Daniel Dubois insists his crushing defeat to Oleksandr Usyk had nothing to do with his controversial pre-fight party.
‘Triple D’ saw his bid to become undisputed heavyweight champion dashed inside five rounds by Usyk last month, following a less-than-ideal fight day.
Dubois turned up late to Wembley Stadium after being held up by a party hosted by his father at their family home.
According to reports, Dubois was made to walk on foot from the car park and was then delayed entering the stadium while his father attempted to get multiple members of his entourage past security.
Despite this, Dubois refused to admit that the party had disrupted his preparations and took full responsibility for the loss when he spoke to talkSPORT’s Jim White on Thursday.
“No, it worked. The first time with AJ and things like that,” said Dubois, referring to the fact that a similar gathering had taken place before his spectacular knockout win over Anthony Joshua last September.
“But I don’t even want to talk about that too much.
“That’s not why anything went wrong in the fight. I look at myself and look at what I could have done better.
“But, yeah, it worked the first time with AJ. It’s a whole new beginning for me, moving forward.
“Now, I have to change and get it right…
“I came up against one of the best boxers in the world, and a southpaw in that.
“Yes, I could have done better, but this is how it goes sometimes.
“I don’t feel deflated or defeated in myself; I just need to learn about myself and improve myself.”
Since his crushing defeat, several members of the boxing fraternity have called for Dubois to distance himself from his father over concerns that he is harming his career.
talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan and other preeminent voices believe Dubois Sr is ‘too involved’.
However, Dubois insists his dad, Dave (also known as Stanley), has his best interests at heart.
“No, I don’t think he’s too involved,” added Dubois.
“I think he’s looking out for me; he’s looking out for my best interest.
“And moving forward, I’m learning as well. And, you know, we’re just deciding really what direction we’re going to go in for this next step.”
Dubois wouldn’t discuss his next fight, but he affirmed that his sights are firmly set on becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.
A new-look Team Dubois will sit down with promoter Frank Warren next week to go over the Usyk fight and discuss the 27-year-old’s future.
Dubois parted ways with head trainer Don Charles and assistant coach Kieran Farrell earlier this month, while Sam Jones has been brought in as an advisor to work alongside the Brit’s dad.
Conor Benn‘s trainer, Tony Sims, is reportedly set to take the helm, and while Dubois wasn’t able to confirm his new lead, he did touch upon his decision to end a fruitful two-year partnership with Charles.
“Don has been great for me; we won a world title, but I was just thinking about how I could improve myself, and that was my decision,” Dubois concluded.