A bold, clear aim is what Daniel Dubois’ new trainer is shooting for: a shot at the WBO heavyweight title held by Fabio Wardley.
Tony Sims stepped in as Dubois’ coach in August, taking over after Dubois’ second loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois, 28, followed fellow English heavyweight Johnny Fisher in signing with Sims, giving the veteran mentor a return to the top level after a long break without a leading trainer.
Sims previously guided Anthony Joshua to the IBF crown and has since watched Wardley rise to WBO champion. Believing in Dubois’ progress under his guidance, Sims is keen for a Wardley duel next.
“I’d like to see Dubois against Wardley,” Sims told BoxingScene. “That fight has been mentioned. He’s already competing at a higher level alongside Joshua and Usyk, so a comeback fight just to rebuild isn’t ideal. He’s moved past that phase.
“I’d love to see Wardley as the opponent. It’s a battle British fans will relish, and it’s appealing to fight fans everywhere because both men are punchers. It would be a spectacular matchup.”
Sims added that Dubois is thriving under his coaching, with about three to four months of work so far. They’re currently waiting for a formal date to begin a full training camp; in the meantime, they’ve focused on refining technique and fundamentals.
Wardley, now 30, earned the world title after a career-best win over Joseph Parker in October. Coincidentally, Fisher—who’s tied to Sims—recently secured a victory in Monte Carlo, taking Balaz in the fourth round after a rough start.
“It’s useful to have a couple of heavyweights training together,” Sims observed. “They’ve settled in well with the rest of the gym squad, which has been positive.
“The pad work definitely wears you down, but my assistant John Ryder helps shoulder some of that workload. Overall, things have been productive.”
Beyond his coaching change, Dubois also brought in Sam Jones as an advisor after parting ways with Don Charles. His sister, lightweight Caroline Dubois, recently inked a promotional deal with MVP. On Saturday, Sims will also guide Craig Richards into an all-British light-heavyweight clash with Dan Azeez.
