The European Boxing Union (EBU) has set the deadline for bids for the vacant heavyweight title bout between Germany's Tom Schwarz (29-1) and Belgium's Ryad Merhy (32-2) at noon on Tuesday. However, a few hours before the deadline, Schwarz withdrew, and just a few hours later, Briton Daniel Dubois (20-2) took his place. The EBU has set February 13 as the deadline for submitting bids for the match between Dubois and Merhy. Both heavyweights return to the ring after great victories. Last year in December, Merhy overcame the Frenchman Tony Yoka by split decision, while Dubois defeated the American Jarrell Miller by stoppage in the tenth round at the end of the year at a big event in Riyadh.
Merhy isn't bad but he is smallish HW, just like Lerena whom he lost to. Would prefer Dubois to fight Kabayel
Merhy has a nice Boxrec ranking at 21st but he lost to Lerena, whom an injured Dubois battered. I can't take his win over a French Audley Harrison seriously. Expecting a 6th round TKO for Dubois. Completely agree with the above comment that Dubois should fight Kabayel. Or for me personally maybe Bakole.
It's an OK opponent for Dubois and I'm glad he's staying busy because I think he still has lots to learn.
After the Usyk and Joyce losses, I think Dubois just needs some momentum. This match up gives him a fairly easy fight which I think he will win by stoppage. He should build off this towards a fight with someone like Kabayel or Parker.
Completely agree. Plus, going the EBU route is a good idea. The belts will be tied up for some time and he has time to get back into position. He has had a taste of the big fight experience against Usyk now, which hopefully sets him up nicely for next time he challenges for a/the title
