Daniel Dubois Explains Shock Reunion with Sacked Coach Don Charles
Former heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has stunned the boxing world by reuniting with trainer Don Charles, just months after brutally axing the legendary coach. The British fighter has openly admitted that his original decision to part ways was 'rash', performing a dramatic U-turn that has left fans and pundits alike reeling.
A Sudden Split and Swift Reconciliation
The pair initially split following Dubois' fifth-round knockout defeat to Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium in July last year. In the aftermath, 'Triple D' announced a wide-ranging overhaul of his team, opting to link up with trainer Tony Sims. However, after a mere two months, the 28-year-old has now reversed course completely, confirming his return to Charles' corner.
Dubois first began working with Don Charles back in 2023, following a previous stint with Shane McGuigan. The popular trainer was instrumental during the three most significant victories of the Brit's career to date:
- His win over Jarrell Miller
- The triumph against Filip Hrgovic
- The career-defining victory over Anthony Joshua
It was following the Hrgovic bout in 2024 that Dubois was crowned champion, after Usyk relinquished the IBF world title.
'The Best Nights': Dubois Explains His Decision
In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, Dubois elaborated on the reasoning behind his surprising reunion. 'We sat down and had a family meeting, and we decided to do that U-turn because I had the best nights with Don,' he revealed. 'He knows me as a person, it just makes sense. I think everyone needed to go away and think about things. It was a quick and rash decision, but I'm glad we are back together and he is the right heavyweight trainer for me.'
The heavyweight star had been training at the Matchroom Boxing gym in Essex with Sims, preparing for a planned ring return in the coming months. When questioned on whether the partnership with Sims simply didn't gel, Dubois was unequivocal. 'Yeah that's about right,' he conceded. 'I feel like the person and character I am, Don is the right guy for me, he will help me get back to the glory days.'
Official Confirmation and Future Fight Plans
Dubois' comments follow an official statement released by his business partner, Riz Khan, addressing the recent news. The statement read: 'On behalf of Team Dubois, I wish to confirm to the media and all relevant parties that Daniel has decided to resume his professional relationship with Don Charles and his coaching team. After careful consideration and discussions with the wider team, Daniel has chosen to reverse that decision. Daniel will now return to working with Don Charles, under whose corner he achieved his greatest accomplishments to date. Further fight news to be announced in due course.'
The 28-year-old is now targeting a competitive return to the ring within the next few months. Dubois has been strongly linked to a potential blockbuster clash with Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang, potentially slated for April. Speaking about his imminent comeback, Dubois said: 'Hopefully soon, in a couple of months now. They have been talking about a fight in April, I have been chomping at the bit. We are working on it, I will be going into camp soon, so it will be all systems go.'
