Before the fight even begins at Wembley, drama surrounding the key players has already surfaced. On September 21, in front of a packed arena, Daniel Dubois is set to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua. Despite his previous losses, the 27-year-old boxer is determined to secure his place among the heavyweight elite. In the past eight months, Dubois has delivered two impressive performances, proving he’s ready for the challenge ahead.

However, rumors have recently circulated, suggesting things may not be smooth within his camp. Much of the speculation centers on a reported rift between Dubois’ father, Dave Dubois, and his trainer, Don Charles. Given that Dubois is about to face one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, such news could cause concern among fans. Fortunately, a recent update has eased some of these worries, with several fans taking to social media to share their thoughts.

Journalist Chris McKenna recently posted: “Don Charles has the flu/cold and has stayed away from media events this week. He won’t be at the press conference or weigh-in. But he will be in Daniel Dubois’ corner this weekend.” This post follows earlier reports, including one featuring former boxer and prominent promoter Spencer Fearon, who shared his insights on the alleged tension between Dave Dubois and Don Charles.

Fearon, speaking to Boxing Social, was asked if he still predicted an early stoppage win for Anthony Joshua. Fearon confirmed his stance hadn’t changed and said, “Don Charles mentioned this fight is spiritual, and we haven’t seen him all week.” He added, “There’s been some friction between Don Charles and Dubois’ father, right?” Despite this, Fearon reiterated his belief in Joshua’s victory and expressed frustration with Dave Dubois, recalling how, after the Usyk fight, he advised Don Charles to stay on as Daniel Dubois’ trainer.

Interestingly, it seems that the Boxing Social post and the YouTube video featuring Fearon’s interview have since been taken down.

McKenna’s update may have reassured many, but some fans remained skeptical. After watching Fearon’s interview, one follower questioned whether Daniel Dubois had left his former trainer, Shane McGuigan, over similar issues with his father. “Didn’t he leave McGuigan because of his dad?” the fan asked.

Another user thanked McKenna for clearing up the situation, while acknowledging that some doubts about Dubois’ chances against Joshua still linger. “Thanks for cutting through the noise. It’s a relief, but still a concern for those who think Dubois stands a chance.”

Despite the clarification, some fans continued to question the situation, suspecting the flu explanation could be a preemptive excuse for any shortcomings. “Getting the excuses in early,” one user remarked.

Another fan expressed disbelief, noting that during an interview, Daniel Dubois claimed not to know where Don Charles was. “I don’t believe this at all. Why, when Dubois was asked in the interview, did he say he didn’t know where Don Charles was? They could have put this to rest, but instead they fueled the speculation,” the fan argued.

Ultimately, fans hope that Daniel Dubois will have a complete and focused corner on fight night. This match represents one of the biggest moments of his career. A win against Anthony Joshua could catapult Dubois to the next level, paving the way for major paydays and potential title unifications. For that reason, it’s crucial that any distractions are set aside—exactly what his supporters are hoping for.