In February 2025, Derek Chisora defied expectations by defeating Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin, becoming the de facto challenger for Daniel Dubois‘s IBF title. Chisora not only accepted the fight but announced that this bout, his 50th professional fight, would mark the end of his storied career. What better stage for his farewell than a packed Wembley Stadium, rumored to host this monumental clash, right?

While the whole world is behind Derek Chisora in his final chapter, his former trainer and Dubois’ current trainer Don Charles remains unconvinced. Charles has been more than a coach to War; a guiding presence, almost like a second father, standing by him since his pro debut in 2007. Yet, despite this deep bond they share, Charles does not want to see this fight. What’s his reason? Let’s take a look.

The hardest crossroad Don Charles never asked for

In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Charles opened up about his former fighter making it big. He’s thrilled for the Zimbabwean-British star but stunned by the twist. “My first son in boxing, [Chisora] gave me the entrance to the boxing industry. I don’t know what kind of luck I’ve got. What are the chances of that? ” he lamented.

For the uninformed, in 2023, the Boxing News Magazine Trainer of the Year joined Daniel Dubois’s camp before Oleksandr Usyk‘s fight. He’s been with Dynamite since. So, if Chisora vs Dubois happens, he has to train one man to beat another—something he does not want to do. “It’s not something I want, I’m an emotional guy, I’m a sensitive guy, it’s not something I want to materialize, but I’m happy for Derek because it’s going to be his 50th and final fight,” he said.

Charles accepted that “Had it not been against someone I’m currently training, I’m happy for him to be going out on a bang. What a way to exit and cap off his colorful and successful career.” However, having his final fight against Daniel Dubois, “this is where emotion comes into it,” he explained. Charles credits Chisora with launching his coaching journey and holds their time together dear, leaving him torn between love and duty.

If the fight materializes, Don Charles will indeed do his duty as Daniel Dubois’s coach. Yet, deep down, he’d rather see the fight fall apart. However, looking at War and his motivation, that does not seem likely, even though the wait can be long.

Derek Chisora wants a fairytale ending

The heavyweight title scene might be the most chaotic it has been in years. While the Mbare native is the mandatory challenger for Dubois, the latter is chasing an undisputed fight with Usyk. To make matters more complicated, WBO has ordered Usyk to defend his title against Joseph Parker.

If Dubois gets his fight against Usyk sanctioned and skips the mandatory, it will be a long wait for the 41-year-old. However, he does not mind waiting. “We’ll see what happens, but I want that shot since the IBF made me mandatory for it. I want it, there’s no two ways about it. I want it badly,” Chisora told Sky Sports News.

This is Chisora’s first time as a mandatory challenger in 49 fights. He’s not letting it slip. Furthermore, he loves the story behind this fight. “I want to fight Daniel. It’s a good story, because behind the whole thing is he’s trained by my old trainer. It’s a very exciting fight, and I just want that shot now. This is the first time in my career I’ve been mandatory for the world title shot. So I’m just going to train hard, dedicate myself to it, and I’m going to entertain the crowd. I’ll wait. I’m not in a rush,” he stated.

He is already planning the entrance at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. “It’s the last dance. There’s no dance after. This is it. When I leave the ring, that’s it,” he concluded. Derek Chisora has made up his mind and Daniel Dubois isn’t someone to back away from a challenge. Furthermore, getting the opportunity to retire one of the toughest heavyweights, Dubois won’t miss that chance, leaving Don Charles in a terrible predicament that he never wanted to be in.

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