When you think about the most colorful characters in boxing, it’s easy to picture the fighters.
But sometimes, the real story is just outside the ring.
In the case of British heavyweight Daniel Dubois, that story is his father—Stanley Dubois, a man who defies every stereotype of a boxing dad.
A Party, a Fight, and a Lot of Questions
Boxing fans were left scratching their heads after reports surfaced that Stanley hosted a lavish party for 70 guests at his Essex mansion—on the very night before Daniel’s high-stakes title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Some wondered how Daniel could stay focused while strangers mingled in his supposed pre-fight calm zone.
He even arrived late and lost his reserved parking spot at Wembley.
Did Daniel know about the party? Did he approve of it? Only he and Stanley really know.
The Times was first to report the drama, and ever since, boxing circles have been buzzing.
More Than Just a Dad—The Man Who Built a Fighter
But before we cast too much judgment, it’s worth remembering one thing: without Stanley, Daniel might never have become “Dynamite.”
Daniel has long described his father as a “legend” and even a “prophet,” crediting him for everything from his training regimen to his unshakeable mindset.
According to Stanley, his son’s future in boxing was clear before he was even born.
“I had a vision that he’d be a world champion,” he told The Times. “By four, I was already training him.”
Tough Training, Faith, and a Chicken for Breakfast
The Dubois household was anything but conventional.
From a council flat in Deptford, southeast London, Stanley homeschooled all 11 of his children across two marriages.
Breakfast? Forget cereal. Daniel started his day with a whole chicken.
Morning routines included closed-fist push-ups that lasted hours—and no food or drink until they were done.
They recited scripture, too. Psalm 144, verse 1: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who strengthens my hands for war and my fingers for battle.”
At age five, Daniel reportedly broke the record for most consecutive push-ups by a child.
No Boxing Past, But a Vision and a Hustler’s Spirit
Surprisingly, Stanley himself never liked boxing. In fact, he quit after getting punched once in the nose.
But his entrepreneurial drive was unmatched.
Raised in west London by Grenadian parents, he became a father of twins by age 16—homeless and sleeping in laundromats.
Yet, by his early 20s, he claimed to be one of the most successful street traders in the world, making thousands selling posters in London, New York, and the Caribbean.
His big hit? A cheeky alien-themed poster titled “Take me to your dealer.”
Heritage of Fighters, Even Without Gloves
Though he never boxed professionally, Stanley insists the fighting spirit runs in the family.
One ancestor, Silvia Dubois, was an 18th-century enslaved woman and bare-knuckle brawler in New Jersey.
Her punch nearly killed her mistress, but instead of being executed, she was granted freedom.
Raising Fighters in a Controlled World
Stanley believed the streets of London were too dangerous for his kids, so he kept them close.
No traditional school. No lingering outside.
Trips to amateur boxing clubs were their social outings—Repton, Dale Youth, Lynn, Fisher, Islington, and more.
It clearly worked. Daniel became a British amateur champ, a Commonwealth titleholder, and a professional powerhouse with 22 wins and 21 knockouts.
And he wasn’t alone. His sister Caroline is a WBC lightweight champ.
His brothers Prince and Solomon also trained and fought.
Still Guiding From the Corner
Even now, with a full team of trainers, Stanley remains deeply involved.
His message never changes: “Your opponent is working harder than you.”
Daniel’s upbringing left a lasting mark. His phone reportedly doesn’t even have internet access.
Whether or not he’s aware of the leaked party footage—or cares—is anyone’s guess.
Controversial to Many, a Hero to One
While critics have painted Stanley as a liability—someone who distracted his son from greatness—Daniel’s view couldn’t be more different.
In his own words:
“I wouldn’t be here without him.”
He knows his father’s methods were intense, even extreme at times.
But he also sees them as the foundation of his success.
“Sometimes you have to go through hell to get to paradise,” he said in an interview with Boxing News.
The Bottom Line
For all the noise and controversy, the bond between Daniel and Stanley Dubois is unshakable.
Say what you want about the party, the training, the tough love—Daniel is a fighter built by vision, grit, and a very unconventional kind of faith.
And whether people love or criticize Stanley, one thing is certain: he’s not your average boxing dad.
