Daniel Dubois threatened Oleksandr Usyk with “chaos” forward of their title battle however now questions encompass the Briton’s personal pre-fight preparation.
Dubois arrived late on the stadium for his undisputed heavyweight championship battle with Usyk and it has been instructed {that a} celebration hosted by his father delayed and disrupted him forward of the competition.
Coach Don Charles acknowledged that Dubois did not know individuals on the occasion however described it as a “gathering” fairly than a celebration and identified {that a} comparable occasion energised Dubois earlier than his nice victory over Anthony Joshua final yr.
“It may appear madness to a lot of people but it’s the same method that got us victory,” Charles instructed talkSPORT, understanding why “Stan Dubois [Daniel’s father], with his extraordinary methods, would try and replicate it. That’s my take on it”.
Dubois did solely arrive on the stadium 90 minutes earlier than he was as a result of make his ringwalk and a while after Usyk.
His crew has additionally been criticised for obvious confusion in the course of the bout, with Dubois’ father talking from the ring apron whereas the coach was within the nook.
“That is a ‘mess’ – to use their word – that got us victory against [Jarrell] ‘Baby’ Miller, against [Filip] Hrgovic, against Anthony Joshua. I don’t remember anybody bringing that up. It’s the same ‘chaotic’ corner, you heard the word being used, but it worked for us,” Charles mentioned.
There stays a stark distinction with Usyk’s measured and scientific method.
Serge Lapin, the CEO of Usyk’s promotional crew Able to Struggle, instructed Sky Sports activities: “Oleksandr had a plan for the fight – and he executed it. What happened in the ring was a natural result of the champion’s hard work, dedication and discipline, and a smart, data-driven approach to preparation. While the opposing team promised to bring chaos into the ring, we focused on bringing order.
“Right now, the Prepared To Struggle analytics crew contains 10 specialists. They analyse a fighter’s statistics and the way they evolve over time, his type, and the way it adapts relying on the opponent and scenario within the ring. Many extra variables are additionally thought-about – permitting the crew to develop not only one or two, however a number of contingency plans for the battle.
“Our scientific group, for its part, monitors medical indicators, physical and cognitive condition, fatigue and recovery patterns, and the performance of each key muscle group. Training is then programmed according to their recommendations.
“From there, it is as much as the champion to ship.”
“I’ve never seen that before”
Chantelle Cameron is aware of what it takes to win undisputed championships – she’s beforehand held all of the titles at super-lightweight. She was surprised to listen to about Dubois’ battle day timetable.
“I don’t speak to anyone on fight day. I ring my family, I ring my dad, I ring my mum, have a little chat with my family. But my friends or anyone, if they want to meet me, I say no. I spend time with my team and go for a walk and do as little socialising as possible. I don’t want my social battery to be drained,” she instructed Sky Sports activities.
“I was quite shocked. I thought I could never do that. Everyone’s different in how they prepare. Me personally, I don’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone.
“Possibly it really works for Daniel, it undoubtedly would not work for me. I’ve by no means seen that earlier than.”