Alycia Baumgardner has made it clear that Caroline Dubois still has work to do before the American fighter will consider stepping into the ring with the unified lightweight world champion. Baumgardner, who will defend her WBA, WBO and IBF super‑featherweight titles against Bo Mi Re Shin on Sky Sports at 3 a.m.
Saturday, says Dubois needs to solidify her own standing before a high‑stakes clash can be arranged. Dubois recently secured a high‑profile victory over Terri Harper, capturing the WBC and WBO lightweight crowns in a bout that generated considerable buzz.
In the aftermath, Dubois turned her attention to Baumgardner, publicly challenging the American champion and expressing a desire for a marquee showdown. While the call‑out sparked excitement among fans, Baumgardner responded with measured caution.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Baumgardner acknowledged that any fight could become a future possibility, but she emphasized that Dubois must continue to build her résumé as a champion. "Every fight is a potential fight," she said, "but Caroline needs to keep proving who she is at 135 lb while I’m still defending my titles at 130 lb.
When we talk about creating an entertaining fight, those things have to be earned." Baumgardner added that she has already done her part by delivering compelling performances and achieving undisputed status at super‑featherweight. "I’ve put in the work and put on great shows," she said.
"Now she needs to do the same and then officially call me out. I’ve heard she might be considering a move up to 147 lb, which feels like she’s avoiding me right now. We'll see what happens." Dubois, meanwhile, has other options on the table.
Nakisa Bidarian, co‑founder of Most Valuable Promoters, told Sky Sports that Dubois should clean up the lightweight division first before targeting Baumgardner. "If she becomes close to undisputed, the event will be even bigger," Bidarian explained.
She suggested a more immediate matchup against Stephanie Han, who is set to rematch Holly Holm for the WBA lightweight title on May 30. On the super‑featherweight side, another potential opponent for Baumgardner is Caroline Veyre, the WBC champion at 130 lb.
Promoter Dmitriy Salita expressed enthusiasm about a possible fight, stating, "We’re absolutely open to it and would like to move quickly to make the fight happen. I have a lot of confidence in Caroline’s ability, mindset, and her team.
Alycia has been vocal about big names, but the most natural fight in the division is against the current WBC champion, Caroline Veyre. If Alycia wins this weekend, we’re ready to work toward that bout as soon as possible." Most Valuable Promotions, the outfit founded by Bidarian and social‑media star Jake Paul, is actively building what it hopes will become the premier roster for women’s boxing.
The company now boasts more than 45 fighters and 16 world champions, aiming to elevate women’s boxing to the same level of prominence enjoyed by men’s divisions. "From day one our vision was to make women’s boxing a meaningful part of the combat‑sports ecosystem," Bidarian told Sky Sports, citing the influence of Ronda Rousey’s rise in the UFC as a catalyst. Bidarian also shared a personal motivation for supporting female athletes, noting that growing up with a single mother inspired her to champion causes that help single‑parent families. Her experience at the UFC, where she witnessed the introduction of women’s MMA and the massive impact of Rousey, reinforced her belief that fighters should be placed first in any promotional strategy.
Jake Paul’s involvement may appear unconventional, but Bidarian highlighted his enthusiasm for the women’s game. "Jake has been supportive from day one and sees it as even more exciting than men’s boxing because these athletes bring a raw, fierce energy to the ring," she said.
The partnership focuses on three pillars: putting the fighter first, targeting a younger audience, and filling the clear market gap for women’s boxing. The upcoming Sky Sports card at Madison Square Garden features more than just Baumgardner vs. Shin.
In the super‑middleweight division, Shadasia Green will face Lani Daniels in a WBO and IBF title unification bout. A victory for Green could set up a future showdown with the current undisputed heavyweight champion, Claressa Shields, a fight that promoters are already eyeing. "We’re definitely interested in seeing how Shadasia performs on April 17 against Lani Daniels, and we’d love to make Claressa Shields versus Shadasia Green happen," Bidarian said.
In summary, while Dubois has thrown down the gauntlet, Baumgardner remains cautious, insisting that Dubois must continue to prove herself before a fight can be finalized. The landscape of women’s boxing is rapidly evolving, with promoters, fighters, and even celebrity investors working together to create more high‑profile matchups.
Whether the Baumgardner‑Dubois clash materializes this year or later, the sport’s growing visibility suggests that fans will soon enjoy a wealth of compelling contests across multiple weight classes.