The British heavyweight, 28, was stopped in the fifth round by The Cat, 38, at London's Wembley Stadium last July - a result that ultimately led to Dubois parting company with Charles soon afte - and the trainer has now outlined the key tactical and situational reasons behind Dubois’ defeat.
Speaking to talkBOXING, he said: “Daniel’s known for his jab, a feared jab. Usyk was the one who became the jabber in that fight. That was my observation in the first couple of rounds. So that set the precedent for that fight.”
Charles explained that losing the battle of the lead hand had a knock-on effect throughout the contest, preventing Dubois from settling into his rhythm.
He said: “We couldn’t get our jabs going. So, there’s a lot of factors. And it’s almost like it’s too late because we lost the fight. It wasn’t a walk in the park in there.”
Dubois had attempted to apply pressure early, but Usyk’s movement, timing and accuracy repeatedly disrupted his approach.
While the Ukrainian eventually asserted control, Charles rejected the idea that the fight was one-sided before the stoppage.
He said: “The fight concluded in round five. I gave my guy two rounds out of the fight — I’m not delusional. Watch it, honestly. It’s because it went against us. So people don’t see anything else that happened prior. I know what happened.”
The build-up to the bout was also clouded by controversy, with Dubois’ father Stanley criticised after it emerged he had delayed his son’s arrival at the stadium by throwing a pre-fight party.
Charles, however, maintained that several elements contributed to the defeat.
He said: “Daniel, granted, didn’t let his hands go at times when he should. But that fight was in the balance.
“After all, we got caught in the exchanges. The fight was just building up when Daniel got stopped. It took a tremendous shock.”
A looping left hand in the fifth round ultimately ended the contest, leaving Dubois unable to beat the count as Usyk underlined his status as the division’s outstanding technician.
Despite the setback, Dubois has since rebuilt his standing at the top level, famously stopping Anthony Joshua, 36, in September 2024 to win the IBF title before losing it to Usyk in their rematch.
Now training under Tony Sims, Dubois is expected to return at some point in 2026.
