Claressa Shields, a seasoned champion across multiple weight classes, has suggested that Alycia Baumgardner is avoiding a showdown with rising British star Caroline Dubois out of fear of another defeat. The WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super‑featherweight titleholder has repeatedly dismissed the notion of a bout with Dubois, calling it premature and insisting that the young British fighter has not yet reached her level. Despite Baumgardner’s public reluctance, Dubois has continued to chase the American champion, especially after she solidified her own status by unifying the division above with a victory over Terri Harper in April.
Dubois is slated to face unbeaten former U.S. Olympian Amelia Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, sharing the card with a Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Saturday. After that fight, Dubois has made it clear that Baumgardner is next on her wish list.
Shields, who has personally navigated weight‑class changes throughout her career, feels uniquely qualified to comment on why Baumgardner might be shying away from the challenge. "When you have someone five pounds heavier knocking on your door, constantly trash‑talking, promising to knock you out, you’d expect Alycia to step up, move up, and prove herself," Shields told Sky Sports. "I think Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline.
She doesn’t want to jeopardise her record now that she already has a loss on it. I believe Caroline will win that fight." The comments came as Dubois continues to build a résumé that many believe could eventually eclipse that of legendary British boxer Katie Taylor. In a broader look at the sport, boxing analysts are already mapping out the biggest fights for 2026, while streaming platforms like NOW offer contract‑free boxing for fans.
The Toe2Toe podcast, which discusses weekly developments, has also highlighted the growing rivalry. Baumgardner is scheduled to move up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight title on November 8. That move could bring the long‑awaited clash with Dubois a step closer, especially if Baumgardner succeeds and both women find themselves in the same weight class.
Since earning back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals, Shields has maintained an unbeaten 19‑fight streak, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and proclaiming herself the Greatest Woman Of All Time (GWOAT). When asked who might inherit her mantle, Shields pointed directly to Dubois. "They asked me who I think will carry the torch when I’m gone, and I said Caroline Dubois," she said. "Gabriela Fundora will be a champion, but right now Caroline is right there.
She’s calling out the biggest, the best, she wants the biggest fights. She’s confident, loud, aggressive, scoring knockouts, and she’s doing it at the perfect time." Dubois, who now holds the unified WBC and WBO lightweight belts, is considered one of the hottest prospects in British and women's boxing.
A victory over Moore in Birmingham would bring her one step closer to undisputed status. Shields has expressed a genuine interest in Dubois’ career trajectory, pledging support regardless of the path she chooses. "Caroline has her own brand," Shields explained.
"If she wants to be called the GWOAT, and she’s breaking records and racking up accolades, I’m not going to be upset as long as she’s doing GWOAT things—fighting the best, winning, collecting belts. My achievements will be hard to beat; I just became a 21‑time world champion last week, but Caroline has the IT factor and will fight anyone." Shields also offered practical assistance, saying she would be there for Dubois if she ever needed help in camp. "We joke about sparring; one day it’ll happen.
She’s already asked me for advice and I told her to enjoy her career, make it her own, never underestimate opponents, and always be prepared," Shields added. The upcoming Sky Sports broadcast will feature the Mayer‑Cameron bout, with Dubois’ own fight on the same card, giving viewers a taste of the talent pool that Shields believes will shape the future of women’s boxing. Fans can watch live on Sky Sports or stream the event without a contract via NOW. The narrative surrounding Baumgardner’s hesitation, Dubois’ ambition, and Shields’ endorsement creates a compelling storyline that could culminate in a historic showdown, potentially redefining the hierarchy of women’s boxing for years to come.