Dubois and Charles End Partnership After Two Years

Daniel Dubois, the British boxer, and his trainer, Don Charles, have concluded their professional relationship following Dubois’s recent defeat against Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight titleholder, according to international reports released on Monday.

Sources indicate that the split concludes a two-year period during which Dubois achieved the IBF heavyweight title under Charles’ guidance.

Charles began coaching Dubois in 2023, leading up to their initial contest with Usyk. In Poland, Usyk emerged victorious, securing a ninth-round knockout after twice flooring the British boxer.

Subsequently, Dubois, under Charles’ direction, secured victories against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua.

However, Usyk once again defeated Dubois, this time with a fifth-round knockout in July, solidifying his position as the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time.

Assistant coach Kieran Farrell revealed that Charles was absent from Dubois’s corner last week, coinciding with the appointment of Sam Jones as his new manager.

Paul Smith, a former world title challenger, expressed his surprise at Charles’ departure.

Smith’s Reaction

“I am somewhat surprised by this development. I believe that Don Charles is not only a capable trainer but also particularly well-suited to training Daniel Dubois,” Smith commented.

“He possesses an intimate understanding of Dubois’s strengths and weaknesses. The dynamic between them always appeared positive. While I am not directly involved in their camp, I felt that Don Charles was an ideal fit for Daniel.

“He serves as a paternal figure for him. Daniel Dubois tends to be reserved and requires someone who can effectively take control and provide strong guidance.”

Reportedly, Tony Sims will be Dubois’s fourth professional trainer, succeeding Charles, Shane McGuigan, and Martin Bowers.

Sims previously guided Anthony Joshua to the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 with a win over Charles Martin.