Daniel Dubois is gearing up for a comeback with the goal of becoming a two-time heavyweight champion of the world. Derek Chisora believes that he must travel this journey with great caution.
The 28-year-old Briton was elevated to IBF champion during a series of three impressive victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, but lost his belt by stoppage to the man who vacated it, Oleksandr Usyk, during their clash at Wembley Stadium.
After a break and recovery from a minor injury, Dubois moved his training squad to Tony Sims’ Essex gym. A few months later, he announced that he had turned around and would return to Don Charles, who had orchestrated the victories mentioned above.
Talk to Second outingsChisora first reacted to the news of Dubois returning to Charles – a coach he knows well himself.
“Daniel is a special guy. He wanted to say that Don is good for him so they can practice what they practice longer. Remember, when he practices with Tony, he has half an hour before Tony moves on to someone else. So, it’s good for Daniel that he went back to Don.”
When asked about the potential of a fight against Zhilei Zhang, considered the best option for Dubois’ return, Chisora sent a stark warning.
“No, he’s not fighting Zhilei Zhang. Fuck. Zhilei Zhang will knock him out… That’s what I told Frank, what are we trying to do here, kill him? Give him another easy fight, build him up, and then that’s it.”
Zhang, 42, is a dangerous puncher who halted Joe Joyce’s progress in 2023 with two stoppage victories, the second being particularly brutal. After a close loss to Joseph Parker, he demolished Deontay Wilder in five rounds only to be stopped himself in his last fight by Agit Kabayel.
With an imminent return and time not on his side, Zhang loudly demands the fight against Dubois. Fans will find out in the coming days and weeks whether or not Team GB goes ahead with what Chisora sees as a step too far for a return fight.
