Caroline Dubois publicly branded her American counterpart Alycia Baumgardner a coward after a tense exchange at ringside on Saturday night, intensifying a rivalry that has been simmering for months. The two fighters, who hail from opposite sides of the Atlantic, have been linked to a blockbuster showdown ever since Baumgardner announced she would move up to the lightweight division to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF world title on November 8. That move would place her directly in Dubois’s weight class, setting the stage for what many analysts are already calling the biggest fight in women’s boxing in recent memory.
The confrontation began moments after Dubois secured a unanimous decision victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham. As Dubois celebrated her win, Baumgardner approached the ropes, and the two engaged in a heated verbal sparring session that quickly escalated into a full‑blown war of words. The exchange was captured on microphone, with each athlete trading barbs that only served to deepen the animosity between them. Following the bout, Dubois took to the post‑fight press conference and openly criticized Baumgardner for not attending.
"I’m surprised she isn’t here. I think she’s a coward," Dubois said, her tone unmistakably pointed.
"I wish she were here so I could say it to her face. I really do.
I think she’s a coward because she isn’t here today. She should have come to the press conference. This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing." Her comments underscored the belief that a true champion would not shy away from the spotlight, especially when a historic matchup was on the horizon. Baumgardner, for her part, dismissed Dubois’s performance as "lacklustre" and warned that the British champion would need to "tighten up" if she hoped to defeat the former undisputed world champion.
The American fighter’s assessment suggested that Dubois still had technical adjustments to make before she could truly test herself against top‑tier opposition. The rivalry has also drawn attention from other prominent figures in the sport.
Jake Paul, founder of the MVP boxing promotion, told Sky Sports that his organization was "100 per cent ready to go when they want to sign the contracts" for a Dubois‑versus‑Baumgardner bout. Paul’s comments indicate that the fight is not just a matter of personal pride but also a significant commercial opportunity that could attract a global audience.
Adding another layer to the narrative, former world champion Claressa Shields recently accused Baumgardner of being "scared" of Dubois. Baumgardner responded by labeling Shields as "jealous," further fueling the public feud. These exchanges have turned the potential matchup into a storyline that extends beyond the ropes, involving media personalities, promoters, and fans alike.
Dubois also referenced other possible opponents, notably Stephanie Han, after successfully defending her WBA lightweight title with a majority decision win over veteran Holly Holm. Dubois recounted how Nakisa Bidarian, co‑founder of MVP, flew her out earlier in the year to watch Han’s fight against Holm. "I went to the press conference afterwards. I wasn’t afraid to come to the press conference," Dubois said.
"I called her out openly there and then, and she promised me we would do it, that it is a fight that’s going to happen, and I intend to hold her to that. I want to fight Stephanie." The potential Dubois‑Baumgardner clash is further complicated by Baumgardner’s upcoming title challenge against Turhan. Dubois expressed a mixture of confidence and respect for Turhan, acknowledging that the outcome of that bout could set the stage for a future showdown.
"I think it will be a great fight, and I hope that she wins against Elif, but you never know," Dubois said. "Maybe it’s Elif who wins, and it’ll be me and her facing off, so let’s not try and write off Elif." From a technical perspective, both fighters bring distinct styles to the ring.
Dubois is known for her speed, crisp footwork, and high‑volume punching, attributes that have helped her dominate the lightweight division in Europe. Baumgardner, on the other hand, relies on power, aggressive forward pressure, and a solid chin that has allowed her to compete successfully at welterweight before moving down. Analysts suggest that a clash of these contrasting approaches could produce a compelling tactical battle, with Dubois needing to neutralize Baumgardner’s power while imposing her own rhythm. The broader context of women’s boxing also plays a role in the hype surrounding this potential bout.
In recent years, the sport has seen a surge in mainstream visibility, thanks in part to high‑profile fights involving fighters like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, and Amanda Serrano. A Dubois‑versus‑Baumgardner fight would add to that momentum, offering a fresh narrative that pits a rising European champion against an established American contender. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see whether the verbal sparring will translate into an actual contest. If the fight materializes, it could be scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, depending on the outcome of Baumgardner’s November 8 title fight and any contractual negotiations.
Regardless of the timeline, the animosity between Dubois and Baumgardner has already captured the imagination of boxing enthusiasts worldwide, promising a showdown that could redefine the landscape of women’s lightweight boxing. In summary, Caroline Dubois’s accusation that Alycia Baumgardner is a coward has escalated an already volatile rivalry into a full‑blown narrative that involves personal pride, promotional interests, and the future direction of the sport. With both fighters poised for major fights in the coming months—Dubois defending her WBA lightweight crown and Baumgardner challenging for the IBF title—their paths are set to intersect in a way that could produce one of the most talked‑about events in women’s boxing history.
Whether the bout ultimately takes place or not, the exchange has already highlighted the growing competitiveness and marketability of women’s boxing, signaling a bright future for the sport.