In the aftermath of his loss to Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium in July, Daniel Dubois split with trainer Don Charles. Now, Charles has spoken out.
Prior to that undisputed title fight against the Ukrainian, the pair had been on a strong winning streak, beating Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and, most impressively, Anthony Joshua — all by stoppage.
Usyk halted Dubois’ momentum, outboxing and overwhelming him en route to a fifth-round KO. Around a month later, ‘DDD’ took to social media to announce the split with Charles, stating that he personally felt a change was necessary.
However, speaking exclusively to Seconds Out, Charles now claims that the decision could not have been made by Dubois himself.
“Most definitely [someone interfered in the relationship]. Daniel is not capable of making that decision. I can categorically, 1000% [say that]. He is the one who had to action it, deliver it, because he is the fighter.”
Asked if he was referring to Daniel’s capacity to make the decision or the lack of power he holds within the team, Charles replied, “Both.”
The trainer then revealed that he believes even Stan Dubois — Daniel’s father and a famously commanding presence in the camp — did not make the final call independently.
“Stan Dubois has been heavily influenced … People think I’m a mad person — I’m far from it. I always refer to the devil’s agents. [Human people] yes, but they work for the devil. I have every right to say that, because that’s my take on it … They always manage to infiltrate anything good and spoil it. He’s been heavily influenced.
“Forty-eight hours prior to me getting the sack, there was a conversation that was had between myself and Stan … It solidified our relationship. So that’s why I can sit here and say I didn’t see it coming.”
Charles – who did not reveal the names of those he believes orchestrated the partnership’s downfall – then addressed Stan directly.
“Brother, you should never have let anyone come between us. Unfortunately, they’ve managed to use their ways to get at you, and you had to do what you did. I feel very let down, I feel very sad, but it will never change what we achieved together. No one can take that away from us. Nothing but love for you and your son.”
Charles ended with high praise for Daniel.
“Daniel Dubois, if given the opportunity, will still go on to become a double, maybe triple world champion. He has that ability.”
The 28-year-old heavyweight has recently been ordered to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF eliminator for the mandatory position, with purse bids set for November 13.
