Caroline Dubois has openly suggested that her American counterpart, Alycia Baumgardner, is "most definitely" feeling the pressure of a potential showdown later this year. The British fighter has already ignited a heated verbal exchange with Baumgardner after securing a victory over Terri Harper earlier this month, a win that allowed her to combine the WBC and WBO lightweight crowns into a single set of belts. Baumgardner, meanwhile, is busy defending her trio of super‑featherweight titles – the IBF, WBO and WBA – against South Korean challenger Bo Mi Re Shin in New York. The bout is scheduled for early Saturday morning, with Sky Sports broadcasting the fight from 3 a.m.
local time. Dubois used the occasion to reiterate her desire for a high‑profile clash with the American, but she also hinted that Baumgardner might find Shin a tougher opponent than she anticipates. "She’s up against one of my former opponents, someone I have already beaten," Dubois told Sky Sports.
"I actually want her to win that fight. She’s a big name, she does everything right from a promotional and buildup perspective, and that’s why the public wants to see her in the ring.
I’d love to see her come out victorious." Dubois then turned her attention to the upcoming fight, adding, "Bo is a very tough competitor, so it’s going to be a demanding contest. I think Bo will expose the things I’ve noticed and the weaknesses I see. Still, I hope Baumgardner can rise to the occasion, showcase superior skills, and take the win." The London‑born champion is clearly applying pressure on Baumgardner to accept a bout. She has been vocal about the fan demand, saying, "She doesn’t want the fight.
Every time you hear the name Alycia Baumgardner, the comments keep mentioning Caroline Dubois. She claims there are bigger fights elsewhere, but the public keeps linking the two of us." "People are calling for an Alycia versus Caroline matchup. I don’t understand why we shouldn’t give the fans what they want.
It would be a fantastic fight, and the only thing standing in the way is whether MVP – their promoter – wants it and whether Baumgardner can finally summon the courage to step up." Dubois has shown no signs of backing down, much as she did after her triumph over Harper. She described her own approach as unapologetically confident, not villainous.
"I don’t think I’m playing the villain; I’m just displaying confidence, and that seems to rattle people. I know I was the better fighter than Terri Harper," the Briton explained. She continued, "I’m not trying to be a bad guy. I’m simply stating the truth, expressing how I feel, and I’m not scared to say it.
Many fighters keep their thoughts to themselves because they fear criticism if they lose. I just stay true to myself, and if that triggers anyone, that’s their problem." If a Baumgardner fight cannot be arranged, Dubois has other options on the horizon.
The lightweight division still holds several champions who could provide a worthy test. On May 30, Stephanie Han and former UFC star Holly Holm are set to battle for the WBA lightweight title, while unbeaten, hard‑hitting Elif Nur Turhan currently holds the IBF belt at 135 pounds. Dubois expressed a particular interest in Turhan, stating, "I don’t think she’s a technically great fighter, but she’s certainly dangerous. The fight might not be a technical masterpiece, but the danger factor makes it exciting." She summed up her ambitions by saying, "I want to keep progressing, to be part of the biggest fights, and to build a lasting legacy.
I’ve already unified titles, and I’d love to do it again." The upcoming Baumgardner‑Shin clash will be streamed live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event, starting at 3 a.m. Saturday, offering fans a glimpse of the American champion’s form before any potential future encounter with Dubois. The British boxer remains steadfast in her pursuit, confident that the public’s appetite for a Dubois‑Baumgardner showdown will eventually be satisfied, whether through negotiation, promoter agreement, or simply by both fighters proving themselves in the ring.