Claressa Shields has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a showdown with Caroline Dubois because she is terrified of another setback in her professional record. The current holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titles, Baumgardner has repeatedly dismissed the notion of a bout with the British prodigy, calling the idea premature and insisting that Dubois has not yet reached her level. Despite Baumgardner’s remarks, Dubois has continued to chase the American champion with relentless determination.
After unifying the division above by beating Terri Harper in April, the 22‑year‑old Briton is set to face unbeaten former U.S. Olympian Amelia Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham. That fight, which will be aired live on Sky Sports alongside a card featuring Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, is being billed as a stepping‑stone toward a future clash with Baumgardner. Shields, a multi‑division world champion who has personally navigated weight‑class changes throughout her career, believes she can speak with authority on why Baumgardner is reluctant to accept Dubois’ challenge.
"When you have someone five pounds heavier than you knocking on your door, taunting you, saying they’ll knock you out, you would think Alycia would simply move up and prove herself," Shields told Sky Sports. "I’m convinced Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline. She doesn’t want to jeopardise a record that already includes a loss. In my view, Caroline will win that fight." Dubois, who already holds the unified WBC and WBO lightweight crowns, is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in both British and women’s boxing.
Her recent performances have shown a blend of speed, power and ring IQ that many analysts compare to the qualities of the sport’s all‑time greats. A victory over Moore would not only add another knockout to her résumé but also bring her a step closer to an undisputed lightweight title. Meanwhile, Baumgardner is slated to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF title on November 8. That bout could serve as a springboard for a potential blockbuster encounter with Dubois, should both fighters continue to dominate their respective divisions.
Shields, who boasts an unbeaten 19‑fight career highlighted by two Olympic gold medals and a record‑setting 21 world titles, has often spoken about the future of women’s boxing after she eventually hangs up her gloves. When asked who she believes will carry the torch, she named Dubois without hesitation.
"They asked me who will carry the torch once I’m gone, and I said Caroline Dubois," Shields said. "Gabriela Fundora will be a force, but right now Caroline is the one calling out the biggest names, seeking the best fights, and delivering knockouts." Shields also emphasized her willingness to mentor Dubois. "Caroline has her own brand now. If she wants to be called the Greatest Woman Of All Time, I’m not going to be upset as long as she keeps fighting the best and winning belts," Shields explained.
"I just became a 21‑time world champion last week, but Caroline has the IT factor – she will fight anyone. I’ll be there to support her, whether she needs advice in camp or just a sparring partner someday. She’s already asked me for guidance, and I told her to enjoy her career, stay true to herself, and never underestimate any opponent." The upcoming Sky Sports broadcast will feature both Dubois and the highly anticipated Mayer‑Cameron bout, offering fans a glimpse of the future landscape of women’s boxing. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the narrative of a possible Baumgardner‑Dubois clash remains a tantalising subplot, especially given Shields’ outspoken commentary on the psychological dynamics at play.
In summary, Shields believes Baumgardner’s hesitation stems from a genuine fear of adding another loss to her record, while Dubois’ relentless pursuit and expanding skill set suggest she is more than ready to test herself against a champion of Baumgardner’s stature. With Baumgardner’s upcoming lightweight title challenge and Dubois’ upcoming fight against Moore, the next few months could set the stage for a high‑stakes encounter that would capture the attention of boxing fans worldwide.
The sport’s landscape in 2026 may well be defined by whether Dubois can step up to the super‑featherweight champion and claim another historic victory, or whether Baumgardner will finally accept the challenge and prove that she can dominate across weight classes as well.