Daniel Dubois releases statement on Don Charles split and immediate plans
Daniel Dubois releases statement on Don Charles split and his future plans
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 came shortly after his second stoppage defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in July, stopped by the Ukrainian in just five rounds.
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."
Together, Don and Dan won the IBF world heavyweight title and enjoyed an historic night at Wembley Stadium in September 2024 when Dubois destroyed Anthony Joshua in five rounds, in what was a career-best performance and highlight for the 27-year-old 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.
Following the loss, trainer Kieran Farrell was quick to announce his departure from the troubled team.
After 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 allowedinto the stadium, Farrell sensibly stepped away from the tumultuous 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 track record for sacking training teams, following stints with Martin Bowers at The Peacock gym and Shane McGuigan. And now, Don Charles appears to be another casualty in a long line of axed trainers.
Dubois has linked up with trainer Tony Sims, who also looks after Conor Benn and has recently been helping his nephew Joey Essex train for his upcoming MisFits fight on August 30.
Sims has trained Conor Benn since the start of his career, having sparred with his father Nigel in the past.
Now working exclusively with Matchroom Sport fighters, 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.
