Greenwich heavyweight Daniel Dubois appoints Mark Tibbs as his new trainer – and can’t wait to get all-clear for gym return

Daniel Dubois has split from long-term trainer Martin Bowers – and will hit the comeback trail under the tutelage of Mark Tibbs.

The South London heavyweight has been out of the ring since suffering serious eye damage in his loss to Joe Joyce in November.

And Dubois has opted to link up with Tibbs, who has previously trained Dillian Whyte and Billy Joe Saunders. His father Mark Tibbs, who of the most respected fight figures in the British game, will also be involved.

Dubois told The Queensbury Lowdown: “I want a fresh start. I feel the experience that Mark and Jimmy bring can really help me on the way back. They can show me some new things.

“They both go way back into boxing. They’ve been top level before – at world title level with Billy Joe Saunders and a few other guys. They have trained some real top fighters.

“As a fighter you only get one crack of the top and I’ve got to get out there and do what’s best for me. I also want to say that Mark and Tony Bowers have done a tremendous job with me. We’ve had a fantastic journey. We got our separate ways with no hard feelings.”

Dubois’s left eye was shut at the time of the stoppage against Joyce. The Greenwich puncher took a knee for the full count – a first loss after 15 victories in the paid ranks.

Dubois says he had been told by an eye specialist that he would be out for five months.

“It’s been about three months and I’ve no vision problems or anything. I’m just waiting to get the doctor’s all-clear report back, then I’ll know where I’m at.

“It [the Joyce loss] was a massive setback for me. I want to vent my frustrations and get back in the gym and get back on course. I want to see what level I’m at and start afresh, like I’ve just turned pro.”