by Gary Cromie: In a world where stories of redemption flourish, Daniel DuBois has emerged as the Forrest Gump of the heavyweight division – a quiet, mysterious figure whose fists seem to whisper, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.” Discover DuBois, who is 6' '5' and weighing 240 pounds, he struck magic in 2024, racking up stunning victories that left fans and pundits scrambling to re-evaluate their narratives.
For many years, the gentle giant from Greenwich, London, seemed to be adrift. After a devastating loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 — a fight that left his orbital bones shattered and his self-belief in tatters — Dubois faced an uphill battle to regain respect. A controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023 deepened the doubts, with many fans branding him a 'retired' after a questionable call hampered his chance at glory.
But oh, how the tides have turned.
Dubois year
Dubois' breakout year began with a resounding statement against Filip Hrjovic, the Croatian powerhouse touted as a future champion. In the eighth round, Dubois flattened Hrgovicis' piston-like jab and crushed her with a right hand, which 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 came Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, whose rant met an ignominious end as Dubois, showing newfound aggression and confidence, stopped Miller in the sixth round. The fight revealed an evolved version of Dubois, a fighter willing to take risks, absorb pressure, and respond with precision and fury. His improvements defensively and overall leadership were evident, a testament to hours of disciplined training.
But the climax of his 2024 campaign was eliminating Anthony Joshua, the former two-time world champion. In front of a sellout crowd at Wembley, Dubois' relentless pressure and thundering hooks overwhelmed Joshua, culminating in a seventh-round knockout that rocked the boxing world. Joshua, known for his resilience and strength, had no answers for Dubois' attack. The win earned Dubois the WBA heavyweight title and definitively silenced his doubters.
Dubois now stands as the WBA heavyweight champion, holding a belt that is as much a symbol of his comeback as it is of his dominance.
The gentle giant with the iron fist
Dubois' boxing style has always been contradictory, a combination of technical precision and raw power. His stab, honed over years of dedication, was now a weapon of clinical destruction. It is a methodical predator at its best, stalking its prey with near-calm calm before unleashing explosive combos.
Born in Greenwich to a boxing-focused family, Daniel grew up in a home where combat sports were a way of life. His younger sister, Caroline Dubois, is a famous boxer in her own right, and the siblings have often spoken of their shared drive to excel. Their shared ambition and competitive spirit shaped Daniel's journey.
However, outside the ring, Dubois remains a man of few words, and his reserved demeanor is often viewed as aloof. Some have speculated that he was autistic, likening him to Forrest Gump due to his easygoing brilliance and humble nature. DuBois has never commented publicly on the matter, but his actions speak louder than words.
“I may not be a smart guy, but I know what winning feels like,” he once joked after winning.
Believing in himself
Dubois's 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 always had the tools, but now he believes in them.”
The newfound confidence has translated into a sharper, more adaptable fighter. Dubois showed his ability to adapt in the middle of a fight, a quality that had eluded him earlier in his career. Against Miller, he expertly neutralized American aggression with counterstrikes. Against Joshua, he outmaneuvered the taller man, landing punches and landing devastating body shots that led to the eventual knockout.
The boxing world has taken this to heart. Usyk, ever the tactician, has expressed interest in a rematch, keen to regain his status as undisputed champion. But first, Dubois must face Joseph Parker in early 2025, a fight that promises fireworks as Parker looks to derail Dubois' meteoric rise. Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, presents a different challenge with his speed and durability. A victory over Parker would solidify Dubois as one of the elite fighters in the division.
What lies ahead?
DuBois' story is far from over. It remains to be seen whether he will emerge victorious over Parker and go on to face Usyk again. But one thing is for sure: Daniel DuBois has proven that comebacks aren't just limited to movies.
In the words of Forrest Gump, “You have to put the past behind you before you can move forward.” Dubois did just that, and in doing so, etched his name into the annals of heavyweight boxing history.
From “defeatist” to king, the gentle giant has found his stride. And for now, the world belongs to Daniel DuBois. With his renewed look and a champion 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 even in the most brutal of sports, redemption is always possible.
