Alycia Baumgardner believes Caroline Dubois must demonstrate her capabilities as a champion before she considers a fight against the unified lightweight world titleholder. Baumgardner is set to defend her unified WBA, WBO, and IBF super-featherweight world titles against Bo Mi Re Shin, broadcasting live on Sky Sports on Saturday.
Following her victory over Terri Harper, Dubois expressed interest in facing Baumgardner, but the American thinks Dubois needs to establish herself further. Baumgardner stated, "Every fight is a potential fight, but I think Caroline needs to continue building her reputation as a champion." She emphasized that Dubois should focus on becoming undisputed in her weight class before calling her out. Baumgardner also mentioned that she has already proven herself as a great entertainer and a champion, and now it's Dubois' turn to do the same. Meanwhile, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promoters, suggested that Dubois should prioritize cleaning up her division before pursuing a fight against Baumgardner.
Bidarian thinks this would create a more significant event if Dubois becomes close to being undisputed. Baumgardner has the opportunity to become the undisputed champion at super-featherweight again, and WBC belt-holder Caroline Veyre has expressed interest in a fight against her.
Dmitriy Salita, Veyre's promoter, is confident in his fighter's abilities and thinks she has what it takes to come out victorious against Baumgardner. Most Valuable Promotions is working to establish the deepest roster of talent in women's boxing, with over 45 fighters, including 16 world champions. The company aims to become the reference brand for women's boxing, with the best athletes in the world under one umbrella. Bidarian explained that his motivation for supporting women's boxing stems from his upbringing by a single mother and his experience witnessing the impact of Ronda Rousey in the UFC.
Jake Paul, Bidarian's partner, has been supportive of the endeavor from the start, and the two are focused on putting the fighters first and catering to a young audience. This weekend, Baumgardner vs. Shin will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, along with the WBO and IBF super-middleweight title unification between Shadasia Green and Lani Daniels. A victory for Green could potentially lead to a showdown with Claressa Shields, the current undisputed heavyweight champion.