Caroline Dubois believes Alycia Baumgardner is intimidated by the prospect of facing her in the ring later this year. Dubois, who recently unified the WBC and WBO lightweight world championships by defeating Terri Harper, has been engaging in a war of words with the American boxer. Baumgardner is set to defend her IBF, WBO, and WBA super-featherweight titles against Bo Mi Re Shin in New York. Dubois has expressed her desire to face Baumgardner in a high-profile match, but thinks her rival will struggle against Shin.
'She's fighting one of my past opponents, someone I've already beaten,' Dubois stated. 'I want her to win, as she's a big name who knows how to promote a fight and build hype. That's why people want to fight her.' However, Dubois also acknowledged that Shin will be a tough opponent for Baumgardner. 'Knowing how tough Bo is, I think it will be a challenging fight.
I think Bo will reveal what I already know and see, but I hope Baumgardner can pull through and win with her skills.' Dubois is increasing the pressure on Baumgardner to agree to a fight. 'She doesn't want to fight me,' Dubois said. 'Every time Alycia Baumgardner's name is mentioned, people also bring up my name.
They're calling for a match between us, and I don't see why we shouldn't give the fans what they want. It's a great fight, and it's up to her promoter and whether she can find the courage to do it.' Dubois will continue to verbally challenge Baumgardner, just as she did with Harper.
'I don't think I'm being a villain; I'm just confident and speaking my mind. I'm not afraid to say what I think, even if it triggers some people.' If a fight with Baumgardner can't be arranged, Dubois has other options, including facing other lightweight champions like Stephanie Han, Holly Holm, or Elif Nur Turhan. 'I'd like to face Turhan next, as she's a dangerous fighter, even if I don't think she's a particularly skilled one. It's an exciting fight, and I want to continue progressing and creating a legacy for myself.'