Alycia Baumgardner has made it clear that she intends to pursue bouts with the sport's most prominent figures. The current unified super‑featherweight champion has named three elite opponents—Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Mikaela Mayer—as her top priorities, stating, "Those are all three great fights. Let's get them all." Baumgardner's ambition extends beyond any single matchup; she is focused on securing the biggest, most high‑profile contests available, even if that means postponing other potential fights. In particular, Baumgardner has indicated that a clash with Britain's unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois is not at the forefront of her agenda.
"I am chasing the biggest fights. Dubois is not ready. Is she hungry? Absolutely.
Am I ducking smoke? No. I am aligned with the biggest fights possible, and that fight will happen when it happens," she explained. Her remarks suggest a strategic approach: she wants to build momentum with marquee events that will elevate her profile and test her skills against the very best in women's boxing.
The next step in Baumgardner's campaign is a title defense of her WBA, WBO and IBF super‑featherweight belts against South Korean challenger Bo Mi Re Shin. The bout is slated for the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, beginning at 3 a.m. on Saturday.
Baumgardner praised Shin's fighting spirit, noting, "One thing about Bo is that she's coming to fight. She is a warrior, just as I know she is.
But I'm hungrier, and I'm more aggressive, and I'm just sharper." She emphasized that while Shin brings toughness, Baumgardner intends to bring a heightened level of intensity and precision to the ring. Baumgardner also spoke about her preparation for the fight, highlighting her confidence in handling the three‑minute round format while tapping into a more ferocious side of her game. "I know that I can do three‑minute rounds, so now I want to bring in the other parts of me that I know that I can bring out. And that's just the meaner side, the more aggressive side, the hungrier side, the go‑get‑it side.
That's what I'm aiming for for fight night," she said. This mindset underscores her desire to dominate not just physically but also mentally, showcasing an unrelenting will to win. Shin, for her part, is determined to upset Baumgardner's plans.
She made it clear that Baumgardner is her primary target, stating, "Alycia was my goal. She has always been, but now it's time to take her belts for me." Shin also expressed respect for Baumgardner's abilities, acknowledging her opponent's skill set while asserting that perseverance will be the deciding factor.
"I have a great respect for Baumgardner. She has a great style of boxing. She's a strong fighter, but I believe I have more perseverance, and I will show you," Shin declared. The upcoming fight serves as a pivotal moment for Baumgardner.
A successful defense would reinforce her status as a dominant force in the super‑featherweight division and keep the door open for the high‑profile matchups she covets. A loss, however, could complicate her pursuit of fights with Taylor, Serrano or Mayer, as it would likely shift the focus toward rebuilding her standing. Beyond the immediate contest, Baumgardner's broader career strategy reflects a growing trend in women's boxing: athletes are increasingly seeking cross‑division and cross‑promotion bouts to maximize exposure and financial reward. By targeting champions from different weight classes and regions, Baumgardner aims to create a narrative that transcends traditional boxing silos, appealing to a wider audience and attracting larger broadcasting deals.
If Baumgardner secures victories over both Shin and, eventually, any of her named targets, she could cement her legacy as one of the sport's most versatile and ambitious champions. The prospect of a showdown with Katie Taylor—a multiple‑time Olympic gold medalist and long‑standing world champion—would be a historic event, potentially drawing unprecedented viewership for women's boxing. Similarly, a clash with Amanda Serrano, who holds records for the most world titles across weight divisions, would provide a compelling storyline of two record‑breaking athletes meeting at the pinnacle of the sport. A bout with Mikaela Mayer, known for her speed and technical prowess, would add another dimension to Baumgardner's résumé, showcasing her ability to adapt to varied fighting styles.
In the meantime, fans can tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports Action and Main Event to watch Baumgardner versus Shin. The fight promises to deliver high‑octane action, with both athletes eager to prove their superiority.
As the night unfolds, the boxing community will be watching closely, not only for the outcome of the title defense but also for hints about Baumgardner's next move on the ladder toward those coveted marquee matchups. The journey ahead is sure to be filled with strategic negotiations, intense training camps, and the ever‑present pursuit of greatness that defines elite competition.