Claressa Shields, a veteran multi‑division champion, has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a bout with rising British star Caroline Dubois out of fear of adding another loss to her record. Baumgardner, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super featherweight titles, has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a fight with Dubois, calling the speculation premature and insisting that the younger fighter has not yet reached her level. Despite those comments, Dubois has continued to chase the American champion, especially after she unified the division above her weight class 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, a card that also features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Saturday, and Dubois has already signaled that she wants Baumgardner as her next opponent. Shields, who has moved up and down weight classes throughout her own career, believes she can speak authoritatively on why Baumgardner might be shying away. "When you have someone five pounds heavier knocking on your door, constantly bragging about how they're going to knock you out, you would think Alycia would simply move up and prove herself," Shields told Sky Sports.
"I think Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline. She doesn't want to jeopardise a record that already carries a loss.
I believe Caroline will win if they ever meet." The conversation about Dubois has taken on a larger narrative within women's boxing. Some commentators have even suggested that Dubois possesses the "ingredients" to eventually replace legendary figures like Taylor.
In a broader view of the sport, boxing fans are already looking ahead to 2026 and wondering when the next marquee fights will happen. Meanwhile, platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free streaming options for fans who want to keep up with the action.
Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF title on November 8. That move could bring a potential showdown with Dubois closer to reality, as both fighters would then share the same weight class. The prospect of a clash between two of the sport's most exciting talents has generated considerable buzz among pundits and fans alike. Since her own meteoric rise—marked by back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals and an unbeaten 19‑fight streak—Shields has claimed the mantle of the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT).
As she contemplates retirement, she admits she has already identified a possible successor 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 also be a force, but right now Caroline is right there. She calls out the biggest names, seeks the best fights, and does it with confidence, volume and knockout power." Dubois, who now holds the unified WBC and WBO lightweight titles, is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British and women's boxing.
A victory over Moore in Birmingham would be a significant step toward an undisputed status in the division. Shields has expressed a genuine interest in Dubois' development, promising support regardless of the path the young champion chooses.
"Caroline has built her own brand," Shields explained. "If she wants to be called the GWOAT, break records and collect accolades, I won't be upset—as long as she's doing GWOAT‑level things: fighting the best, winning, and stacking belts. My own achievements will be tough to surpass; I just became a 21‑time world champion last week, but Caroline has the 'IT' factor and will fight anyone." Shields also offered practical assistance, saying she would be available to help Dubois in training camp if needed. "We joke about sparring; one day it might 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 added. The upcoming Sky Sports broadcast will feature not only the Mayer‑Cameron showdown but also Dubois' bout with Moore. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports or stream it via a contract‑free boxing service.
As the women's division continues to evolve, the narrative surrounding Baumgardner, Dubois, and Shields highlights the competitive spirit and ambition driving the sport forward. Whether Baumgardner eventually steps into the ring with Dubois or chooses a different path, the conversation underscores a new era where young talent is eager to test themselves against established champions, and legends like Shields are ready to pass the torch to the next generation.