Stanley Dubois hosted a party for 70 guests, many of whom Daniel Dubois didn't know. Despite this, the boxer smiled and posed for photos with attendees.
Video footage shows dozens of people crowding inside the house and spilling out into the entranceway.
Afterwards, Stanley requested additional transportation to Wembley Stadium. However, only one vehicle was permitted to park, forcing Dubois to walk to the venue. Stanley also reportedly threatened that his son wouldn't fight unless his entourage was allowed inside.
Radio host Simon Jordan recounted the incident on Talksport, surprising fellow boxers.
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Daniel Dubois (right) and his father Stanley. Photo: Times |
Daniel Dubois (right) and his father Stanley. Photo: Times
WBO interim champion Joseph Parker said, "That's incredibly disruptive. I'm surprised and shocked. That many people at a party? You’re preparing for a big fight. You need rest, relaxation, and mental focus, and he throws a huge party."
Lawrence Okolie, a British former world champion at cruiserweight (79.4 kg to 90.7 kg) and bridgerweight (91 kg to 102 kg), criticized Dubois's father for the party. "The issue is, the party comes from someone Dubois trusts," he said. "I've trained with Dubois. Stanley is a big part of his life, so it's obviously going to be disruptive."
Spencer Oliver, a former British boxer who won silver in the bantamweight division at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, agreed. "Boxers are very ritualistic and superstitious on fight day. Some want their rings on their shoelaces or other things," he said. "Everything has to be perfect so you can go out there. Any little thing can throw you off."
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Daniel Dubois (left) is hit by Oleksandr Usyk during their heavyweight title unification bout at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 29/8/2025. Photo: PA |
Daniel Dubois (left) is hit by Oleksandr Usyk during their heavyweight title unification bout at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 29/8/2025. Photo: PA
According to The Times, Dubois arrived at Wembley less than 90 minutes before entering the ring. He reportedly reached the venue around 8:20 PM London time, and the lavish party at home was the cause of the pre-fight chaos. He even left the party briefly to drive, perhaps to clear his head.
As a result, Dubois was outmatched and lost the heavyweight unification bout quickly. In the fifth round, the 27-year-old was knocked down by Usyk's left hook and couldn't get back up to continue fighting. This marked his third career defeat, following losses to Usyk in 2023 and Joe Joyce in 2020.
Compiled by Hong Duy
