Don Charles, the trainer of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, has advised Anthony Joshua to avoid a rematch with Dubois, expressing concern for Joshua’s health. Dubois retained his title with a decisive victory over Joshua on September 21, knocking him down multiple times before the fight was stopped in the fifth round at Wembley.

With the IBF recently setting an April 22, 2025 deadline for a potential rematch, Joshua, along with his promoter Eddie Hearn, has indicated interest in a comeback to reclaim his world championship. However, speaking in Accra, Ghana, during a visit to the Bronx Boxing Club, Charles—who previously trained Joshua for five years—stressed that a rematch would be a mistake. “I don’t want him near Daniel Dubois. He’s my boy, but they’re risking his health,” Charles emphasized.

Dubois, currently riding a three-fight win streak after his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year, may have a shot at an undisputed title, contingent on Usyk’s upcoming rematch against Tyson Fury.

During his visit to Ghana, Charles joined local boxing figures, including Lawrence Carl Lokko, for an open training event at the Bronx Boxing gym. Charles also announced a partnership with the gym to facilitate future UK training camps for Ghanaian boxers and donated training equipment as a gesture of support. Reflecting on his return to Africa, Charles said, “I feel blessed to be able to help and support the talent here. This is for the long-term.”