Claressa Shields, the celebrated multi‑division champion, has openly suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is letting fear dictate her next move, especially when it comes to a potential showdown with rising British star Caroline Dubois. Baumgardner, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, has repeatedly dismissed the notion of a fight with Dubois as premature, insisting that the younger fighter has not yet reached her level.
Yet Shields argues that Baumgardner’s reluctance stems from a genuine concern about adding another loss to her record. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Shields painted a vivid picture of the psychological pressure Baumgardner faces. "When you have someone five pounds heavier knocking on your door, constantly bragging about how they will knock you out, you would think Alycia would just move up and prove herself," Shields said. She went on to assert, "I think Baumgardner is 100 per cent scared of Caroline, and she doesn’t want to risk her record now that she already has one loss on it.
She doesn’t want to risk it. I believe that Caroline will win that fight." Dubois, who recently unified the lightweight division by defeating Terri Harper in April, has not been deterred by Baumgardner’s comments. She remains on a relentless hunt for the American champion, and her next bout is set for the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, where she will face unbeaten former U.S.
Olympian Amelia Moore. The event, which also features a clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Saturday.
After her fight with Moore, Dubois has publicly stated that she wants Baumgardner next. The dynamics of weight classes add another layer of intrigue. Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight on November 8 to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight title.
A victory there could bring a blockbuster showdown with Dubois within reach, potentially setting up a historic clash between two of the sport’s most exciting talents. Shields, who has built an unbeaten 19‑fight career crowned with multiple world titles across several divisions, has long been hailed as the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT). As she contemplates her own legacy, she has already identified a possible successor.
"They asked me who I think is going to carry the torch once I’m gone and I was like, listen, it’s going to be Caroline Dubois," Shields told the network. While acknowledging Gabriela Fundora as a formidable contender, Shields emphasized that Dubois is already positioning herself as the heir apparent. "She’s calling out the biggest girls, the best girls, she’s trying to make the best fights.
She’s confident, she’s loud, she’s mean, she’s getting knockouts. She’s right on time," Shields added. The veteran champion also expressed a willingness to support Dubois in any capacity, from offering advice to potentially sparring together in the future. "She’s already asked me for advice, and I told her to have fun, make her career about herself, never underestimate opponents, and always stay prepared," Shields said.
Dubois, now the unified WBC and WBO lightweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in both British and women’s boxing. Her upcoming fight with Moore is seen as a stepping stone toward undisputed status.
A win would further cement her reputation and bring her one step closer to a high‑profile bout with Baumgardner, should the American champion decide to accept the challenge. The broader boxing landscape in 2026 continues to evolve, with fans eagerly awaiting marquee matchups across weight classes. Platforms like NOW offer contract‑free streaming for boxing enthusiasts, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insight into the sport’s latest developments. In summary, the tension between Baumgardner and Dubois reflects a classic narrative in combat sports: a champion hesitant to face a hungry challenger, and a rising star eager to prove herself on the biggest stage.
Shields’ commentary adds weight to the speculation, suggesting that Baumgardner’s fear may be as much about preserving her legacy as it is about the physical challenge posed by Dubois. Whether the two will eventually meet in the ring remains to be seen, but the buildup promises to deliver drama, skill, and perhaps a defining moment for women’s boxing in the years to come.