Daniel Dubois’ sparring in 2024 helped the heavyweight improve on the biggest stage.
After suffering his first defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, the Londoner changed tack and gained confidence, which propelled him back to the top of the division.
The Anthony Joshua Wembley win will always remain the best of his career for the manner of the knockout in the fifth round.
His preparations were unusual for the fight, as Dubois previously detailed a Joshua pre-fight party which he believes helped him get the win.
Olympic gold medallist details Daniel Dubois ‘intense’ sparring, which gave him confidence
Whilst his gathering before the second Usyk bout failed to have the same effect and drew criticism, it may have been the quality sparring with former Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka that helped his improvements last year.
Yoka has not been as successful as a professional compared to his amateur pedigree, with three back-to-back losses against the likes of Martin Bakole and Carlos Takam.
However, speaking to Box Nation, the Frenchman revealed his route to sparring ‘Dynamite’, he said: “For the first year, few months, he (Don Charles) didn’t want me to spar Daniel. I was really mad about it, I was like ‘let me spar him’ because I like to fight tough guys.
“This is where you learn, this is where you can prove to yourself you belong in that mix.”
The 33-year-old has just signed a promotional deal with Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, joining heavyweight talent like Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker.
On the reaction from ‘DDD’ and the gym to the rounds they sparred, the former European titleholder said: “I show up, I go in the ring, spar a few rounds, the gym is quiet, nobody talks… really intense rounds.
“After the sparring, he went to the coach and his dad, ‘Why didn’t you bring this guy before? Why did you bring me bums before?’
Following the signature wins of the 27-year-old, ‘La Conquete’ said his gym sessions against the younger fighter gave him the ‘confidence’ that he belonged against the top heavyweights.
‘No conversations’ for Tony Yoka as a surprise opponent for Anthony Joshua’s return, says Eddie Hearn
As AJ looks to get on the comeback trail, rumours of him fighting a fellow Olympic medallist in Yoka have gathered some steam over the past five days.
However, in a recent interview with IFL TV, Eddie Hearn has explained that no talks or offers have been had over the possibility of the fight.
He explained that whilst there have been ‘site offers’ for the 35-year-old to return, the fighting pride of France is not the likely opponent.
A December date is the target for the team as long as recovery from his elbow injury permits him to step back in the squared circle.