Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside any notion that she is frightened of Caroline Dubois, insisting that the British prospect has not yet reached her own level as speculation mounts about a possible showdown between the two fighters. The American champion, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring super‑featherweight belts, was recently accused by former world champion Claressa Shields of dodging a bout with Dubois out of fear of suffering a second professional loss.
Baumgardner, however, laughed at the allegation and made it clear that she has no fear when it comes to stepping into the ring. The conversation around a potential clash intensified this week after Baumgardner’s upcoming world‑title fight against Turkey’s unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan was announced for November 8. At the same time, Dubois is slated to meet Amelia Moore on Saturday in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, which also features a marquee bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.
With both champions set to win their respective fights, the idea of a Baumgardner‑Dubois matchup has become a logical next step for many fans and promoters. In an interview with Sky Sports, Baumgardner said, “Claressa has always been jealous of me because she isn’t in my weight class and can’t get the biggest fights.
But I could never be scared of anybody. You can’t be scared when you do a sport like this.” She added that the only thing she respects is a fighter’s hunger and willingness to take on a challenge, not the hype surrounding a name. Baumgardner has previously hinted that a fight with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old British star, who currently defends her WBC and WBO lightweight titles against Moore in the co‑main event. While Baumgardner admires Dubois’ mental toughness, she believes the French‑born boxer still needs to prove herself at a higher level before earning a shot at the American champion.
"She’s still working to reach my level," Baumgardner explained, "but I love that she’s hungry and wants to test herself. 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 the hunger." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by asking a pointed question from the front row. When asked what she would ask Dubois if given the chance, Baumgardner replied, “I’d ask her why she feels the need to go to other trainers I’ve worked with and ask how she thinks she can beat me. If you’re confident, you don’t ask those kinds of questions. People talk, but I’m in the USA now – that’s my country.” Even as the prospect of a Dubois fight looms, Baumgardner remains focused on her immediate challenge: a showdown with Turhan, who boasts a perfect 14‑0 record with eight knockouts.
“I think the boxing world wants that fight with me and Caroline, but I don’t overlook anything. It could be anybody’s night,” she said.
“I know Amelia Moore, I’ve seen her, she’s game. Anything can happen on fight night.” MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian warned both fighters not to underestimate their opponents, but also expressed excitement about the potential Baumgardner‑Dubois clash, saying it would captivate the global boxing audience. “Caroline has a tough test this Saturday against Amelia Moore, a decorated amateur.
Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – people thought she would blow away a 27‑year‑old opponent, even she probably thought she’d annihilate her. If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past Turhan, who is a knockout monster, we have a super fight that could engage fans worldwide in women’s boxing.” Mayer, who suffered a split‑decision loss to Baumgardner in October 2022 – a decision she still believes should have gone her way – also weighed in on the possible domino effect of the Turhan bout. “It’s a great fight that definitely needs to happen,” Mayer said. “Alycia finally moved up to 135.
She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, and it’s time for her to do that. Turhan is a tough test, and if she catches Alycia with one of her power shots, the whole trajectory could change, potentially leading to a Dubois‑Turhan matchup instead.” The narrative surrounding these potential matchups underscores a broader theme in women’s boxing: the hunger for marquee fights that can elevate the sport’s profile. With multiple champions across weight classes looking for cross‑division clashes, promoters are eager to craft storylines that attract both hardcore fans and casual viewers. The Baumgardner‑Dubois storyline, in particular, offers a compelling contrast – an experienced, multi‑belt holder versus a rising star eager to prove herself on the biggest stage.
If the fight does materialize, several factors will likely influence its outcome. Baumgardner’s experience at super‑featherweight, combined with her technical skill set and power, gives her a clear advantage in ring IQ.
Turhan’s unbeaten record, however, shows she possesses significant punching power and the ability to finish fights early. Dubois, meanwhile, brings speed, agility, and a relentless work ethic that has helped her dominate the lightweight division. Strategically, Baumgardner would need to manage distance, using her jab to keep Dubois at bay while looking for openings to land her own power shots.
Dubois would likely aim to close the distance quickly, applying pressure and using body work to wear down Baumgardner’s defenses. The fight could also be decided by who adapts better mid‑round – an experienced champion may have the edge in making in‑fight adjustments, while a younger fighter may rely on raw athleticism and stamina. Beyond the tactical considerations, the bout would carry significant implications for the business side of women’s boxing.
A high‑profile fight could attract major sponsors, boost pay‑per‑view numbers, and encourage networks to invest more in women’s events. It could also open doors for other cross‑weight matchups, as fighters seek to test themselves against the best regardless of division.
In summary, while Baumgardner dismisses any fear of Dubois and emphasizes the importance of earning a shot through proven performance, the boxing community continues to speculate about a potential showdown. With both athletes focused on their immediate opponents – Turhan for Baumgardner and Moore for Dubois – the next few weeks will determine whether the much‑talked‑about clash remains a fantasy or becomes the next big event in women’s boxing.
The outcome of their respective fights will either pave the way for a historic encounter or push the narrative in a different direction, but one thing is clear: the hunger, confidence, and competitive spirit of both fighters will keep fans eagerly watching the sport’s evolution.