Dynamite, 28, had agreed to enter negotiations with The Cuban Flash, 33, for an IBF final eliminator last month - with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk’s, 38, heavyweight belt - though a deal has not yet been finalised.
Even so, Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao has stressed that he is still interested in fighting Dubois, as The Cuban Flash is determined to challenge the undisputed heavyweight champion for his IBF crown.
Speaking with Sky Sports, Borao said: “Of course, Frank prefers to fight a top former world champion like Daniel Dubois to prove himself elite.
“At this point, however, Frank is just anxious to fight for the number one position, whoever it may be.”
The IBF have now called a purse bid to determine the terms for the fight on November 13.
Afe Ajagba, 31, had rejected the opportunity to fight Sanchez again after he was defeated in 2021, as had Richard Torrez Jr., 26, and Moses Itauma, 20.
The Wrecking Ball had rejected the bout, as he wanted to find a different avenue for a world title shot.
Dubois’ manager Sam Jones recently said that Triple D wanted to find his way back into world title contention following his defeat to Usyk in July.
Jones said: “We're open to any fight that gets Daniel closer to a world title. That’s ultimately what Daniel wants to achieve.
“There will be no tune up fights for Daniel Dubois. 28 years old, he's coming off an undisputed title fight so there'll be no warm-up fights. It's straight back in.”
Dubois was crowned IBF champion after Usyk vacated the title in June 2024 and delivered a dominant first defence, stopping Anthony Joshua, 35, in the fifth round at London's Wembley Stadium that September.
However, Dynamite was defeated by Usyk for the second time in July, making The Cat a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
After being knocked out by Usyk in the fifth round, Dubois praised his opponent, though vowed he’d be back.
He said in a statement: “I have to commend him on his performance. I gave everything I had, probably a few things I could have sharpened up on, but take no credit away from the man. I was just fighting, I was in a fight and trying to pick up round by round.
“It is what it is, but I'll be back. I want to thank everyone for coming out. I gave my best, we'll go back to the drawing board and come again.”
