Claressa Shields, a seasoned champion across multiple weight classes, has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a showdown with rising British star Caroline Dubois out of fear of another loss. Baumgardner, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of a fight with Dubois, calling the idea premature and insisting that the younger fighter has not yet reached her level. Despite Baumgardner's reservations, Dubois has continued to chase the American champion with determination.
After unifying the division above by beating Terri Harper in April, Dubois is set to face unbeaten former U.S. Olympian Amelia Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham.
The bout, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports alongside the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron clash, is being billed as a stepping‑stone toward a potential encounter with Baumgardner. Shields, who knows a thing or two about moving between weight classes, explained her perspective to Sky Sports. "When someone five pounds heavier is constantly knocking on your door, bragging about how they'll knock you out, you would think Alycia would simply move up and prove herself," she said.
"I think Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline and doesn't want to jeopardize her record now that she already has a loss. I believe Caroline will win that fight." Dubois, often described as a possible successor to the legendary Katie Taylor, is being positioned as the next big name in women's boxing.
In addition to her upcoming fight with Moore, she has been vocal about wanting to face Baumgardner, and her confidence has only grown as she continues to rack up knockouts and high‑profile victories. Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF title on November 8. That move could bring the two fighters a step closer to a blockbuster bout, especially if Baumgardner succeeds and adds another belt to her collection. Shields, who has amassed an unbeaten 19‑fight record and multiple world titles, often refers to herself as the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT).
When asked who might inherit her mantle, she named Dubois without hesitation. "They asked me who will carry the torch after I'm gone, and I said Caroline Dubois," Shields said. "Gabriela Fundora will also be a force, but right now Caroline is right there. She's calling out the biggest names, she's confident, loud, aggressive, and she's delivering knockouts at the perfect time." Dubois, now the unified WBC and WBO lightweight champion, is one of the most exciting prospects in British and women's boxing.
A victory over Moore would bring her a step closer to undisputed status and further cement her reputation as a future legend. Shields has taken a personal interest in Dubois' career, offering support and advice. "Caroline has her own name.
If she wants to be called the GWOAT, she's breaking records and earning accolades, and I won't be mad as long as she keeps doing GWOAT things—fighting the best, winning, and collecting belts," Shields explained. "I just became a 21‑time world champion last week, but Caroline has the IT factor and she'll fight anyone." The veteran champion emphasized her willingness to help Dubois in any capacity, even offering to spar with her someday.
"She already asked me for advice and I told her to enjoy her career, make it about herself, never underestimate opponents, and always stay prepared," Shields added. Looking ahead, the boxing world anticipates several marquee match‑ups in 2026, with Dubois positioned at the center of many of them. Her aggressive style, knockout power, and willingness to take on top‑tier opponents make her a compelling figure for promoters and fans alike. If she continues on her current trajectory, a future clash with Baumgardner could become one of the sport's most talked‑about events, potentially setting the stage for an era-defining rivalry.
Meanwhile, fans can tune in this Saturday to watch the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron fight, with Dubois also appearing on the undercard. The event will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering a glimpse of what could be the next chapter in women's boxing history as Dubois continues to chase greatness and possibly the GWOAT title herself.