBF told The Ring: "Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22.
"There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois’ mandatory is due on June 21."
Originally, Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba were scheduled to battle it out for the mandatory spot but once the former stepped in to fight Joseph Parker for the WBO 'interim' heavyweight title, losing by second-round stoppage, the fight, which will go ahead on May 3, lost its No. 1 contender status.
It's widely expected, however, that Dubois will seek to unify his title with Oleksandr Usyk's WBA, WBO, WBC and Ring belts for the chance to become the undisputed champion.
In that case, a fight with Usyk would take precedence over a mandatory title defence against Chisora.
The spokesperson added: "If Daniel Dubois wants to pursue the unification, that would take precedence over the mandatory."
Chisora, 41, had the 49th fight of his career last month, beating Otto Wallin by unanimous decision. And last summer, he also overcame Joe Joyce on points in a gruelling contest.
Dubois hasn't been in action since knocking out Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium last September.
He was supposed to clash with Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh, but a fight-week virus struck 'Dynamite' down and he had to be pulled from the bout.