Trainer Don Charles Lauds Daniel Dubois’ Resurgence After Tough Losses
Experienced trainer Don Charles has paid tribute to his heavyweight protégé, Daniel Dubois, following the boxer’s successive stoppage wins over previously undefeated fighters Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
Dubois, now 21-2 with 20 KOs, was considered a significant underdog against the hard-hitting Hrgović when they squared off on June 1. However, the 25-year-old Londoner emerged victorious, positioning himself for a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September.
For Charles, Dubois’ recent triumphs represent a testament to the fighter’s maturity and ability to learn from past adversity.
“It’s called maturity,” Charles explained. “People forget the young man’s age. It’s a factor. People forget that he didn’t have an extensive amateur career. He turned professional at 19, so he’s practically learned on the job.”
Despite losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk earlier in his career, Charles viewed those experiences as crucial lessons for Dubois.
“He bought into my ethos of coaching. I have a son and I’m a natural father, and maybe that’s what he needed,” the trainer added, highlighting the importance of their strong working relationship.
Notably, the Hrgović fight held added significance, as the Croat had previously bested Dubois in a sparring session several years ago. However, Charles believes Hrgović’s overconfidence ultimately led to his downfall.
“He came out there and tried to blast Daniel – probably the same thing he tried to do in sparring. He rushed a young man and overwhelmed Daniel back then. He came out with the same game plan and the first three rounds, after Daniel withstood the ambush, he said, ‘I’m still here mate, I’m not going anywhere’.”
As Dubois continues to navigate the heavyweight landscape, Charles remains confident in his fighter’s abilities and the progress they have made together.
“I was probably the missing piece of his jigsaw, and he’s that fighter I’ve been waiting for all along, to come along and to be able to carry out what I actually do teach.”
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