Daniel Dubois makes surprise decision to change coach after Joe Joyce defeat
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Daniel Dubois has dumped trainer Martin Bowers after his first career loss.
The British heavyweight star will now be coached by Mark Tibbs.
Bowers, who has been working with Dubois since his pro debut, will remain as his manager.
The move comes as a surprise despite Dubois' suffering defeat at the hands of Joe Joyce late last year.
The Londoner was the big favourite heading into the British, Commonwealth and European title clash.
But he was stopped in the 10th round after taking a knee as he struggled with severe damage to his eye.
Dubois suffered an orbital bone fracture and some bleeding which is still healing.
The Greenwich boxer visited a specialist again yesterday for further scans to decide when he can return to training.
But he is planning to be back in the ring before the summer as he looks to get his career back on track following the defeat in his 16th outing.
Dubois said: “I suffered the first loss of my career, a devastating setback for me.
Grim eye injury puts Daniel Dubois out for months as effects of Joe Joyce hits emerge
“I refuse to let this set me back, I will come back and get back to my best.
“I will iron out all my imperfections and, trust me, I will be back with vengeance.”
Dubois had recently switched training base from the Peacock Gym in Canning Town to a new facility in Epping.
But he is now expected to team up with Tibbs, who is based in Essex.
Tibbs split with heavyweight Dillian Whyte last year before his defeat by Alexander Povetkin.
Joe Joyce stuns Daniel Dubois to win fight with tenth-round stoppage
Dubois faces a long road back to the top but the switch is a surprise given his close bond with Bowers.
Fighters often blame coaches in the aftermath of defeats and Bowers did get criticism for not stopping the fight earlier with his man injured.
But it is still a strange move to make considering he is a heavyweight still developing and the loss could only delay his rise to the top rather than stop it.
Promoter Frank Warren wants his man out in April or May as he looks to reroute that path to the top after his first defeat.
- Boxing
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