Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside the chatter that she might be intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting that the London‑born contender has not yet reached her own level as the two fighters inch closer to a possible showdown. The American holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring super‑featherweight belts recently found herself at the centre of a dispute with former champion Claressa Shields, who accused Baumgardner of dodging a bout with Dubois out of fear of suffering a second professional loss.
Both women have been circling each other this week. Baumgardner is set to defend her world titles against Turkey’s unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan on November 8, while Dubois will step into the ring this Saturday against Amelia Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, which also features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron. The winners of those fights are widely expected to meet in a high‑stakes clash that could define the future of women’s boxing.
"Claressa has always been jealous of me," Baumgardner told Sky Sports. "She fights in a different weight class, but she always wants the biggest fights.
I could never be scared of anyone – you don’t feel fear when you’re doing a sport like this." Baumgardner has previously hinted that a bout with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old Briton, who currently defends her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore in the co‑main event mentioned above. While Baumgardner admires Dubois’s hunger and work ethic, she believes the French‑Canadian fighter still needs to prove she belongs on the same tier. "She still has to reach my level, but she’s a hungry fighter and I love that she wants a challenge," Baumgardner explained. "When you step up to the plate you’re stepping up to a big dog.
I’m a big dog, she’s still a puppy. There’s a difference, but I respect her ambition." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by asking a pointed question from the front row. When speculating about what she would ask Dubois, Baumgardner said, "I’d ask her why she feels the need to go to other trainers I’ve worked with and ask how she can beat me. If you’re confident you don’t need to ask those questions.
You’re in the USA now, baby – that’s my country." Despite the growing buzz about a potential Dubois‑Baumgardner fight, the American champion remains focused on her upcoming clash with Turhan, a flawless 14‑0 fighter who boasts eight knock‑outs. "I think the boxing world wants that fight with me and Caroline, but I’m not overlooking anything.
It could be anyone’s night," Baumgardner said. "I’ve seen Amelia Moore – she’s game – and I know any opponent could seize the moment." MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian warned both fighters not to underestimate their opponents, but she also highlighted how electrifying a Baumgardner‑Dubois matchup would be for fans worldwide. "Caroline has a tough test this Saturday against Amelia Moore, a decorated amateur. Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – everyone thought she would dominate the 27‑year‑old, even she probably thought she’d annihilate her opponent.
If Caroline stays focused and Alycia handles Turhan, a super fight would capture global attention for women’s boxing." Mayer herself recalled her own loss to Baumgardner back in October 2022, a split‑decision defeat she still believes should have gone her way. She echoed concerns that Turhan could derail any plans for a Dubois‑Baumgardner showdown.
"It’ll be a great fight – a fight that definitely needs to happen. Alycia finally moved up to 135.
She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, and it’s time for that. Turhan is a knockout monster, so you never know.
If Alycia gets caught by one of Turhan’s shots, the whole trajectory could change and we might see Dubois versus Turhan instead." The narrative surrounding these fighters reflects a broader trend in women’s boxing: rising talent, cross‑weight ambitions, and a hunger for marquee match‑ups that can draw mainstream attention. Baumgardner’s confidence, Shields’s accusations, and Dubois’s rising star status all contribute to a storyline that could culminate in a historic bout. Whether that bout will happen after Baumgardner’s fight with Turhan remains uncertain, but the anticipation is palpable.
Fans can catch the upcoming action live on Sky Sports, where the Mayer‑Cameron fight will headline alongside Dubois’s clash with Moore. For those without a traditional TV subscription, streaming options are available without a long‑term contract, ensuring that the growing audience for women’s boxing can follow every twist and turn. In the meantime, Baumgardner continues to train rigorously, emphasizing that fear has no place in a combat sport. Her remarks about jealousy from Shields and her respect for Dubois’s work ethic illustrate a competitor who is both self‑assured and aware of the broader dynamics at play.
As the calendar fills with title defenses and potential cross‑weight challenges, the boxing world watches closely, waiting to see which fighter will ultimately claim the spotlight in what promises to be a defining era for the sport.