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Daniel Dubois father reveals amazing family history that is inspiring son's heavyweight success
September 21, 2024. Daniel Dubois stands in the middle of Wembley Stadium. The flashbulbs pop all around him. Camera phones light up almost a hundred-thousand faces.
But the man in the middle has eyes for only a few of those around him. Not for Anthony Joshua, staggered and bruised behind him . Not for Eddie Hearn, his rival's promoter.
No, the face Dubois is searching for most is his father Dave - also known as Stan - as he is handed the IBF heavyweight belt by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh on the canvas.
To quote modern philosopher-slash-car enthusiast Dominic Toretto, the most important thing in life will always be family - and for the Briton, such ties are the bedrock of his ethos.
His dad's impact had already been cited in the build-up by Hearn as a secret weapon , touted by Frank Warren as an ace up the sleeve in previous battles on the biggest stages.
Now, as Dubois prepares for his latest defence, against Joseph Parker at Riyadh Season's The Last Crescendo , live on DAZN Pay-Per-View , he will call on his familial ties again.
"Boxing was always the first choice"
There is clearly something in the water, of course - the star is not the only one of his siblings to be a world champion, with sister Caroline a success story in her own right too.
But for Dubois Sr., their success may stem in part from their lineage, a historical pathway through generations that stretches back over a century and more into the past.
"Sylvia Dubois, I think [is where boxing started for the Dubois's]," he explained to DAZN' s On the Ground . "There was a slave in the 19th century. Her name was Sylvia Dubois, and she was a bare-knuckle fighter. So, it has been in family a very long time.
"Then for me, I grew up watching a lot of boxing. I always liked it, and I always wanted to do it myself. I used to admire Lennox Lewis, and [Frank] Bruno, and all the fighters from the UK.
"Daniel started as soon as he could walk, really. It sort of gets you ready for the real world. It makes you able to work. Boxing was always [going to be] the first choice."
History is as important to family as many who step in the ring, and doubly so when the two cross paths. There is myth and legacy at play, something that transcends the sport.
Dubois is not the only one who will honour the past. Auckland-born Parker speaks often of his Samoan pride, and holds the high chief name of Lupesoliai La'auliolemalietoa.
"We've got a rich history"
But the past does not stay buried - and in Saudi Arabia once again, both men will go looking to unearth it in support of their quest to write their name into future history books.
In a way, it is fitting that the pair should meet in the present. Parker is the once-and-former WBO world champion. Dubois is the man tipped to dominate for generations.
They will call upon their lineage and their names, the power invested in them over the years and offered the prospect of a place atop the pantheon to start a terrific 2025 for boxing.
Dubois knows this. He speaks with, if not fondness, then clear-eyed appreciation for the upbringing he received from his father in gyms across their London boroughs.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
In an area Dave suggests has changed with the times - "All the villains used to live round here," he quips - his son can still draw upon his memories to thrive in the here and now.
"Sport has been good to us, and we've got a rich history," he adds. "It gives you that work ethic. I love sport. We've given a lot to the sport, and you get out what you put in."
February 22, 2025. Daniel Dubois will stand in the middle of the Kingdom Arena. The flashbulbs will pop all around him. Win or lose, he will likely only have eyes for one man.
But with his father at his side once again, it will take something special from the man in the opposite corner to bring the curtain down early on what could be an all-time reign.
Watch Dubois vs Parker and full Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV
Watch Dubois against Parker / Beterbiev versus Bivol and the full Last Crescendo fight card live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
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