Claressa Shields has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a showdown with rising British star Caroline Dubois out of fear of another career‑staining loss. The American, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a bout with Dubois, calling it premature and insisting that the younger fighter has not yet reached her level. Despite Baumgardner’s remarks, Dubois has continued to chase the American champion, especially after she secured a unification victory over Terri Harper in April.
Dubois is slated to face 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 fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Saturday, and Dubois has already signaled that her next target is Baumgardner. Having moved through multiple weight classes herself, Shields speaks from experience when she explains why she believes Baumgardner is reluctant to accept Dubois’ challenge. "When you have someone five pounds heavier knocking on your door, bragging about how they’ll knock you out, you’d think Alycia would step up, gain the weight and prove her greatness," 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 on it.
I believe Caroline will win that fight." Dubois, who many are already dubbing the next great‑woman‑of‑all‑time (GWOAT), possesses the "ingredients" to eventually replace the legendary Taylor in the public imagination. As the sport looks ahead to 2026, fans are eager to see when the marquee matchups will finally materialise. Meanwhile, streaming services such as NOW are offering contract‑free boxing, and podcasts like Toe2Toe keep enthusiasts up‑to‑date.
Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight for an IBF title bout against Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. That fight could bring the two women one step closer to a blockbuster clash, should Baumgardner decide to accept Dubois’ challenge after her own title defense.
Since capturing back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals, Shields has compiled an unbeaten 19‑fight record, becoming a multi‑division world champion and proclaiming herself the Greatest Woman Of All Time. While she acknowledges that a successor will eventually have to fill her shoes, she is confident she has already identified a worthy heir. "When they asked me who will carry the torch after I’m gone, I said Caroline Dubois," Shields said.
"Gabriela Fundora will be a champion to watch, but right now Caroline is right there. She’s calling out the biggest names, seeking the best fights. She’s confident, loud, aggressive, scoring knockouts at the perfect moment." Dubois, the unified WBC and WBO lightweight champion, is one of the most exciting prospects in British and women’s boxing.
A victory over Moore in Birmingham would be a significant step toward undisputed status and would further cement her reputation as a future legend. Shields has taken a personal interest in Dubois’ career, pledging her support regardless of the path the young Briton chooses. "Caroline has her own brand now," Shields explained. "If she wants to be called the GWOAT, and she’s breaking records and earning accolades, I’m not going to be upset as long as she’s doing GWOAT‑worthy things—fighting the best opponents, winning, and collecting belts." Shields also highlighted her own recent achievement of becoming a 21‑time world champion, noting that while her legacy will be difficult to surpass, Dubois possesses the "IT factor" and a willingness to fight anyone.
"I’ll be there supporting her. If she ever needs me in camp, she knows I’ll show up. We joke about sparring together; one day it will happen.
She’s already asked me for advice and I told her to enjoy her career, make it her own, and never underestimate any opponent." The upcoming Saturday card on Sky Sports will feature not only the Mayer‑Cameron showdown but also Dubois’ bout against Moore. Viewers can watch live through Sky Sports subscriptions or stream the action via contract‑free boxing platforms. In summary, the tension between Baumgardner and Dubois adds another intriguing storyline to the evolving landscape of women’s boxing. With Shields backing Dubois and Baumgardner contemplating a move up in weight, the sport may soon witness a clash that could define the next era of female champions.
The anticipation builds as fans await the outcome of Dubois’ co‑main event, the potential November lightweight title fight, and the eventual decision of whether Baumgardner will finally accept the British challenger’s call.