Caroline Dubois has announced that she will no longer be training under Shane McGuigan as she prepares to defend her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Amelia Moore at the BP Pulse LIVE Arena in Birmingham on August 29. The bout will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and will feature ten two‑minute rounds at the 135‑pound limit.
Dubois’ split with McGuigan marks the end of a partnership that began in 2021 and produced a string of high‑profile victories, including wins over Maira Moneo, Bo Mi Re Shin and a unification triumph over Terri Harper in April. McGuigan, now recognised as one of the premier boxing coaches worldwide, helped Dubois rise from a promising prospect to a unified world champion.
Their collaboration was instrumental in establishing Dubois as a dominant force in women’s lightweight boxing. Yet, the 25‑year‑old has decided to join forces with Manny Robles – the celebrated trainer behind champions such as Andy Ruiz Jr., Oscar Valdez and Brandon Figueroa – in pursuit of further growth and a broader legacy. Speaking about the change, Dubois emphasized that her decision was driven solely by ambition, not by any disappointment with her former coach. “Most fighters change trainers after a loss, looking for someone to blame.
That’s a weak approach,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for everything Shane has done. Together we turned the dream of a unified title into reality, and I’ll always cherish that journey.” She added, “Shane was a phenomenal coach and an essential part of my team.
I’m proud and honored to have worked with him, and his influence will never be forgotten. It simply adds to the stable of experiences that shape my career.” Dubois framed the move to the United States and a new coaching team as part of a larger quest for greatness. “I want to keep evolving, to become the best fighter anyone has ever seen.
A boxer should never stop learning or limit themselves,” she explained. “Changing camps and training environments is just one step on that path.” The upcoming fight against Amelia Moore will be part of a card that also showcases Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron as the headline attraction. All of the match‑ups on the evening will feature female fighters from the United Kingdom and the United States, underscoring the growing international appeal of women’s boxing.
Despite the excitement surrounding her title defense, Dubois expressed frustration that she is being asked to defend rather than unify the lightweight belts. She revealed that she had pursued a bout with Turkish contender Elif Nur Turhan, only to be rebuffed over what she described as an “astronomical, ridiculous” purse demand.
“The amount she asked for was absurd – it wasn’t even a joke. It felt like retirement money, something no fighter would realistically accept,” Dubois said. While she remains confident that a fight with Turhan will eventually materialise, Dubois is also keeping an eye on a possible showdown with WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han. Earlier this year, she publicly called out Alycia Baumgardner, insisting that their long‑awaited clash “has to happen sooner rather than later.” McGuigan, reflecting on his former protégé’s potential, has previously predicted that Dubois could capture every major belt in the lightweight division and even become undisputed across multiple weight classes.
“Even though lightweight is probably the most contested division in women’s boxing, she’s blitzing everybody,” he told Sky Sports. “I genuinely believe she can dominate at lightweight, super‑lightweight and welterweight as she continues to develop.” Former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney echoed those sentiments, describing Dubois as a “generational talent” who is only beginning to tap her full potential. “Nothing was going wrong for her to make this move,” Scotney said. “Sometimes a change is necessary, and I think she’s at that point in her career.” The shift to Robles’ camp also signals Dubois’ intention to expand her skill set and adapt to new styles.
Robles is known for his aggressive, high‑output approach, which could complement Dubois’ natural speed and technical precision. By training in the United States, she will gain exposure to a different pool of sparring partners and tactical philosophies, potentially sharpening her arsenal ahead of future unification fights. Dubois’ upcoming defense against Moore will serve as a litmus test for the new partnership. Moore, a rising star with a solid amateur pedigree, presents a credible challenge, and the fight will likely be closely contested over ten rounds.
A successful defence would not only solidify Dubois’ status as a unified champion but also validate her decision to seek new guidance. Fans can watch the entire event live on Sky Sports on August 29, or stream the fights via NOW with a contract‑free subscription. The card promises a showcase of elite female talent, with Dubois positioned as one of the marquee attractions. In summary, Caroline Dubois’ separation from Shane McGuigan is a strategic move aimed at furthering her quest for boxing greatness.
While she remains deeply appreciative of the foundation McGuigan helped build, she is eager to explore fresh training methodologies under Manny Robles, expand her horizons in the United States, and continue climbing toward undisputed status across multiple divisions. The upcoming bout with Amelia Moore will be a pivotal moment in this new chapter of her career.