Caroline Dubois publicly branded her rival Alycia Baumgardner a coward after a tense exchange at ringside on Saturday night, intensifying a feud that has already captured the imagination of boxing fans on both sides of the Atlantic. The two fighters have been linked to a blockbuster showdown for months, and the animosity displayed during the recent bout only adds fuel to the fire. The incident unfolded shortly after Dubois secured a unanimous decision victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham.
As Dubois celebrated her win, Baumgardner, who was seated near the ropes, approached her and the two engaged in a heated verbal tug‑of‑war. The confrontation quickly escalated into a microphone showdown, with each athlete hurling barbs and accusations at the other. The exchange set the tone for what many are already calling the biggest fight in women's boxing history. Dubois did not waste any time in criticizing Baumgardner for skipping the post‑fight press conference.
"I'm surprised she isn't there. I think she's a coward," Dubois said, her voice firm and unapologetic. "I wish she was 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." 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 back‑and‑forth between the two has taken on a personal dimension, with Dubois questioning why Baumgardner has never secured high‑profile bouts against legends such as Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields. "She's tried as hard as she can to dismiss me and make it seem like I'm not on her level, but I am," Dubois continued.
"I'm the world champion, and she's moving up to my division. Yeah, I think this is the biggest fight in women's boxing." Dubois also expressed a measured optimism about Baumgardner's upcoming challenge against Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight title on November 8. "I think it will be a great fight, and I hope that she wins against Elif, but you never know. Maybe it's Elif who wins, and it'll be me and her facing off, so let's not try and write off Elif," she said, indicating that the landscape could shift dramatically depending on the outcome of that November bout.
While the Dubois‑Baumgardner rivalry dominates headlines, there are other potential match‑ups on the horizon. Stephanie Han, who recently fought Holly Holm, has been mentioned as a possible opponent for Dubois. Dubois recounted a recent trip organized by Nakisa Bidarian, co‑founder of MVP, to watch Han's bout. "I went to the press conference afterwards.
I wasn't afraid to come to the press conference. 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," Dubois declared.
The promotional side of the sport is equally active. MVP founder Jake Paul told Sky Sports that his organization is "100 per cent ready to go when they want to sign the contracts" for a Dubois‑Baumgardner clash.
Paul emphasized that any hesitation from fans or critics about the fighters being scared is misplaced, noting that fear has no place in a professional athlete's mindset. The animosity is not limited to Dubois and Baumgardner. Former champion Claressa Shields recently accused Baumgardner of being "scared" of Dubois, prompting the American to fire back and label Shields "jealous." This exchange highlights how the rivalry has spilled over into broader discussions within the women's boxing community, with prominent figures taking sides and adding layers to the narrative. Beyond the personal jabs, the potential fight carries significant implications for the sport.
A matchup between Dubois, the reigning WBA lightweight champion, and Baumgardner, a former undisputed champion moving up in weight, would be a clash of styles: Dubois's technical precision and speed versus Baumgardner's power and experience at higher weight classes. The bout could also serve as a catalyst for greater visibility and investment in women's boxing, attracting mainstream media attention and lucrative broadcast deals. From a tactical perspective, analysts suggest that Dubois would need to address the "tightening up" criticism by sharpening her defensive footwork and improving her ability to cut off the ring, especially against Baumgardner's aggressive forward pressure. Conversely, Baumgardner must adapt to the lighter weight limit, ensuring she maintains her power while managing stamina over twelve rounds.
The upcoming IBF lightweight title fight on November 8 will be a bellwether for the eventual Dubois‑Baumgardner showdown. If Baumgardner defeats Turhan convincingly, the narrative will shift toward a highly anticipated title unification bout. If she falls short, Dubois may still pursue a fight with the new champion, keeping the rivalry alive.
Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting official confirmation. In the meantime, both fighters continue to promote their respective brands on social media, dropping hints and taunts that keep the conversation alive.
Whether the fight materializes later this year or next, the saga of Dubois versus Baumgardner has already cemented its place as a defining chapter in the evolution of women's boxing.