Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside any notion that she is intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting the British fighter has yet to reach her own level as speculation builds around a possible clash between the two. The American champion, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring super‑featherweight belts, was recently accused by former world champion Claressa Shields of dodging a bout with Dubois out of fear of a second professional loss.
Baumgardner, however, laughed at the suggestion and made it clear she does not shy away from challenges. The conversation took on new urgency this week after Baumgardner’s upcoming world‑title showdown with Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan was confirmed for November 8. At the same time, Dubois is set to defend her WBC and WBO lightweight titles against Amelia Moore on Saturday, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the winners of those fights. The timing has fans and pundits alike wondering whether a Baumgardner‑Dubois bout could be the next big event in women’s boxing.
When asked by Sky Sports about Shields’ comments, Baumgardner replied, “Claressa has always been jealous of me because she doesn’t fight in my weight class and can’t land the biggest fights. But I could never be scared of anyone. You can’t be scared when you’re doing a sport like this.” Her confidence was evident, and she emphasized that fear has no place in a fighter’s mindset. Baumgardner has previously hinted that a fight with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old Briton.
Dubois, who will be fighting Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 alongside the Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron showdown, still needs to prove she can consistently compete at Baumgardner’s level. While Baumgardner respects Dubois’s hunger and work ethic, she believes the Englishwoman has not yet earned the right to step into the ring with a champion of her stature. "She’s still got to reach my level, but I love her hunger and I’m all for her taking on a challenge," Baumgardner said.
"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 difference, but I enjoy seeing her ambition." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by posing a question from the front row. She imagined 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 she’s confident, she wouldn’t be asking those kinds of questions. People talk, but I’m in the USA now – this is my country." Even as the prospect of a Dubois fight looms, Baumgardner remains focused on her immediate opponent, Turhan, who boasts a flawless 14‑0 record with eight knockouts.
"I think the boxing world wants that fight with me and Caroline, but I’m not overlooking anything. It could be anybody’s night," Baumgardner warned. "I know Amelia Moore – she’s game – and I know any fight could turn on a single moment." MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian echoed the sentiment that both fighters must respect their upcoming challenges. She cautioned against underestimating opponents, noting that Dubois faces a seasoned amateur in Amelia Moore, while Baumgardner will have to navigate Turhan’s power.
"Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – people thought she would dominate the 27‑year‑old, even Amanda probably thought she’d annihilate her opponent. If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past the Turkish knockout machine, we could have a super fight that captivates fans worldwide." Mayer herself has a history with Baumgardner, having suffered a split‑decision loss to the American in October 2022 – a result Mayer still believes should have gone her way. Mayer also highlighted Turhan as a potential obstacle to a Baumgardner‑Dubois matchup.
"It’ll be a great fight, a fight that definitely needs to happen. Alycia finally moved up to 135. She hasn’t taken on a real challenge since me, and that was years ago.
So it’s time for her to do that. Turhan is a tough test. If she gets caught with one of Turhan’s shots, the whole trajectory could change, and we might see Dubois versus Turhan instead." The buildup to these fights is further amplified by the promotional machinery surrounding MVPW‑06, which promises a stacked card featuring Mayer vs.
Cameron, Dubois vs. Moore, and the eventual Baumgardner‑Turhan showdown. Fans are encouraged to stream the events contract‑free via NOW or tune in on Sky Sports, where the action will be broadcast live.
In summary, while Claressa Shields may claim that Baumgardner is avoiding a fight out of fear, the American champion is unapologetically confident. She respects Dubois’s ambition but insists the British fighter must first earn her place at the top tier.
With both women slated to compete in high‑stakes bouts this weekend, the boxing world will be watching closely to see who emerges victorious and whether a Baumgardner‑Dubois clash becomes the next marquee event in women’s boxing.