Claressa Shields says that Alycia Baumgardner is tip‑toeing around a potential bout with Caroline Dubois because she fears another blemish on her record. The current holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles has repeatedly brushed off speculation about a showdown with the British prodigy, calling the idea premature and insisting Dubois has not yet reached her level.
Despite Baumgardner’s dismissals, Dubois has kept the pressure on, continuing her hunt for the American champion after she unified the division above by defeating 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, sharing the card with Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, and she has made it clear that Baumgardner is next on her list. Shields, a multi‑weight world champion who knows the challenges of moving between divisions, offered her perspective on why she believes Baumgardner is shying away from Dubois’ challenge.
"When someone five pounds heavier is constantly knocking on your door, shouting that they’ll knock 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. She doesn’t want to risk her record now that she already has one loss.
I believe Caroline will win that fight." The conversation turned to Dubois’ potential to become the next great‑woman‑of‑all‑time (GWOAT) after the legendary Taylor. Shields, who has amassed an unbeaten 19‑fight career crowned by back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals and a string of world titles, sees Dubois as a worthy heir to her throne.
"When they asked me 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 right there.
She’s calling out the biggest names, she’s confident, she’s loud, she’s delivering knockouts, and she’s doing it at the right time." Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight belt on November 8. That move could set the stage for a blockbuster clash with Dubois, should both fighters continue on their current trajectories.
Shields also emphasized her support for Dubois’ career, regardless of the path she chooses. "Caroline has her own brand," Shields explained. "If she wants to be called the GWOAT, break records and collect accolades, I’m not going to be upset as long as she keeps fighting the best, winning, and stacking belts.
My achievements will be hard to match – I just became a 21‑time world champion – but Caroline has the ‘IT’ factor and she’ll fight anyone." The veteran champion added that she is ready to help Dubois whenever needed. "If she ever needs me in camp, I’ll be there. 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, and never underestimate an opponent," Shields said.
Dubois, who currently holds the unified WBC and WBO lightweight titles, is one of the most exciting prospects in British and women’s boxing. A victory over Moore in Birmingham would bring her a step closer to undisputed status and further cement her reputation as a future legend. The upcoming Sky Sports broadcast will feature the Mayer‑Cameron bout alongside Dubois’ fight, offering fans a night of high‑octane women’s boxing. Viewers can watch live on Sky Sports or stream the event contract‑free through NOW.
In summary, Shields believes Baumgardner’s hesitation stems from a genuine fear of losing another fight, while Dubois continues to chase the top spots in the sport. With Baumgardner’s upcoming lightweight title challenge and Dubois’ relentless pursuit of elite opposition, the boxing world can expect an exciting buildup to a potential showdown that could define the next era of women’s boxing.