The British star was brutally knocked out by the Ukrainian last month, but is already looking at a quick return as he looks to become a two-time world champion
Daniel Dubois could return to the ring before the end of the year.
The British heavyweight star suffered an agonising knockout defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last month in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Soon after the loss, Dubois’ coach Kieran Farrell parted ways with the team. The changes did not stop there, though.
Earlier this month, Dubois stunned fans after splitting from trainer Don Charles. The famous boxing coach was in the Brit’s corner for the three best wins of his career; against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua. Dubois was crowned world champion following his win over Hrgovic when Usyk gave up his IBF belt.
Following the news, the 27-year-old broke his silence, saying: “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 change, a fresh approach for the next phase of my career, as I push forward to become a two-time heavyweight champion of the world, God bless. I’ll be making a further announcement regarding my new team structure very soon.”
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In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Dubois’ manager – Sam Jones – revealed that a December comeback fight is on the table. Jones confirmed he has a meeting scheduled with promoter Frank Warren next week to map out the boxer’s future as he looks to become a world champion again.
“I’ve been around Daniel for just over a week,” Jones said of Dubois’ split from Charles. “He’s decided he needs a fresh team – a new voice, a new plan. But that’s not to diminish anything Don Charles has done. He’s done a fantastic job. They shared some incredible nights. The AJ fight at Wembley was iconic, and Don played a massive role in that. But this is life – Daniel felt he needed a change, and that’s what’s happened.”
Jones added: “Daniel just wants to win boxing matches,” Jones added. “He’s a fighter through and through. He was upset with his performance against Usyk, he thought he could do a lot better. But there’s no shame in losing to the greatest heavyweight of this era. He’s undoubtedly the best of this generation.
“Daniel’s lost to him a couple of times. He lost to Joe Joyce when he was very young. There’s no shame in that. He’s a former world champion, and now the sole focus is becoming a two-time heavyweight champion of the world.” Dubois had been expected to sit out the remainder of 2025 and return in the new year.
Who will Daniel Dubois fight next?
Jones also discussed Dubois’ next opponent and believes that all options are open, including a rematch with Joshua. The pair went head-to-head in September 2024 – with ‘Triple D’ going on to score a vicious knockout in the fifth round. He also predicted a future dust-up with rising star Moses Itauma.
“One hundred per cent. That fight [with Itauma] is going to happen,” Jones continued. “Daniel’s 27. Moses looks like a phenomenal talent at 20. These boys are going to be the future. You’ve got Fabio Wardley riding a wave right now. We’re entering a new era. Young Leo Atang was in the Sky Sports studios recently – he’ll be in the mix soon too. These are the heavyweights who will shape British boxing going forward.”
He added: “He’s a proud man, and I know he won’t want to keep seeing that knockout by Daniel on his screen. I’m sure he’ll want to right that wrong. And if he ever wants to, then let’s get it on. It’s all about what’s best for Daniel now – WBO, IBF, WBC. He belongs at the top table in heavyweight boxing. He’s an elite-level heavyweight. All those names you mentioned – Daniel will be back in the mix.”