British boxer Daniel Dubois has relieved his trainer Don Charles and other backroom staff of their duties and will now work with Anthony Joshua’s former coach, Tony Sims.
The 27-year-old had been under Charles’ guidance for the past two years, following a stint with Shane McGuigan. Before that, he trained with Mark Tibbs.
This is a major career shake-up he has embarked on, just weeks after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Dynamite’s bid to become the undisputed heavyweight champion ended in disappointment when he was stopped in the fifth round at Wembley last month.
He has wasted no time in making changes behind the scenes, overhauling his backroom staff as he looks to rebuild momentum and reignite his career in the heavyweight division.
Charles was in Dubois’ corner for the three biggest victories of his career, including wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. Dubois claimed a world title after defeating Hrgovic, inheriting the IBF belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk at the time.
In the hours leading up to his fight with Usyk, Dubois’ father hosted a party at the family home. As many as 70 guests attended, with footage circulating showing the star socialising with friends and family.
Despite the criticism, Charles was quick to defend the gathering, saying “It wasn’t a party, it was a gathering. The same gathering was used as the prep on fight day for the AJ fight, the day he won.
“A lot was made of it with the energy he walked out at for the Anthony Joshua fight. That gathering was taken from home to the dressing room for that fight.
Dubois is not expected to return to the ring this year as he plans his next move after suffering the second defeat of his professional career.
