Caroline Dubois "has the ingredients" to step into the role that Katie Taylor has occupied as one of the sport's premier icons, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. The statement underscores a growing consensus that the future of women’s boxing may soon be anchored by a new generation of talent, with Dubois emerging as a leading contender. Taylor, Ireland’s undisputed super‑lightweight world champion, will turn 40 in July and is slated to fight her final professional bout on September 5 in Dublin.
That historic showdown will see her defend the undisputed super‑lightweight titles against Flora Pili, marking the end of an era for a fighter who has become synonymous with the sport’s rise in popularity. The match carries significant emotional weight, as fans and commentators alike recognize it as the closing chapter of a career that has inspired countless young athletes. Just a week before Taylor’s farewell, Dubois will step into the ring to protect her unbeaten record. The British lightweight world champion is set to defend her WBC and WBO belts against American challenger Amelia Moore.
The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the undercard for the highly anticipated bout between Chantelle Cameron and Mikaela Mayer. This placement on a major fight card highlights the confidence promoters have in Dubois’s drawing power and her potential to become a marquee name. Bidarian explained her perspective to Sky Sports, saying, "For me, the poster fighters of the sport have been Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor.
The two of them have been real trailblazers." She added that the sport is at a transitional point, noting that Taylor’s September exit and Serrano’s likely final fight after August 21 signal the end of a pioneering generation. "It’s sad to see that arc transition," Bidarian remarked, "but women’s boxing has never been stronger.
It’s a young sport, it became an Olympic discipline in 2012, and Katie was a beneficiary of that change. She has built a storied career for herself." The promoter went on to praise Dubois, 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." By invoking such legendary figures, Bidarian emphasized the breadth of Dubois’s skill set—technical precision, knockout power, marketability, and a fierce competitive spirit. She believes that Dubois can carry the torch for the sport, offering fans a new narrative while honoring the legacy of those who came before.
While the focus remains on Dubois’s ascent, the broader landscape of women’s boxing continues to evolve. Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is already being described by her promoter Dmitry Salita as the definitive No. 1 fighter in the women’s division. Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist, has amassed an unblemished professional record of 18 wins across three weight classes, cementing her status as a dominant force.
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." He highlighted that Shields’s impact extends beyond her in‑ring achievements. "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, sell out arenas, create moments, and 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 dropping from heavyweight to middleweight in an effort to capture another world title, facing Australian contender Kaye Scott in Atlanta this weekend.
The move illustrates her willingness to seek new challenges and broaden her legacy. A potential blockbuster fight with Britain’s own Lauren Price—who holds three of the four welterweight belts—has been discussed for some time.
Although negotiations have stalled, Salita remains optimistic, saying, "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." The prospect of a Shields‑Price showdown is tantalizing for fans because it would pit two Olympic gold medallists against each other, each with a distinct fighting style and massive fan bases. Salita emphasized the global appeal of such a matchup: "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." Returning to Dubois, her upcoming fight against Moore will serve as a litmus test for her readiness to assume a leading role. The undercard placement alongside Cameron and Mayer ensures a sizable audience, providing Dubois with a platform to showcase her skill set to a broader viewership. If she can retain her titles and deliver an exciting performance, she will likely secure more high‑profile bouts and sponsorship opportunities, further solidifying her status as a future face of the sport. The broader narrative of women’s boxing is one of rapid growth and increasing commercial viability.
Since its inclusion in the Olympic programme in 2012, the sport has seen a surge in participation, media coverage, and fan interest. Trailblazers like Taylor and Serrano laid the groundwork, while contemporary stars such as Shields, Dubois, and Price are expanding the sport’s reach into new markets. Promoters are now actively building rosters that feature a blend of established veterans and rising talents.
This strategy aims to maintain audience engagement as older champions retire. By positioning Dubois as the next marquee name, MVP and its partners are signaling confidence in the sport’s longevity. The organization’s upcoming events, such as the MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham on August 29—headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron and featuring Dubois—illustrate a commitment to delivering compelling fight cards that attract both hardcore enthusiasts and casual viewers.
In summary, the transition period marked by Katie Taylor’s imminent retirement and Amanda Serrano’s winding‑down career presents a unique opportunity for new stars to emerge. Caroline Dubois, with her blend of technical ability, marketable personality, and competitive drive, appears poised to fill that void.
At the same time, Claressa Shields continues to dominate the pound‑for‑pound rankings, while potential mega‑fights such as Shields versus Lauren Price promise to keep the sport in the global spotlight. As the landscape shifts, fans can look forward to an exciting era where fresh faces carry forward the legacy of the pioneers who elevated women’s boxing to its current prominence.