Alycia Baumgardner brushed off the notion that she fears Caroline Dubois, insisting the British prospect has not yet reached her own level as speculation builds around a possible showdown. The American fighter, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring super‑featherweight titles, was recently accused by former champion Claressa Shields of dodging a bout with Dubois because she did not want to risk a second professional loss. Both stars have been circling each other this week after Baumgardner’s world‑title clash with Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan was set for November 8, while Dubois is slated to meet Amelia Moore this Saturday.
The timing has led many to imagine a future fight between the two winners. "Claressa has always been jealous of me," Baumgardner told Sky Sports. "She fights in a different weight class, but she keeps trying to make the biggest fights.
I could never be scared of anyone. In a sport like this you don’t have room for fear." Baumgardner has previously suggested that a bout with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old Briton, who will defend her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, alongside the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron showdown. While Baumgardner admires Dubois’ hunger and mindset, she believes the French‑Canadian still needs to earn her place on the same tier.
"She’s still working to reach my level, but I love her ambition and I’m all for her taking a challenge," Baumgardner said. "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 clear difference, but I respect her drive." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by asking a question from the front row. She wondered what Dubois might say about consulting trainers Baumgardner has worked with, suggesting that Dubois’ confidence could be bolstered by focusing on her own preparation rather than seeking external validation.
"Why does she feel the need to ask other trainers how she can beat me? If you’re truly confident you don’t ask those kinds of questions," Baumgardner remarked, adding a playful jab about being back in the United States, her home country. Despite the buzz surrounding a potential Dubois‑Baumgardner clash, the American champion remains focused on her upcoming fight with Turhan, an undefeated Turkish fighter who boasts a perfect 14‑0 record with eight knockouts.
"I know the boxing world wants to see me and Caroline fight, but I’m not overlooking anything. It could be anyone’s night," Baumgardner said. "I’ve seen Amelia Moore, she’s game, and any opponent could change the narrative." MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian warned that both Dubois and Baumgardner must avoid underestimating their opponents, yet she believes a meeting between the two would electrify women’s boxing worldwide. "Caroline has a tough test this Saturday against Amelia Moore, a decorated amateur," Bidarian told Sky Sports.
"Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – everyone thought she would dominate the 27‑year‑old, even Serrano herself expected a quick finish. If Caroline stays focused and Alycia can get past the ‘Golden Turkish Warrior,’ we could have a super fight that engages fans globally." Mayer, who suffered one of her two career defeats at the hands of Baumgardner in October 2022 via a split decision she still feels was unjust, also weighed in on the Turhan matchup.
"It’s a great fight that needs to happen," Mayer said. "Alycia finally moved up to 135 pounds.
She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, and that was years ago. Turhan is a powerful opponent, and if she lands a clean shot, the whole trajectory could shift, possibly leading to a Dubois‑Turhan showdown instead." The conversation around a Baumgardner‑Dubois bout reflects a broader narrative in women’s boxing: the search for marquee matchups that can capture mainstream attention. Both fighters have built impressive résumés. Baumgardner, a four‑division champion, has defended her super‑featherweight titles against top contenders and is praised for her technical skill, power, and ring IQ.
Dubois, a rising star from London, captured the WBC and WBO lightweight titles at just 22 and is celebrated for her speed, footwork, and relentless pressure. If the two were to meet, analysts predict a clash of styles – Baumgardner’s southpaw stance and crisp combinations against Dubois’ aggressive forward movement and high volume punching. The fight could also serve as a benchmark for the depth of talent in women’s boxing, showcasing how far the sport has come since the early 2010s when opportunities were scarce.
For now, fans will have to wait for the outcomes of Baumgardner’s November 8 title defense and Dubois’ Saturday bout. Should both emerge victorious, the boxing world will likely push harder for a showdown, potentially setting the stage for a historic event that could draw viewership comparable to the biggest men’s fights of the year.
Until then, Baumgardner remains steadfast: fear has no place in her vocabulary, and she will let her performance in the ring speak for itself.