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 in Birmingham on August 29, a bout that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The split marks the end of a partnership that began in 2021 and produced a string of high‑profile victories, but Dubois says the decision is rooted in her ambition to reach even greater heights in the sport. McGuigan, widely regarded as one of the premier boxing coaches in the world, first linked up with the 25‑year‑old British phenom two years ago.
Under his guidance she captured wins over Maira Moneo and Bo Mi Re Shin, and most notably secured a unification triumph over Terri Harper in April, adding another world title to her résumé. Their collaboration has been praised for its technical precision and the rapid development of Dubois’s skill set. Despite the success, Dubois has opted to join forces with Manny Robles, the celebrated trainer behind the likes of Andy Ruiz Jr., Oscar Valdez and Brandon Figueroa.
She explained that the move is driven solely by her desire to dominate the lightweight division and ultimately become an undisputed champion across multiple weight classes. "Most fighters change coaches after a loss and look for someone to blame. That’s a weak excuse," Dubois said. "I’m leaving on a high note, full of gratitude for everything Shane has done for me." She continued, "I’m incredibly proud of the journey we shared.
Together we turned me into a unified world champion and put me on the biggest stage in women’s boxing. Shane was a massive part of that success, and I will always be thankful for his mentorship." Dubois emphasized that her decision is not a reflection of any personal conflict, but rather a strategic step in her quest for greatness. "The work we did together won’t be forgotten; it’s part of my foundation. Moving to the United States and trying a different coaching team is simply another chapter in my pursuit of excellence.
I want to keep learning, keep evolving, and become the best fighter anyone has ever seen." The upcoming fight with Amelia Moore will take place at 135 pounds over ten two‑minute rounds in the bp pulse LIVE Arena. The event will also feature headline bouts between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, creating an all‑female card that pits top talent from the UK against fighters from the United States. Dubois expressed frustration that she is being asked to defend her titles rather than pursue further unification fights.
She had previously sought a showdown with Turkish contender Elif Nur Turhan, but negotiations fell apart over what she described as an "astronomical" purse demand. "The amount she asked for was absurd – it sounded like a joke.
It’s the kind of money that looks more like a retirement payout than a fight purse," Dubois said. "When a fighter makes such a demand, you simply walk away." Nevertheless, Dubois remains optimistic that a fight with Turhan could materialize in the future.
She also hinted at a possible clash with WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han, and earlier this year she publicly called out Alycia Baumgardner, urging that their highly anticipated matchup happen "sooner rather than later." McGuigan, reflecting on Dubois’s potential, told Sky Sports in 2023 that he believed she could capture every belt in the lightweight division and beyond. "Even though lightweight is probably the most contested division in women’s boxing, she’s blitzing everybody," he said. He also predicted that Dubois could eventually become an undisputed champion at super‑lightweight and welterweight, noting her continual improvement and growing ring IQ.
Former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney echoed these 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; sometimes a change is necessary for growth, and she’s at that point in her career," Scotney explained. The fight night in Birmingham promises to be a showcase of elite women’s boxing, with Dubois’s performance against Moore serving as a key indicator of how well her new training arrangement is working.
Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports on August 29, or stream the event through a contract‑free boxing platform for those who prefer online viewing. As Dubois embarks on this new chapter, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to become the most dominant fighter in her weight class, and eventually, across multiple divisions. Her statement, "A fighter should never stop learning or growing or limit themselves," encapsulates the mindset that has driven her rapid ascent and will likely continue to shape her career in the years to come.