Claressa Shields says Alycia Baumgardner is "running scared" and refuses to meet Caroline Dubois because she worries about adding another loss to her record. The American holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, yet she has consistently dismissed any talk of a bout with the British phenom as premature, insisting Dubois has not yet reached her level. Baumgardner’s remarks have done little to deter Dubois, who has kept the pressure on ever since she unified the division above by beating Terri Harper in April. Dubois is slated to face unbeaten former U.S.
Olympian Amelia Moore on the co‑main card of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, alongside Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, and she has already signaled that her next target is Baumgardner. Having moved through several weight classes herself, Shields speaks from experience when she explains why she believes Baumgardner is shying away from the challenge. "When you have someone five pounds heavier knocking on your door, shouting that they’ll knock you out, you’d think Alycia would step up, take the fight and prove herself," Shields told Sky Sports.
"I think Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline and doesn’t want to jeopardise a record that already carries one loss. I’m convinced Caroline will win if they ever meet." Dubois, often described as a potential heir to the "Greatest Woman Of All Time" (GWOAT) title, has the tools to replace the retiring legends of the sport. Shields, who has amassed 19 unbeaten fights, three Olympic gold medals and 21 world titles across multiple divisions, says she has already identified her successor. "When they asked who will carry the torch after I’m gone, I said Caroline Dubois," Shields said.
"Gabriela Fundora will be a force, but right now Caroline is the one calling out the biggest, best fighters, delivering knockouts and making noise at the right moment." Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight for an IBF title clash with Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. That move could bring a blockbuster showdown with Dubois a step closer, should the British star continue her ascent.
Shields, who recently celebrated becoming a 21‑time world champion, has taken a keen interest in Dubois’ career trajectory. She has offered mentorship and expressed willingness to support Dubois in any capacity, even joking about future sparring sessions.
"Caroline has her own name now. If she wants to be called the GWOAT, she’s breaking records and winning belts, I’m not going to be mad about it," Shields said. "She’s got the IT factor, she’ll fight anyone, and I’ll be there cheering her on.
If she needs anything in camp, she knows I’m there." Dubois, the unified WBC and WBO lightweight champion, is one of the brightest prospects in British and women’s boxing. A victory over Moore in Birmingham would be another step toward undisputed status and would cement her reputation as a fighter who consistently seeks the toughest opposition. The broader boxing landscape in 2026 is buzzing with speculation about when the next big fights will happen. Fans can stream contract‑free boxing through platforms like NOW, and the Toe2Toe podcast provides weekly analysis of the sport’s developments.
In summary, Shields believes Baumgardner’s reluctance to face Dubois stems from a fear of losing another bout, while Dubois continues to chase the top‑tier fights that will define her legacy. With Baumgardner moving up in weight and Dubois eyeing undisputed glory, a clash between the two could become one of the most anticipated match‑ups in women’s boxing, should both camps decide to make it happen.