Dubois' Team to Conduct Internal Review After Controversial Pre-Fight Gathering

London, England - In the aftermath of Daniel Dubois' third defeat in 25 professional fights, questions are being raised about the events leading up to his loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois' team has announced plans to conduct an internal review, or "inquest," following reports of a pre-fight gathering at his home just hours before the match.

The heavyweight champion from London arrived at Wembley Stadium at around 8:15 PM BST, less than two hours before his ring walk. This delay has sparked speculation about its potential impact on his performance. Dubois was stopped in the fifth round, surrendering his IBF title to Usyk, who became a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Dubois' trainer, Don Charles, declined to confirm the details of the video but acknowledged its authenticity. He emphasized that the term "party" should be replaced with "gathering," noting that a similar event had occurred before Dubois' victory over Anthony Joshua in September. Charles explained, "This gathering is the same gathering which was used for the AJ fight day preparation."

Despite the claims, Charles dismissed suggestions that the gathering indicated distress. He stated, "Daniel went for a drive, like you do. He's a fighter who's fighting on that day. If he wanted to get some fresh air or whatever, it's not unusual to say 'I'm going for a drive.'"

Promoter Frank Warren and his son George are set to hold discussions with Dubois' team as part of the internal review. Charles described the pending meeting as an opportunity to address what went wrong. "There's a meeting pending," he said. "We'll hold an internal inquest on what happened. Questions will be asked by Frank and George Warren."

Charles also refuted claims that members of Dubois' entourage were denied entry to the venue, which may have contributed to the late arrival. He expressed confidence in Dubois' preparation, stating, "I had 90 minutes to prepare him - the duration of a football game - and I was satisfied. I didn't see a fighter unsettled. He seemed the Daniel Dubois that I knew, who I see every day in the gym."

Meanwhile, Usyk showcased his dominance, flooring Dubois twice in the fifth round. Despite the defeat, Charles praised Usyk as "an all-time great" and reaffirmed Dubois' determination to bounce back.

As the boxing world continues to dissect the implications of the fight, all eyes are on Dubois' team as they seek to understand the factors that led to the unexpected loss. This incident has highlighted the fine line between pre-fight preparation and potential distractions, raising important questions about the role of external factors in high-stakes sports.