Daniel Dubois has a fight offer to consider. WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel believes he and Dubois could make good dance partners. For the English heavyweight, this could be a litmus test. He’s now working with a new team. Tony Sims has taken up the cudgels to put Dubois’ career back on track. Though it’s not a case of hell or high water, Dubois still needs to brace himself for stormy days ahead. Sims is often credited with guiding Anthony Joshua to his first world title. So together, the new setup could work effectively and gradually make inroads into the top tier.

The reshuffle effectively began after the disastrous loss to Oleksandr Usyk, which brought into focus Dubois’ relationship with longtime trainer Don Charles. The events leading up to the July 19 defeat were not a pleasant watch, with rumors of a pre-fight party grabbing headlines. The subsequent split between Daniel Dubois and Charles only added fuel to the fire, with many suggesting the separation may have been acrimonious. Dubois released a statement thanking Charles for his contributions to his career. It was then time for the trainer to speak and clear the air.

Trainer Don Charles breaks silence on Dubois separation

While speaking with Fight Hub TV, Charles made it clear there was no ‘fallout’ between him and Dubois. “Nothing happened,” he replied when the reporter asked, “You and Daniel have split since the last time we saw each other. What happened there? I know you’re on good terms still. What happened there?”

According to Don Charles, it was simply a case of a fighter deciding to make a change. “A fighter decided to have a change to he felt he needed a change, and a change he’s going to get. So, nothing. It’s not like a fallout. No, he needed a change. He wanted a change, and he opted to move on,” Charles said.

The reporter persisted, asking if Charles was happy to see his star pupil move on with a new trainer. Don Charles explained that, unlike trainers, a boxer’s shelf life is much shorter. “We don’t get in the ring and get punched,” he highlighted, adding, “So, the fighter has to make the decision sometimes that doesn’t favor us. In this case, it doesn’t favor me.”

Charles admitted he would have preferred to continue the journey with Dubois. However, the fighter and his team decided it was time for a change.

Daniel Dubois closes one chapter, opens another

Roughly a month after the disappointing outcome at Wembley, Dubois released a statement: “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.”

But it was time to take stock of his career. To that end, he needed a change, a fresh approach, in his renewed attempt to become a heavyweight champion for the second time. “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 2x Heavyweight Champion of the World. God bless,” Dubois added.

To set the record straight, Dubois, who began his professional journey at the famous Peacock Gym in East London, was first trained by Martin Bowers. He later switched to Shane McGuigan, son of Hall of Fame trainer Barry McGuigan.

Rumors of boxer-trainer splits are nothing new. What’s notable in the Dubois-Charles saga is that both sides appear to have moved on amicably. So probably there’s not much to read between the lines either.

Who, in your view, should Daniel Dubois face first in his comeback?