Per Gary Cromie: In a world where stories of redemption flourish, Daniel Dubois has emerged as a heavyweight Forrest Gump—a quiet, enigmatic figure whose fists seem to whisper, “Life is like a box of candy. You never know what you're going to get.” Dubois, who stands 6'5” and weighs a solid 240 pounds, found his fashion in 2024, delivering incredible victories that made fans and critics rethink their stories.
For years, the gentle giant from Greenwich, London seemed to be floating. After a devastating loss to Joe Joyce in 2020—a fight that left his orbital bone broken and his confidence in tatters—Dubois faced an uphill battle to regain respect. A controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023 only deepened the doubts, with many fans labeling him a “quitter” after a questionable low decision killed his chance at stardom.
But oh, how the tides have changed.
The year of Dubois
Dubois' breakout year began with a thunderous statement against Filip Hrgović, the Croatian powerhouse hailed as a future champion. In the eighth round, Dubois flattened Hrgovicis' jab like a piston and crushed an overhand right that proved too much for the granite-chinned fighter. This performance set the tone for a year of dominance and served as a message to the boxing world: Daniel Dubois was back and he meant business.
Next up was Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, whose brash story ended ingloriously as Dubois showed newfound aggression and confidence, stopping Miller in the sixth round. The fight revealed an evolved version of Dubois — a fighter willing to take risks, absorb pressure and return fire with precision and fury. His improvements in defense and general of the hoop were evident, a testament to hours of disciplined training.
But the highlight of his 2024 campaign was the destruction of Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world champion. In front of a sell-out crowd at Wembley, Dubois' relentless pressure and thunderous hooks overwhelmed Joshua, culminating in a seventh-round knockout that shook the boxing world. Joshua, known for his resilience and power, had no answer to Dubois' onslaught. The win gave Dubois the WBA heavyweight title and emphatically silenced his doubters.
Dubois now stands as the WBA heavyweight champion, holding a belt that is as much a symbol of his resurgence as his dominance.
A gentle giant with an iron fist
Dubois' boxing style has always been a paradox—a combination of technical precision and raw power. His jab, honed by years of dedication, is now a weapon of clinical destruction. He is a methodical predator at his best, stalking his prey with an almost serene calm before unleashing explosive combos.
Born in Greenwich into a boxing-oriented family, Daniel grew up in a household where combat sports were a way of life. His younger sister, Caroline Dubois, is a celebrated boxer in her own right, and the siblings often spoke of their shared drive to excel. Their shared ambition and competitive spirit shaped Daniel's journey.
Outside the ring, though, Dubois remains a man of few words, and his reserved demeanor is often mistaken for aloofness. Some have speculated that he is on the autism spectrum, comparing him to Forrest Gump for his understated brilliance and unassuming nature. Dubois never made a public statement about it, but his actions speak louder than words.
“I may not be a smart man,” he once joked after a win, borrowing a line from Gump, “but I know what it feels like to win.”
Believing in Himself
Dubois' transformation in 2024 is as much psychological as it is physical. Once haunted by self-doubt, he now exudes a quiet confidence that borders on Zen-like serenity.
“He finally realized his skills were enough,” said his coach Shane McGuigan. “Daniel has always had tools, but now he believes in them.”
The newfound confidence translated into a sharper, more adaptable fighter. Dubois has shown the ability to adjust mid-fight, a quality that eluded him earlier in his career. Against Miller, he skilfully neutralized the American's aggression with counter-kicks. Against Joshua, he overpowered the taller man, landing heavy punches and devastating punches that led to the final knockout.
The boxing world has taken notice. Usyk, ever the tactician, expressed his interest in a rematch, eager to regain his status as the undisputed champion. But first, Dubois must face Joseph Parker in early 2025, a fight that promises fireworks as Parker looks to thwart Dubois' meteoric rise. Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, presents a different challenge with his speed and stamina. A win over Parker would further solidify Dubois as one of the division's elite fighters.
What awaits us?
Dubois' story is far from over. Whether he will emerge victorious against Parker and face Usyka again remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: Daniel Dubois proved that comebacks aren't just for movies.
In the words of Forrest Gump, “You have to put the past behind you before you can move on.” Dubois did just that, and in doing so etched his name into the annals of heavyweight boxing history.
From “quitter” to king, the gentle giant has found his stride. And for now, the world belongs to Daniel Dubois. With a refreshed look and a championship belt around his waist, Dubois isn't just a force to be reckoned with in the ring – he's a beacon of resilience, proving that redemption is always possible even in the most brutal sports.