Daniel Dubois has embarked on a major career shake-up just weeks after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Dynamite’s bid to become the undisputed heavyweight champion ended in disappointment when he was stopped in the fifth round at Wembley last month.
He has wasted no time in making changes behind the scenes, overhauling his backroom staff as he looks to rebuild momentum and reignite his career in the heavyweight division.
Dubois has parted ways with trainer Don Charles and will now work with Anthony Joshua‘s former coach Tony Sims.
The decision comes shortly after Charles’ assistant, Kieran Farrell, revealed he would also no longer be working with the former world champion, leaving Dubois with a completely new team around him.
The 27-year-old had been under Charles’ guidance for the past two years, following a stint with Shane McGuigan. Before that, he trained with Mark Tibbs.
Daniel Dubois has embarked on a career shake-up weeks after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk
Dubois has parted ways with trainer Don Charles (centre) after two years together
The Dynamite now will be trained by Anthony Joshua’s former coach Tony Sims
Charles was in Dubois’ corner for the three biggest victories of his career, including wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. Dubois claimed a world title after defeating Hrgovic, inheriting the IBF belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk at the time.
In the hours leading up to his fight with Usyk, Dubois’ father hosted a party at the family home. As many as 70 guests attended, with footage circulating showing the star socialising with friends and family.
Despite the criticism, Charles was quick to defend the gathering, telling talkSPORT:’It wasn’t a party, it was a gathering. The same gathering was used as the prep on fight day for the AJ fight, the day he won.
‘A lot was made of it with the energy he walked out at for the Anthony Joshua fight. That gathering was taken from home to the dressing room for that fight.
‘That energy is what gave birth to that energy that he showed in the ring walk. Yes [we tried to replicate it], we were victorious. If it works for you the first time, you’d do it again.
‘There might have been more people for this second gathering to get more energy, I’m a logical man and it makes logical sense. The AJ fight was big but this even trumps it, I try to understand and it may appear madness to people but it was the same thing that got us victory.
‘I wasn’t there and I chose not to go there. My duty is on the training team to make sure we go to the dressing room and make sure everything is intact.’
Dubois is not expected to return to the ring this year as he plans his next move after suffering the second defeat of his professional career.
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Daniel Dubois makes major change just weeks after knockout defeat by Oleksandr Usyk