Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside any notion that she is intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting that the British fighter has not yet reached her own elite level and that rumors of a future clash are premature. The American champion, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring titles at super featherweight, recently found herself at the center of a heated exchange with fellow star Claressa Shields.
Shields alleged that Baumgardner was avoiding a bout with Dubois out of fear of suffering a second professional loss. Baumgardner, however, laughed off the accusation and turned the spotlight onto Shields, claiming the latter’s comments stem from jealousy. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Baumgardner said, "Claressa has always been jealous of me because she doesn’t fight in my weight class and can’t land the biggest fights.
I could never be scared of anyone. You don’t feel fear when you’re doing a sport like this." Her remarks came as both women were gearing up for separate title defenses that could set the stage for a showdown later in the year. Baumgardner is slated to defend her world titles against Turkey’s unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan on November 8, while Dubois will face American prospect Amelia Moore in a co‑main event this Saturday, the latter bout serving as a potential stepping stone toward a future meeting between the two champions. Baumgardner has repeatedly suggested that Dubois is still a step away from earning a shot at her.
"She’s a hungry fighter and I respect that," Baumgardner explained, "but when you step up to the plate you’re stepping up to a big dog. I’m a big dog, she’s still a puppy. There’s a clear difference in experience and power." She praised Dubois’ work ethic but stressed that the British boxer must first prove she can handle the caliber of competition represented by Turhan, a 14‑0 knockout artist who has already shown the ability to end fights with a single punch. The conversation about a possible Baumgardner‑Dubois clash has been fueled by comments from MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian, who warned that both fighters must not underestimate their opponents.
Bidarian highlighted the upcoming Dubois‑Moore fight, noting that Moore is a decorated amateur with a strong pedigree. She drew a parallel to Amanda Serrano’s recent bout, where many expected Serrano to dominate a younger opponent, yet the fight proved more competitive than anticipated. "If Caroline stays focused and handles her business this weekend, and if Alycia can get past Turhan, then we have a super fight that could capture the global boxing audience," Bidarian told Sky Sports.
Mikaela Mayer, a former undisputed champion who will face Chantelle Cameron on the same card as Dubois, also weighed in on the potential matchup. Mayer recalled her own loss to Baumgardner in October 2022, a split‑decision defeat she still feels was unjust.
She warned that Turhan’s power could derail any plans for Baumgardner to move on to Dubois, saying, "Alycia is a good boxer and she’s strong, but her defense isn’t perfect. One clean shot from Turhan could change everything and we might end up seeing Dubois versus Turhan instead." The narrative surrounding these fights reflects a broader trend in women’s boxing in 2026, where promoters are eager to stack cards with high‑stakes matchups that can draw mainstream attention.
Streaming platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free boxing streams, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis, helping fans keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape. The sport’s governing bodies continue to sanction title fights across multiple organizations, creating opportunities for cross‑promotion bouts that can unify belts or at least generate buzz. Beyond the immediate speculation, Baumgardner’s comments reveal a deeper confidence in her own abilities and a strategic approach to career management.
She emphasized that she does not overlook any opponent, stating, "I know Amelia (Dubois’ opponent Amelia Moore). I’ve seen her, she’s game, and any night could be anyone’s opportunity." This humility, combined with a clear belief in her own superiority, underscores why she remains a dominant force in the super featherweight division.
While Shields’ claim that Baumgardner is avoiding Dubois may have been intended to provoke, it inadvertently highlighted the competitive depth of the women’s divisions. Both Baumgardner and Dubois have proven themselves as powerful punchers and skilled tacticians, but the path to a definitive clash still involves navigating mandatory defenses, promotional negotiations, and the ever‑present risk of injury. As the November 8 showdown with Turhan approaches, all eyes will be on whether Baumgardner can maintain her unbeaten record against a knockout‑heavy opponent. A victory would likely cement her status as the top contender for Dubois, setting the stage for a blockbuster fight that could finally answer the question that fans have been asking all season: Who truly is the queen of the women’s featherweight and lightweight divisions?
Until then, the boxing world will continue to watch, speculate, and hope for a night where two of the sport’s brightest stars finally meet in the ring.