Caroline Dubois is being hailed as the next big star of women’s boxing, a prospect who could step into the role that Katie Taylor has occupied for the past decade, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for the sport, as Taylor—who turned 40 in July and holds the undisputed super‑lightweight world title—prepares for what is expected to be her final professional bout. On September 5, she will face Flora Pili in Dublin in a unification fight that will likely mark the end of an era for the Irish champion. Just a week before that historic showdown, Dubois will be back in the ring to defend her own WBC and WBO lightweight titles against American challenger Amelia Moore.
The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the undercard for Chantelle Cameron’s highly anticipated clash with Mikaela Mayer. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Bidarian explained why she believes Dubois has the makings of a future icon: “For me, the poster fighters of the sport have been Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor.
Both have been true trailblazers, and it’s bittersweet to see that chapter close for Katie in September. Amanda may have one more fight after August 21.” Bidarian went on to stress that women’s boxing is stronger than ever.
“The sport is still relatively young—only becoming an Olympic discipline in 2012, a change that Katie helped accelerate—but it has grown into a vibrant, competitive arena,” she said. “We feel optimistic about the future because we have a deep roster of talent. Caroline Dubois, in my view, embodies the best traits of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Laila Ali, Christy Martin and even Ronda Rousey.
She has the skill, the charisma and the drive to become a household name.” The conversation naturally shifted to the current hierarchy of women’s boxing. Claressa Shields, the undisputed heavyweight champion, has already been declared the sport’s number‑one pound‑for‑pound fighter by her promoter Dmitry Salita. Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold‑medallist, has amassed an unbeaten record of 18‑0 across three weight classes, cementing her status as a dominant force.
When asked about Shields’ standing in relation to Taylor’s impending retirement, Salita told Sky Sports, “Katie Taylor is a historic figure, and I have always admired her contributions. That said, Claressa Shields is definitively the top pound‑for‑pound female boxer today.” Salita highlighted that Shields’ appeal goes beyond her in‑ring achievements. “She possesses an ‘it’ factor—she can headline events, sell out arenas, and create memorable moments regardless of who she faces.
In fact, she may be the first woman in boxing history to consistently fill major venues without needing a marquee opponent.” Shields is currently planning a move down from heavyweight to middleweight, targeting another world title. At 31, she is set to face Australian contender Kaye Scott in Atlanta this weekend, a bout that could serve as a stepping stone toward a blockbuster showdown with Britain’s own Lauren Price, who currently holds three of the four welterweight belts. Negotiations for a Shields‑Price clash have been ongoing, and despite previous setbacks, Salita remains hopeful. “When Claressa went to Wales, we believed we had a framework for a deal, and we’re still operating in that spirit,” he told Sky Sports.
“She’s dropping to 160 pounds because she wants this fight. Lauren is an outstanding fighter and an Olympic gold‑medallist; this would be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing, and we’re confident it can happen.” The upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, will also feature Dubois in action on August 29. Fans can watch the entire card live on Sky Sports or stream it via a contract‑free boxing service, ensuring broad accessibility for a global audience.
In summary, the landscape of women’s boxing is undergoing a significant transition. While the sport will undoubtedly miss the presence of legends like Taylor and Serrano, the emergence of talents such as Caroline Dubois and the continued dominance of Claressa Shields suggest a bright future.
With a new generation of athletes ready to carry the torch, the sport is poised to attract even larger audiences, secure more lucrative broadcast deals, and maintain its upward trajectory in the years ahead.