Is Daniel Dubois back with Don Charles ahead of the big heavyweight title fight with Fabio Wardley. Learn more below.
The fight this weekend sees a coming together of two big hitters in the heavyweight division where trainers and strategy will be important.
Yes Don Charles is back in the corner of former world champion Daniel Dubois.
For those new to boxing, here are the facts on that and also on Charles and also Fabio Wardley’s trainer for the fight this weekend.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley – Trainers & History for New Fans
| Boxer | Current Trainer for Wardley fight | Trainer history & key facts | Recent timeline | Wardley fight details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Dubois | Don Charles | Martin Bowers – early career/developmentShane McGuigan – 2020-2022. Split after Joe Joyce lossDon Charles – 2022-2025. Led Dubois to IBF title win vs Anthony Joshua Sep 2024Split after Usyk KO loss July 2025 – Dubois blamed trainer, went to Tony SimsReunited with Don Charles 6 months later – “came back home” | Split from Charles post-Usyk II July 2025 → Joined Tony Sims briefly, no fights → Rehired Charles for Wardley | Charles says prep is “same way we prepare for other fights” and uses “Savile Row tailor” approach to custom-fit camp for Wardley. Training at Don Charles’ Pug Farm Gym in Borehamwood |
| Fabio Wardley | Robert Hodgins | Robert Hodgins – Wardley’s only trainer since day one. Started with Wardley in white-collar boxing when Wardley was 21. Also has Ben Davison involved for expertise. S&C coach: Danny Wilson from Boxing Science. Manager/Mentor: Dillian Whyte | Never split. Loyalty to Hodgins since white-collar days. Supplemented with Ben Davison as pro, not replaced | WBO Heavyweight Champion defending vs Dubois May 9, 2026 at Co-op Live, Manchester. Wardley picked Dubois because he’s “the most dangerous one on the list” |
Key facts for new boxing fans
Daniel Dubois and Don Charles story
- Reunion: Charles says Dubois “came back home” after 6 months apart. Split was “very public” after Usyk KO loss.
- Why they split: Charles: “When you lose, you feel vulnerable., people advising them who think they know better”.
- Why he’s back: Dubois never fought under Tony Sims. Charles led him to career-best win vs Anthony Joshua – 4 knockdowns, 5th round KO.
- Wardley’s view: Says Dubois’ trainer changes show “lack of accountability” and “when something goes wrong, you immediately blame the trainer”. Also says Dubois “hasn’t really changed” stylistically despite 4 trainers.
Fabio Wardley and Robert Hodgins story
- White-collar to world champ: Wardley started boxing at 21 with 4 white-collar fights. Hodgins trained him from football days: “walked into the gym about eight years ago”.
- Never changed trainers: Unlike Dubois, Wardley stayed loyal to Hodgins. Added Ben Davison for pro expertise but didn’t replace Hodgins.
- Mentored by Dillian Whyte: Whyte is his manager and spotted his raw talent. Chisora: “Dillian mentored Wardley all the way to world title gold”.
- Style: Hodgins calls him “inspiration” for gym members. Started as recruitment consultant.
The fight – May 9, 2026, Co-op Live Manchester
- Stakes: Wardley defending WBO heavyweight title. Dubois trying to become 2-time world champ.
- Records: Wardley 20-0-1, 19 KOs. Dubois 22-3, 21 KOs.
- Contrast: Wardley = 1 trainer his whole career. Dubois = 4 trainers in 9 years.
Alas, both will be well trained and prepared for this fight this weekend.
Here is the Dubois vs Wardley tale of the tape ahead of the fight.
