We have another major narrative for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois fight week in London – where is Don Charles?
Top trainer Charles has come in for much credit in some quarters for the improvement in Dubois in recent fights – notably those two epic wins over Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
But so far this week Charles has been absent for the festivities – including both Grand Arrivals and Public Workouts. He was also not present at Thursday’s final press conference.
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Naturally Charles’ absence sent boxing’s rumour mill into frenzied overdrive – is there an issue? have they split? You know the deal, this is not your first rodeo, fight fans.
Not surprisingly, Dubois was asked about the hot topic when the final press conference took place in London on Thursday, but ‘Dynamite’ (21-2) doesn’t seem to think there is an issue as he put those rumours firmly to bed. There are also reports that Charles has a cold so naturally is keeping his distance until it is absolutely necessary on fight night.
Dubois on Don Charles
“As long as he’s in my corner on fight night then I’ll be alright. Everything is good. Everything’s gone well, training camp’s gone brilliant. Let’s go!”
Before those signature wins over Miller and Hrgovic, many pundits had major question marks about Dubois, even doubting his heart following the nature of the losses to both Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk. Not any more though after Daniel came through deep waters in his most recent fights.
Dubois sees this as a journey of ‘resurrection’, and defending his newly-acquired IBF world heavyweight title against the mighty Joshua (28-3) is the latest major step. ‘Dynamite’ will shirk no challenges, no matter the size.
READ MORE: Dubois makes ASTONISHING Anthony Joshua claim
“It’s a resurrection story of my career. I want the big challenges, to make a name for myself and to make history. I need to retain this World Title. It’s a great thing to have but I need to legitimise myself by winning this fight.”
Saturday night will be one which is way bigger than Dubois has ever experienced before – with the world watching and 96,000 fans on hand. Some experts wonder if he can handle it, or if he will freeze on the biggest of stages. Dubois though says it is no big deal.
“Like I’ve taken it many times before, this time it’s just a bigger stage so the energy will be higher.”
When is Joshua vs Dubois?
The fight takes place at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, with Joshua vs Dubois ring walks expected at 11pm UK local time. That is midnight CET, 6pm Eastern Time in the US or 3pm PST on the West Coast.
How to watch the fight live
There are three outlets streaming the bout in the UK – all with a PPV price of less than £20:
DAZN PPV meanwhile will have the call in the US.
