In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, Daniel Dubois has publicly accused his former trainer Don Charles of betrayal following a crushing knockout defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on July 20, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. The British heavyweight’s explosive claims—“He told me to quit”—have ignited a firestorm of controversy, leaving fans and analysts stunned as the sport grapples with the fallout.
The Devastating Defeat
Dubois, 27, suffered his second loss to the Ukrainian maestro Usyk, who stopped him in the fifth round to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight title. The defeat, witnessed by over 90,000 fans, marked a low point for Dubois, who had been riding high after victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. The buildup to the fight was marred by reports of a pre-fight gathering at Dubois’ family home, which some blamed for his lackluster performance. Now, his accusations against Charles have added a new layer of drama.
The Shocking Accusation
In a heated statement released late Sunday, August 24, 2025, Dubois alleged that Charles undermined him during the fight. “He told me to quit when I was still in it,” Dubois said, claiming that Charles urged him to throw in the towel after the second knockdown in the fifth round. More damningly, he added, “He sold me out—pushed me into that ring unprepared and then abandoned me when it mattered.” The remarks suggest a deep rift, coming just weeks after their professional split, which Dubois had previously framed as a need for a “fresh approach.”
Reactions and Repercussions
The boxing world is reeling from the allegations. Promoter Frank Warren, who oversees Dubois’ career, declined to comment directly but hinted at an internal review. Posts on X reflect the divided sentiment, with some fans defending Charles’ record of guiding Dubois to the IBF title, while others speculate about the truth behind the “sold me out” claim. Charles has yet to respond publicly, but sources close to him deny the accusations, calling them “emotionally charged and baseless.”
A Legacy in Question
This scandal casts a shadow over Dubois’ recent achievements and Charles’ reputation as a respected trainer. As Dubois prepares for a potential December return under new coach Tony Sims, the accusations could reshape his career narrative. For Charles, a veteran who led Dubois to iconic wins, the fallout may test his standing in the sport. The boxing community awaits further statements, with the truth likely to emerge only through time or legal action.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Dubois-Charles saga has left the heavyweight division in uncharted territory, with fans eagerly watching to see how this dramatic chapter unfolds.
