Alycia Baumgardner brushed off any notion that she is intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting the British prospect has not yet reached her own level as speculation swirls about a possible showdown between the two fighters. The American champion, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring titles at super featherweight, was recently accused by former champion Claressa Shields of dodging a bout with Dubois out of fear of suffering a second professional loss.
Both stars, however, 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 face Amelia Moore this Saturday. The timing has fans wondering whether the winners of those fights could meet in the near future. When asked by Sky Sports about Shields’ comments, Baumgardner laughed and replied, “Claressa has always been jealous of me because she’s not in my weight class and doesn’t get the biggest fights. But I could never be scared of anyone.
You can’t be afraid when you’re doing a sport like this.” She added that fear has no place in a boxer’s mindset, especially one who has already proven herself at the highest level. Baumgardner has previously hinted that a bout with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old Briton, who is currently defending her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, which also features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron.
While Baumgardner admires Dubois’ hunger and mental toughness, she believes the English fighter still needs to earn her spot before challenging a champion of her stature. "She’s still working to reach my level, but I love that she’s hungry and wants a challenge," Baumgardner said.
"When you step up to the plate you’re stepping up to a big dog. I’m the big dog, she’s still a puppy. There’s a difference, but I respect her ambition." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by posing a question from the front row.
She wondered what she would ask Dubois if given the chance: "Why does she feel the need to ask other trainers I’ve worked with how she can beat me? If you’re confident, you don’t ask those kinds of questions.
People talk, but I’m in the USA now – that’s my country." Even with the prospect of a Dubois fight looming, Baumgardner dismissed the idea that she might overlook Turhan, who sits at a flawless 14‑0 with eight knock‑outs. "I think the boxing world wants that fight with me and Caroline, but I’m not ignoring anything. It could be anyone’s night," she explained.
"I’ve seen Amelia Moore, she’s game, and any opponent could seize the opportunity." MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian warned both fighters against underestimating their opponents, yet she believes a Baumgardner‑Dubois clash would electrify women’s boxing worldwide. "Caroline has a tough test this Saturday against Amelia Moore, a decorated amateur. Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – people thought she would dominate the 27‑year‑old, even she probably expected to annihilate her.
If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past the Turkish knockout machine, that would be a super fight that could capture global attention." Mayer herself recalled her own loss to Baumgardner back in October 2022, a split‑decision defeat she still feels should have gone her way. She echoed concerns that Turhan could derail any plans for a Baumgardner‑Dubois matchup.
"It’s a fight that definitely needs to happen," Mayer said. "Alycia finally moved up to 135. She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, so Turhan is a tough test. If she gets caught by Turhan’s power, the whole trajectory could change and we might see Dubois versus Turhan instead." The narrative surrounding these potential match‑ups underscores the growing depth and excitement in women’s boxing.
With multiple champions across weight classes eager to prove themselves, fans are treated to a landscape where ambition, respect, and rivalry intersect. Whether Baumgardner ultimately faces Dubois, Turhan, or another contender, the stakes are high, and the sport continues to attract new audiences. For those looking to catch the upcoming bouts, the fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, as well as Caroline Dubois versus Amelia Moore, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Viewers can also stream the events without a contract through various boxing‑focused platforms, ensuring that the excitement reaches fans worldwide.