Frank Warren warns Daniel Dubois that pre-fight party cannot happen again
Promoter Frank Warren has insisted the disruption caused by a pre-fight party ahead of Daniel Dubois’ defeat by Oleksandr Usyk must never be repeated.
Lessons learned from Wembley defeat
Dubois is preparing to challenge Fabio Wardley for the WBO heavyweight world title on 9 May in Manchester.
The British contender arrived at Wembley Stadium just 90 minutes before his ring walk for last year’s knockout loss to Usyk.
It has been suggested that a gathering hosted by the heavyweight’s father delayed his arrival and disrupted his preparation.
“That can’t happen again,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“The good thing is they’ll be in Manchester so they’ll be staying in a hotel.”
Warren admitted the lateness caused significant stress behind the scenes moments before the biggest fight of Dubois’ career.
“When he was late getting there, I was tearing my hair out, what I’ve got left,” Warren added.
“I can’t be arguing with everyone when he’s two hours away from the biggest fight ever but afterwards we had a sitdown and said what we had to say.”
Stability in the corner
Following the defeat to the Ukrainian, Dubois briefly switched camps to train with Tony Sims.
However, the Londoner has since returned to head coach Don Charles ahead of the Wardley clash.
“He’s in a good place at the moment,” Warren said.
“Leaving Don and then going back has been good for him that he’s been elsewhere and seen he’s more comfortable with Don.”
‘Taking no steps backwards’
Dubois believes Wardley is gambling on him suffering from a lack of confidence following the fifth-round stoppage against Usyk.
The challenger insists he has moved past the incident and is focused solely on taking Wardley’s unbeaten record.
“It’s taking no steps backwards. This is the best fight for me,” Dubois said.
“I’m glad he’s taken it. My big chance, my big opportunity and I’ve got to take his 0.”
Dubois claims the tactical matchup favours him and has vowed to secure the WBO strap in emphatic fashion.
“Skills, that’s what it’s about, breaking him down and then taking him out,” he added.