Don Charles Says Fans Want Daniel Dubois to Lose

Trainer says predictions favoring Wardley are driven by preference, not analysis

Daniel Dubois’ trainer Don Charles has rejected predictions favoring Fabio Wardley ahead of their heavyweight title fight. Charles said many picks are based on preference rather than analysis.

In an interview today ahead of Saturday’s WBO heavyweight title fight in Manchester, Charles suggested emotion has become part of the public reaction surrounding Dubois.

“A lot of people make predictions because it’s what they would like the outcome to be,” Charles said to Secondsout. “But unfortunately, your wish is not going to be granted.”

Charles made the comments while responding to predictions favoring Wardley, including one from Johnny Fisher, who recently said he expects Wardley to survive an early knockdown before stopping Dubois late.

Charles dismissed that scenario immediately.

“I don’t know anyone Daniel has put down who’s got back up and won against Daniel,” Charles said. “It’s not going to happen. If Daniel puts you down, you’re going to stay down.”

The buildup between Dubois and Wardley also became more tense during Thursday’s final press conference. After the face-off ended, Dubois refused to touch gloves or fist bump Wardley, turning and walking away while Wardley remained standing on stage.

Wardley had already questioned Dubois’ consistency earlier in the press conference, saying the champion can look mentally strong in some fights and vulnerable in others.

Charles defended Dubois throughout the interview, arguing that criticism around the heavyweight champion has become exaggerated despite his recent run of victories.

He also praised Wardley’s rise while still insisting Dubois is the superior fighter entering Saturday’s matchup.

“He’s done tremendously well,” Charles said of Wardley. “But I think I’ve got the better fighter.”

The veteran trainer pointed to Dubois’ experience and fundamentals as the difference, especially his jab.

“I’ve seen Daniel Dubois sit people down with a jab,” Charles said. “His jab is like most people’s right hands.”

Saturday’s fight at the Co-op Live Arena will be Dubois’ first defense of the WBO heavyweight title and the biggest fight yet of Wardley’s unbeaten career.

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