Caroline Dubois is being hailed as the next great star of women’s boxing, a talent who appears to have all the ingredients needed to follow in the footsteps of Katie Taylor and become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for the sport, as the current super‑lightweight champion from Ireland, Katie Taylor, approaches the end of an extraordinary professional career. Taylor, who turned 40 in July, has announced that her final professional bout will be an undisputed world super‑lightweight title showdown against Flora Pili in Dublin on September 5.
That fight will mark the close of a decade‑long reign that saw her dominate the division, collect multiple world titles and inspire a generation of young boxers. Just a week before Taylor’s farewell fight, another milestone will take place on the same card that will feature a rising British prospect. Caroline Dubois, the undefeated lightweight world champion, will step into the ring to defend her WBC and WBO belts against American challenger Amelia Moore. The bout will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the undercard for the highly anticipated clash between Chantelle Cameron and Mikaela Mayer.
Dubois’s performance on that night will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as it could signal her readiness to assume a larger role in the sport’s hierarchy. In an interview with Sky Sports, Bidarian explained why she believes Dubois could become the next marquee name. She said, "For me, the poster fighters of the sport have been Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor; the two of them have been real trailblazers. It's sad to see that arc transition in September for Katie, and I think Amanda probably has one more fight left after August 21.
But women's boxing has never been stronger. It's a young sport, it became an Olympic sport in 2012 where Katie was the beneficiary, and she's created a storied career for herself." Bidarian went on to compare Dubois to a line‑up of legendary figures, stating, "Caroline Dubois is one who I think has the ingredients of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Laila Ali, Christy Martin and Ronda Rousey all there. Of course, the sport's going to miss Katie, the ring is going to miss Amanda, but the sport is in a great place." This assessment underscores the belief that Dubois possesses a blend of technical skill, marketability, and fighting spirit that mirrors the qualities of those who have previously defined women’s boxing.
The conversation about who will inherit the mantle of the sport’s biggest star also turned to Claressa Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion who has been described by her promoter Dmitry Salita as the definitive No. 1 pound‑for‑pound fighter in women’s boxing today. Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist, has already captured world titles in three weight classes and boasts an unbeaten professional record of 18‑0. Salita told Sky Sports earlier in the year, "Katie Taylor is a historic figure in boxing, and I've said many times – personally and professionally – that I'm a fan of hers and what she has done for the sport.
That said, Claressa Shields is definitively the No. 1 pound‑for‑pound fighter in women's boxing today." Salita highlighted that Shields’s greatness goes beyond her in‑ring achievements. He said, "What separates Claressa is not just what she's accomplished in the ring which already stands on its own but the totality of her impact.
There is something more to being a bona fide superstar than simply being elite in the ring. There's an 'it' factor – the ability to headline, to sell out arenas, to create moments, to carry events regardless of the opponent – and Claressa has that.
She may be the first woman in the history of the sport consistently selling out major arenas regardless of opponent." Shields is currently planning a drop from heavyweight back down to middleweight in order to chase another world title, this time against Australian contender Kaye Scott in Atlanta. The fight, scheduled for the upcoming weekend, could serve as a stepping stone toward an even larger bout with Britain’s own Lauren Price, who presently holds three of the four welterweight belts.
Negotiations for a Shields‑Price showdown have been ongoing for months, and while an impasse remains, Salita remains optimistic. He remarked, "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. 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." The broader context of these developments points to a vibrant and evolving landscape for women’s boxing.
Since its Olympic debut in 2012, the sport has seen a rapid rise in participation, viewership, and commercial interest. Athletes like Taylor, Serrano, and Shields have helped to build a foundation that now supports a deeper talent pool and more lucrative opportunities for upcoming fighters.
The upcoming events in Dublin, Birmingham and Atlanta illustrate how promoters are stacking cards with both established champions and promising newcomers to attract fans worldwide. For Dubois specifically, the challenge will be to translate her technical prowess and youthful energy into sustained mainstream appeal. She already boasts a crisp, aggressive style, a powerful jab, and the ability to finish fights decisively. Her upcoming defense against Amelia Moore will test her composure under pressure and give her a chance to demonstrate that she can handle high‑stakes situations on a major broadcast platform.
Success in that bout could lead to higher‑profile match‑ups, possibly even a unification fight against a top‑ranked opponent from another organization, or a cross‑weight showdown that mirrors the excitement generated by Shields’s recent moves. In addition to in‑ring performance, Dubois will need to cultivate a personal brand that resonates with a global audience. Social media engagement, community outreach, and media appearances are all part of the modern athlete’s toolkit. By aligning herself with causes that matter to fans—such as promoting women’s sports, supporting youth boxing programs, or advocating for mental health—she can build a narrative that extends beyond the ropes.
The next few months will be a litmus test for the future of women’s boxing. As Katie Taylor prepares to hang up her gloves, the sport will look to the next generation—Caroline Dubois, Claressa Shields, Lauren Price and others—to carry the torch.
If Dubois can capture the imagination of fans the way her predecessors did, she may well become the new face of the sport, driving ticket sales, television ratings and global interest for years to come. The upcoming fights, promotional efforts, and strategic matchmaking will determine whether that potential is realized, but the signs are promising: a talented athlete, a supportive promotional team, and a sport that is stronger than ever.