Caroline Dubois is being hailed as the next great star of women's boxing, with many insiders believing she has the right mix of talent, charisma and marketability to step into the role currently occupied by Katie Taylor. Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions, made the comment after outlining Dubois' recent achievements and the broader landscape of the sport.
Taylor, the undisputed super‑lightweight champion from Ireland, will turn 40 in July and has announced that her upcoming bout on September 5 in Dublin will be her final professional fight. She will defend her unified super‑lightweight titles against Flora Pili in what is expected to be an historic showdown, marking the end of an era for one of the sport's most celebrated athletes.
A week before Taylor's farewell, the 22‑year‑old Dubois will step into the ring to protect her unbeaten record. She is slated to defend both her WBC and WBO lightweight belts against American challenger Amelia Moore on the undercard of the Chantelle Cameron versus Mikaela Mayer event, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This fight provides Dubois with a high‑profile platform to showcase why many believe she could become the next face of women's boxing.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Bidarian explained her perspective: "For me, the poster fighters of the sport have been Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. Both have been true trailblazers, breaking barriers and raising the profile of women's boxing worldwide.
It's bittersweet to see Katie's arc coming to an end in September, and Amanda may have just one more fight after August 21." She went on to note that women's boxing is stronger than ever. "The sport is relatively young – it only became an Olympic discipline in 2012, a change that directly benefited Katie. Since then, the division has exploded in depth and visibility. We now have a deep roster of talent ready to carry the torch," Bidarian said.
When asked which athlete could fill the void left by Taylor and Serrano, Bidarian singled out Dubois, saying she possesses the combined attributes of several legends: "Caroline Dubois has the ingredients of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Laila Ali, Christy Martin and even Ronda Rousey. She blends technical skill, power, market appeal and a fighting spirit that resonates with fans." The broader context of women's boxing is also highlighted by the dominance of Claressa Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion who has been declared the number one pound‑for‑pound female fighter by her promoter Dmitry Salita. Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist, has amassed an 18‑fight unbeaten record across three weight classes, cementing her status as a modern icon. Salita told Sky Sports earlier in the year, "Katie Taylor is a historic figure in boxing, and I have always been a fan of her contributions to the sport.
That said, Claressa Shields is definitively the No. 1 pound‑for‑pound fighter in women's boxing today.
What sets Claressa apart is not only her in‑ring accomplishments but also her ability to draw crowds, sell out arenas and create memorable moments regardless of her opponent. She may be the first woman in the sport's history to consistently fill major venues without relying on a marquee opponent." Shields is currently planning a move down from heavyweight to middleweight, targeting a world title bout against Australian contender Kaye Scott in Atlanta this weekend. The fight is being viewed as a potential stepping stone toward a blockbuster clash with Britain's own Lauren Price, who currently holds three of the four welterweight titles.
Negotiations for a Shields‑Price showdown have been ongoing for months. Salita remains optimistic, stating, "When Claressa went to Wales, we believed we had the framework of a deal in place, and we’re still operating in that spirit. I believe we’re close. Claressa is moving down to 160 pounds because she wants to make this fight happen.
She’s already accomplished so much, but she’s always looking for the biggest global fights." Price, an Olympic gold medallist and multiple‑division champion, would provide a marquee matchup that could further elevate women's boxing on the world stage. Salita added, "Lauren is an outstanding fighter and an Olympic gold medallist.
This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in women's boxing, and we’re confident it will happen. Claressa has always done her part to make the biggest fights possible, and this is no different. We’re ready to continue the discussions." The upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, headlined by the Cameron‑Mayer showdown and featuring Dubois in action, will be broadcast on August 29 on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream the event via Sky Sports' contract‑free boxing platform, ensuring broad accessibility.
Overall, the landscape of women's boxing is at a pivotal moment. With veterans like Taylor and Serrano approaching retirement, the sport is actively searching for the next generation of superstars. Dubois' upcoming title defence, combined with her marketable personality and fighting style, positions her as a prime candidate to inherit the mantle.
At the same time, established champions such as Claressa Shields continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of global reach and commercial appeal. The convergence of these narratives—Taylor's farewell, Dubois' rise, and Shields' quest for new challenges—creates a compelling storyline for fans and promoters alike. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the emergence of new icons will be essential for sustaining momentum and attracting new audiences. If Dubois can replicate the work ethic, technical proficiency, and charismatic presence of her predecessors, she could very well become the face of women's boxing for the next decade.