Daniel Dubois proved that he deserves every bit of space in the heavyweight championship. Just think what it should mean for his trainer, Don Charles. For the 62-year-old coach, his pupil’s triumph is nothing short of an epic journey whose seeds were sown some fifty years ago. Last Saturday, 27-year-old Dubois became an IBF champion without any fight. However, last Saturday, following the way he decimated Anthony Joshua, it became clear that he had earned every right to retain the belt.

Doubts have been longtime companions of Daniel Dubois. From the first loss to Joe Joyce to the second one to Oleksandr Usyk, the Londoner always found himself an underdog who had to prove himself. The skepticism was never abandoned, even during the run-up to the Wembley showdown. He faced Anthony Joshua after all. Then it didn’t help either when rumors surrounding Don Charles’ conspicuous absence surfaced. Now, as he sits back and relaxes, Charles can give himself a pat on the back. But more than that, he feels a sense of gratitude toward ‘Triple D’ who made his dreams come true.

He was barely fourteen years old when he first arrived with his family to live in the UK with their father. Don Charles recalled during an emotionally charged conversation with Radio Rahim. What made his arrival so memorable was the fact that it corresponded with the date that was first scheduled for the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

“When I saw that fight here in the UK on television, that’s what got me into boxing,” recalled Charles. So he felt deeply honored that the anniversary of that historical fight nearly coincides with another memorable heavyweight bout. Where he had proudly trained the winner of the championship belt.

Rahim highlighted the high level of stress both Ali and Foreman went through in the buildup to their fight. Charles shared how the situation turned so challenging for him when he fell ill before the September 21 match.

With some five left in the ‘Second Out’ interview, Radio Rahim touched base with the conversation Don Charles had with Anthony Joshua post-fight. Later, the boxing and radio producer checked if Charles had any message for his star pupil.

Don Charles to Daniel Dubois: Grateful beyond words

The Biafra-born trainer remembered how Daniel Dubois called himself a ‘King Slayer’. He said, “Triple D. I love you and thank you, and I thank your father for bringing yourself into my life.” Highlighting how, despite producing so many British champions over the years, many continued to put his name in bad light. However, with his outstanding victory, Dubois has helped him change a lot of perceptions about him. So he no longer carries a burden in his heart even if he leaves the world. “I’ll die in peace; my heart is in peace. If I die tomorrow, God forbid, my heart is in peace. You’ve taken to my destiny; thank you,” said Don Charles emphatically.

Some powerful words indeed convey what the whole team accomplished after months of hard work. It’s hard to imagine how the days leading to the fight saw gossip floating that things were not entirely perfect at the camp. However, proving everyone wrong, Don Charles has once again proved that persistence always leads to positive outcomes.

Are you fine to watch a rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois?