SHANE MCGUIGAN has confirmed to Boxing News that he will no longer be training heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois.
The 25-year-old will now work with veteran coach Don Charles. Daniel’s younger sister Caroline will continue to be managed and trained by Shane.
In May 2021 it was announced that the powerful heavyweight and McGuigan would be teaming up. Dubois 19-1 (18) had parted ways with long time trainer (but still current manager) Martin Bowers three months on from his only career loss against Joe Joyce in November 2020. Mark Tibbs then looked set to work with Dubois but chose to pass on the opportunity of becoming his cornerman after a brief time together.
The Dubois-McGuigan partnership produced four wins in four fights against Bogdan Dinu, Joe Cusumano, Trevor Bryan and Kevin Lerena, respectively. All of which has landed Dubois on the cusp of a fight against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
McGuigan spoke to BN earlier today (Tuesday) about the shock split.
“I was put in a very compromising position,” he said.
“I decided to continue my working relationship with Caroline at the expense of losing Daniel really. Which is a bit of a shame.”
Last time out Dubois stopped Lerena in a dramatic encounter on the Tyson Fury-Dereck Chisora 3 undercard at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Victory looked unlikely after a nightmare opening round with the Brit on the floor three times. Dubois suffered a knee injury to add to the drama but the South African failed to capitalise on his explosive start.
Dubois could fight Oleksandr Usyk this year
Dubois rallied and in round three dropped Lerena with a right hand. The underdog could do nothing about the onslaught which followed and was beaten when shots from Dubois sent him through the ropes at the end of the third.
“That last fight I did a fantastic job with him and kept him in the fight, and he won the fight,” said McGuigan. “I feel like I did a great job. It’s disappointing that I’ve been put in this compromising position.”
The 34-year-old says there is no bad feeling towards Dubois, and he wishes him every success under the guidance of Don Charles.
“I’m happy that he’s going with Don Charles because Don Charles is a friend of mine.
“I can feel confident that he’s going to get looked after properly. I wish him all the best moving forward.”
McGuigan now has a busy period coming up with his own fighters. Cruiserweight contender Chris Billam-Smith challenges Lawrence Okolie on May 27 outdoors at Bournemouth FC’s Vitality Stadium. Rising star Adam Azim faces Aram Faniian on June 16. Older brother Hassan and the unbeaten Caroline Dubois are also on the same card at York Hall.
Boxing News reached out to Martin Bowers, manager to Daniel Dubois, for comment but received no response at time of writing.