Daniel Dubois reunites with trainer months after split in stunning U-turn as statement released

Jan 26, 2026 - 17:30
Daniel Dubois reunites with trainer months after split in stunning U-turn as statement released

Daniel Dubois has brought Don Charles back into the fold as his trainer, five months after cutting ties.

In August last year, the pair went their separate ways following a fruitful two-year partnership that saw Dubois scoop the IBF heavyweight title.

Dubois picked up the IBF heavyweight title under Charles’ guidance
Mark Robinson/Matchroom

The decision came after Dubois was beaten for a second time by Oleksandr Usyk.

‘Triple D’ subsequently linked up with Conor Benn‘s head coach, Tony Sims, only to reunite with Charles without competing out of Sims’ gym.

A statement from Dubois’ business manager, Riz Khan, confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.

It read: “On behalf of Team Dubois, I wish to confirm to the media and all relevant parties that Daniel has decided to resume his professional relationship with Don Charles and his coaching team.

“Don Charles and his team guided Daniel to World Champion status and oversaw the most successful period of his career.

“Following the defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel took time to reflect on his journey and the emotions surrounding the decision to part ways with Don.

“After careful consideration and discussions with the wider team, Daniel has chosen to reverse that decision.

“Daniel will now return to working with Don Charles, under whose corner he achieved his greatest accomplishments to date.

“Further fight news to be announced in due course.”

Charles guided Dubois to glory

Charles initially started working with Dubois in 2023, ahead of his inaugural encounter with Usyk.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Don Charles, Head trainer of Daniel Dubois looks on prior to the IBF World Heavyweight Title fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, on the Riyadh Season  - Wembley Edition card at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Charles will be back in Dubois’ corner for his next fight
Getty

Dubois was knocked out in the ninth round, but a contentious low blow call by referee Luis Pabon gave him and his team something to clutch onto.

Under Charles’ guidance, Dubois rebounded to beat Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic en route to claiming the interim IBF belt.

The red and gold strap was then upgraded to a full world title when Usyk vacated in order to pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury.

His first defence came against Anthony Joshua in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, where Dubois put on his finest performance to date, blasting away AJ in five rounds.

10 months later, Dubois was on the receiving end of a five-round demolition of his own when he rematched Usyk at the same venue.

Within a few weeks of the crushing defeat, Dubois took to social media to confirm he had split with Charles.

Dubois split from Charles after being knocked out by Usyk for a second time
Reuters

He said: “I’d like to thank Don Charles for the hard work and effort he’s put into me over the last 18 months.

“But now, I feel like I need a fresh change and a new start for this next phase of my career, where I look to become two-time heavyweight champion of the world. God bless.”

After five months of reflection, Dubois has opted to reverse his decision and will now rejoin Charles at the PUG Farm Gym in the tranquil outskirts of Boreham Wood.

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