Caroline Dubois is being hailed as the next big name in women’s boxing, a claim voiced by Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. According to Bidarian, Dubois has "the ingredients" needed to follow in the footsteps of Katie Taylor and become one of the sport’s premier stars.
Katie Taylor, the undisputed super‑lightweight champion from Ireland, will turn 40 in July and is slated to close her professional career with a final title bout on September 5 in Dublin. In that match she will defend her undisputed super‑lightweight crowns against Flora Pili, marking what is expected to be her farewell fight. Just a week before Taylor’s farewell, Dubois will step into the ring to protect her own unbeaten record. The 22‑year‑old lightweight champion will defend her WBC and WBO belts against American challenger Amelia Moore on the undercard of the Chantelle Cameron versus Mikaela Mayer showdown, a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Bidarian told Sky Sports that the sport’s most iconic poster fighters have historically been Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, both of whom have broken new ground for women’s boxing. She expressed a mixture of sadness and optimism about Taylor’s impending retirement, noting that Serrano may still have one more fight left after August 21. "Women’s boxing has never been stronger," Bidarian said.
"It’s a relatively young sport – it only became an Olympic discipline in 2012, a year that benefited Katie enormously and allowed her to build a storied career." Looking ahead, Bidarian believes the future is bright because the division now boasts a deep roster of talent. She singled out Dubois as a fighter who embodies the best qualities of several legends: the technical skill of Katie Taylor, the relentless aggression of Amanda Serrano, the charisma of Laila Ali, the toughness of Christy Martin, and the crossover appeal of Ronda Rousey. "The sport will miss Katie and the ring will miss Amanda, but we are in a great place," she added.
In parallel, undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is being described by her promoter Dmitry Salita as the clear number‑one pound‑for‑pound fighter in women’s boxing today. Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist, has captured world titles in three weight classes and remains undefeated in 18 professional bouts. Salita told Sky Sports that while he holds Katie Taylor in high regard for her historic contributions, Shields’ impact goes beyond her record. "She has an 'it' factor – the ability to headline events, sell out arenas, and create memorable moments regardless of the opponent," Salita explained.
Shields may even become the first woman to consistently sell out major arenas without relying on a marquee opponent. Shields is currently dropping down from heavyweight to middleweight in an effort to reclaim a world title at 160 pounds. She will face Australian contender Kaye Scott in Atlanta this weekend, a bout that could serve as a stepping stone toward a blockbuster clash with Britain’s own Lauren Price, who currently holds three of the four welterweight belts.
Negotiations for a Shields‑Price showdown have stalled in the past, but Salita remains confident that a deal can be reached. He said, "When Claressa went to Wales we believed we had a framework 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." The potential Shields‑Price fight is being billed as one of the biggest possible match‑ups in women’s boxing, given both athletes’ Olympic pedigree and championship credentials. Salita emphasized that Shields has consistently worked to create high‑profile bouts and that this prospective encounter would be no different. "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," he said. Meanwhile, the upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham will feature a headline bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron on August 29, with Dubois also on the card. The event will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering fans the chance to watch both established stars and rising talent.
The broader landscape of women’s boxing is evolving rapidly. Since its Olympic debut in 2012, the sport has attracted greater media attention, sponsorship, and fan interest. Pioneers like Taylor and Serrano paved the way, but a new generation—Dubois, Shields, Price, and others—is now stepping into the spotlight. These athletes bring not only technical proficiency but also marketable personalities that appeal to a global audience.
As Taylor prepares for her final fight, the focus naturally shifts to who will fill the void left by her departure. Dubois’ upcoming title defense provides a clear opportunity to demonstrate that she possesses the blend of skill, determination, and charisma required to become the next face of the sport. If she can replicate the poise she displayed in previous bouts and continue to win at the highest level, the boxing world may very well see a seamless transition from one era’s champion to the next. In summary, the women's boxing scene is at a pivotal moment.
Veteran champions are either retiring or shifting weight classes, while emerging stars are ready to claim the limelight. With Dubois’ talent, Shields’ dominance, and the potential for marquee match‑ups like Shields versus Price, the sport is poised for continued growth and heightened excitement for fans worldwide.