Oleksandr Usyk beat Daniel Dubois for a second time last month to regain undisputed status in the heavyweight division. Post-fight, the talk of how outstanding the Ukrainian is has been somewhat taken over by what Dubois did in the hours before the first bell.
Usyk outclassed and bamboozled the Brit on the way to a fifth round stoppage with one of the most impressive single shots he has thrown during his elite campaign.
In the weeks that followed the loss, Dubois has been accused of ‘quitting’ rather than fighting on, and details about what he did pre-fight have some concerned.
It was reported, and since confirmed, that the 27-year-old former heavyweight champion had a ‘house party,’ organised by his father, that day. Those in the know say around 70 people were present, some of which Daniel didn’t know.
Sergey Lapin, Director of Team Usyk, told Plejmo that whilst the plans were likely made with Dubois’ best preparations in mind, he feels it strange to do such a thing before a fight.
“I think they knew exactly what they were doing. Most likely, their team understands Daniel’s psychological profile very well.
“There are different personality types, but in most cases regardless of the type, fighters need minimal external presence before a bout. Even just being around unfamiliar people drains energy and distracts focus.
“The best way to prepare for a fight is in a tight circle, only the team and close ones. That helps preserve energy and stay mentally locked in.”
Dubois is yet to speak publicly on the matter, though he should soon given the amount of coverage the situation has received. His trainer, Don Charles, has said that the same arrangements were made before his charge knocked out Anthony Joshua and that he backs Daniel’s father, Stan, in his decision-making.