Daniel Dubois has released an official statement on split from Don Charles and his future plans in boxing.
On August 18, it was reported that former IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) had split from his trainer Don Charles and joined Tony Sims in Essex.
The decision followed from his second stoppage defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in July, halted by the Ukrainian in just five rounds at Wembley Stadium.
27-year-old Dubois released the following statement online:
“I want to take this moment to thank Don Charles and his team for all the time, effort and hard work they’ve put into me over the past 18 months. I’m truly grateful for everything.
“That said, I feel it’s time for a fresh approach for the next phase of my career as I push forward to become a 2x heavyweight champion of the world.”
Don Charles steered the young heavyweight to the IBF world heavyweight title after linking up in 2023.
Together they defeated unbeaten Jarrell Miller, IBF #1 Filip Hrgovic, and two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.
They enjoyed an historic night at Wembley Stadium in September 2024 when Dubois destroyed AJ in five thrilling rounds, in what was a career-best performance and highlight for the goliath from Greenwich.
But in his last fight, the IBF titlist was taken apart far too easily by the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion on July 25 in Wembley Stadium. Usyk was levels above the Londoner, who was dropped twice and stopped in the fifth round, once more choosing not to beat the referee’s count.
Following that latest loss, trainer Kieran Farrell was quick to announce his departure from the team.
After what can only be described as a shambolic build-up to the undisputed clash with Usyk, where Daniel’s dad held a pre-fight party at his house, then threatened to pull his son from the fight if his unticketed entourage were not permitted entry into the stadium, Farrell sensibly stepped away from the troubled team.
Farrell announced on August 13:
“I have made the decision to part ways with Team Dubois.
“In the 18 months we’ve achieved so much, including an unforgettable night at Wembley stadium.
“Helping Daniel become world heavyweight champion has been truly rewarding on a number of levels. I wish Daniel all the best going forward.
“I won’t be making any further comment at present, but needless to say I’m excited for what’s next for myself and look forward to making many more world champions.”
Dubois’ overbearing father has a terrible track record for sacking training teams, following stints with Martin Bowers at The Peacock gym, as well as highly-regarded Shane McGuigan. And now, Don Charles has become the latest casualty in a long line of axed trainers.
Dubois has since linked up with trainer Tony Sims, who has looked after Conor Benn since his pro debut, having sparred with his father Nigel in the past, and has recently been helping his nephew Joey Essex train for his upcoming MisFits bout on August 30.
Sims’s gym in Brentwood, Essex is called, ‘The Matchroom Gym’, where he has trained the likes of Anthony Joshua, Darren Barker, Ricky Burns, Felix Cash, Ted Cheeseman, Joe Cordina, Ohara Davies, Kevin Mitchell, John Ryder.
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