diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index e750bb704..f225fe186 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 BUG FIXES:
 
+  - core: box removal of a V1 box works
   - guests/debian,ubuntu: fix change\_host\_name for FQDNs with trailing
     dots [GH-2610]
   - guests/freebsd: configuring networks in the guest works properly
diff --git a/lib/vagrant/action/builtin/box_remove.rb b/lib/vagrant/action/builtin/box_remove.rb
index 3ae8bc1ac..93a1dd355 100644
--- a/lib/vagrant/action/builtin/box_remove.rb
+++ b/lib/vagrant/action/builtin/box_remove.rb
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ module Vagrant
           begin
             box = env[:box_collection].find(box_name, box_provider)
           rescue Vagrant::Errors::BoxUpgradeRequired
-            @env.boxes.upgrade(box_name)
+            env[:box_collection].upgrade(box_name)
             retry
           end