Caroline Dubois sailed through a demanding bout against Amelia Moore before engaging in a heated verbal exchange with fellow contender Alycia Baumgardner at ringside, setting the stage for a possible blockbuster clash with the American fighter. The London‑born champion displayed little vulnerability during a dominant performance that earned her a unanimous decision win with scores of 99‑90, 99‑90 and 98‑91, allowing her to retain both the WBC and WBO lightweight titles in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham on Saturday. Following the fight, Dubois found herself in a war of words with former undisputed champion Baumgardner, who is slated to move up to the lightweight division for a showdown with Elif Nur Turhan on November 8.
Baumgardner has been a constant presence throughout the Birmingham weekend, even grilling her former rival Mikaela Mayer at a final press conference and reiterating her belief that Dubois has yet to reach her level. "That was a lackluster performance," Baumgardner declared.
"You need to tighten up, baby girl. You were tired, really tired. I'm going to show you what a champion does. I'm an undisputed champion now.
I'm at lightweight now." Dubois fired back: "I've been calling for this for a long time. After the last fight I said, ‘move up and fight that bum.’ What happened to Amanda Serrano?
What happened to Katie Taylor? What happened to Claressa Shields? You haven't gotten anything you asked for. I got what I asked for.
You're moving up to my division. I'm the best in the division and you know it. I'm 25 and I'm better than you." The exchange continued with Dubois adding, "I love that energy. If you get through Elif Nur Turhan, you and I will have no doubt about who belongs at the top.
Everything I've asked for has happened. I'm going to knock this bum out, you better believe it." In the ring, Dubois asserted herself from the opening bell, unleashing a rapid series of body punches in round one that forced Moore to retreat despite the American's longer reach. In round two, Dubois sought her optimal range, countering Moore's cautious style and ending the two‑minute segment with a crisp overhand right to Moore's head. Rounds three and four saw Dubois maintain the tempo, repeatedly targeting Moore's torso while the challenger struggled to land clean shots against Dubois' swift footwork and sharp angles.
The pivotal moment arrived in round five when Dubois secured a knockdown. Observers noted that the fall appeared more a result of Moore losing balance than a single crushing blow, yet Dubois capitalized on the momentum, following up with a powerful right hook that kept the pressure on. Dubois continued to land precise hooks to Moore's head in round seven, and a clean straight left in round eight broke through the American's guard. Blood began to trickle from Moore's nose, yet she persisted, launching a late offensive surge in round nine.
The final round featured a dramatic accidental clash of heads that left Moore with a cut, but Dubois retained control throughout, securing the unanimous decision. Beyond the main event, the card featured several notable performances. Terri Harper made a triumphant return, delivering a clinical second‑round stoppage of Houston’s Miranda Reyes, her first bout since a defeat by Dubois in April.
Harper opened with a perfectly timed left hand that sent Reyes to the canvas. The American rose, only to be met with a barrage of hooks and a decisive right hand that forced the referee to halt the contest. Harper praised the victory, calling it one of the best performances of her career and expressing gratitude to MVP for the swift comeback opportunity. In another exciting matchup, Reina Tellez displayed ferocious aggression to outpoint Jessica Barry, earning a 96‑94 decision.
Tellez, who stepped in on short notice to face the legendary Amanda Serrano earlier in the year, showcased cleaner, more eye‑catching punches throughout the bout. She acknowledged a slight ring rust but emphasized her overall satisfaction with the win, noting the experience gained and the respect she holds for Barry’s heart and style.
Tellez controlled the early rounds with fast hands, accuracy, and power, repeatedly finding Barry’s head. Barry rallied in the fifth round with a solid upper‑cut, and Tellez was penalized a point in round six for a low blow. Undeterred, she returned to the offensive, landing a brutal right hand in round eight that troubled Barry. Although Barry displayed toughness and continued to trade fire, Tellez’s relentless output ultimately secured the victory.
The night also highlighted the debut of Tysie Gallagher, who earned a points win over Chicago’s Brandi Robinson, improving her professional record to 11‑2. Gallagher admitted she was not entirely satisfied with her performance, citing a slow start and the challenges of returning after a layoff, but vowed to come back stronger.
Overall, the MVPW‑06 event delivered a blend of dominant title defenses, emerging talent, and compelling narratives that set the stage for future high‑stakes encounters. Dubois’ clear superiority over Moore, combined with her outspoken confidence, positions her as a marquee name in the lightweight division.
Meanwhile, Baumgardner’s vocal challenges and upcoming bout with Turhan promise to add further intrigue to the lightweight landscape. Fans can anticipate a continuation of these storylines as the fighters prepare for upcoming contests, with the potential for a blockbuster super‑fight between Dubois and Baumgardner looming on the horizon.