Claressa Shields has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a showdown with Caroline Dubois because she fears another blemish on her record. The American holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, yet she has repeatedly dismissed the notion of a bout with the British phenom as premature, insisting that Dubois has not yet reached her level.
Despite Baumgardner’s public statements, Dubois has continued to chase the American, especially after unifying the division above her by beating Terri Harper in April. Dubois is slated to fight unbeaten former U.S. Olympian Amelia Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, an undercard that also features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Saturday, and Dubois has made it clear that her next target is Baumgardner. Shields, a multi‑weight world champion who has personally navigated weight‑class changes, feels uniquely qualified to comment on why Baumgardner might be shying away. "When you have someone five pounds heavier than you knocking on your door, threatening to knock you out, constantly calling you out, you’d think Alycia would step up, gain those five pounds and prove herself," Shields told Sky Sports.
"I think Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline and doesn’t want to jeopardise her record now that she already has a loss. I believe Caroline will win that fight." Dubois, often described as having the "ingredients" to replace Katie Taylor as the sport’s marquee name, is rapidly becoming one of the most talked‑about fighters in women’s boxing. While the boxing calendar for 2026 is still shaping up, fans are already speculating about when the biggest match‑ups will finally materialise.
For those who prefer streaming, NOW offers a contract‑free boxing feed, and the Toe2Toe podcast provides weekly analysis of the sport’s developments. Looking ahead, Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight title on November 8. That move could set the stage for a blockbuster encounter with Dubois, should both fighters stay on course. Since clinching back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals, Shields has compiled an unbeaten 19‑fight record, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and declaring herself the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT).
While only time will reveal who can truly inherit her legacy, Shields believes she has already identified a worthy successor. "When they asked me who will carry the torch after I retire, I said Caroline Dubois," she said. "Gabriela Fundora will be a force, but right now Caroline is right there.
She’s calling out the biggest, the best, seeking the toughest fights. She’s confident, loud, aggressive, scoring knockouts at the perfect moment." Dubois, who currently holds the unified WBC and WBO lightweight crowns, is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in both British and women’s boxing.
A victory over Moore in Birmingham would bring her a step closer to undisputed status. Shields has taken a keen interest in Dubois’ career, promising to support her ascent regardless of the path she chooses.
"Caroline has her own brand," Shields explained. "If she wants to be called the GWOAT, break records, collect accolades, I won’t be upset as long as she keeps doing GWOAT‑level things—fighting the best, winning, stacking belts.
My achievements will be hard to surpass; I just became a 21‑time world champion last week, but Caroline has the ‘IT’ factor and will fight anyone." Shields also offered practical assistance, saying she’s ready to help Dubois in training camp if needed. "We joke about sparring; one day it’ll happen. She’s already asked me for advice and I told her to enjoy her career, make it her own, do whatever she wants, always prepare, and never underestimate opponents," Shields said. Fans can catch the action this weekend when Mikaela Mayer takes on Chantelle Cameron, with Dubois also featured on the card, live on Sky Sports.
Those without a Sky subscription can stream the event through various boxing‑focused platforms that offer contract‑free access. The upcoming fights promise to shape the future narrative of women’s boxing, with Dubois positioned as a potential heir to Shields’ throne, while Baumgardner’s next move could either cement her status or open the door for a high‑profile clash with the British star.