Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside any notion that she is intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting that the British fighter has not yet reached her own level as speculation mounts about a possible clash between the two. The American champion, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring titles at super featherweight, was recently accused by former world champion Claressa Shields of avoiding a bout with Dubois out of fear of suffering a second professional loss.
Baumgardner, however, laughed off the allegation and turned the tables, suggesting that Shields’ comments stem from jealousy rather than any genuine concern about a matchup. The conversation surrounding a potential Baumgardner‑Dubois showdown gained fresh momentum this week after the promotion announced Baumgardner’s next title defence against Turkey’s unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. At the same time, Dubois is slated to fight fellow prospect Amelia Moore this Saturday, setting the stage for a possible winner‑takes‑all encounter between the two victors. When asked by Sky Sports about the buzz, 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.
I’ve never been scared of anyone. You can’t be scared when you’re doing a sport like this.” Baumgardner has previously hinted that a bout with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old British star, who will defend her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, which also features a clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron. While Baumgardner respects Dubois’ hunger and fighting spirit, she believes the Englishwoman still has to prove she belongs in the same tier.
“She’s a hungry fighter and I love that,” Baumgardner said, “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 difference, but I appreciate her ambition.” During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer with a pointed question from the front row, prompting speculation about what she might have asked Dubois if given the chance. Baumgardner explained, “I would ask her why she feels the need to go to other trainers I’ve worked with and ask how she can beat me.
If you’re confident you don’t need to ask those kinds of questions. People love to talk, but I’m in the USA now – that’s my country.” Even as the prospect of a Dubois‑Baumgardner fight looms, the American champion remains focused on her upcoming challenge against Turhan, a flawless 14‑0 fighter with eight knockouts. “I think the boxing world wants that fight with me and Caroline, but I’m not overlooking anything. It could be anyone’s night,” Baumgardner said.
“I know Amelia, I’ve seen her, she’s game, and any opponent could seize the moment.” MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian warned that both Dubois and Baumgardner must not underestimate their opponents, yet she believes a clash between the two would electrify women’s boxing worldwide. “Caroline has no easy fight this Saturday – Amelia Moore is a decorated amateur,” Bidarian told Sky Sports. “Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend. Everyone thought she would demolish the 27‑year‑old, even Amanda herself probably expected a knockout.
If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past Turhan, who is a knockout monster, then we have a super fight that will capture global attention.” Mayer, who suffered one of her two career defeats at the hands of Baumgardner in October 2022 via a split‑decision loss she still feels was unjust, also weighed in on the potential Turhan hurdle. “It’s a great fight that needs to happen,” Mayer said.
“Alycia finally moved up to 135. She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, and that was years ago. Turhan is a tough test with serious power. If Baumgardner gets caught, the whole trajectory could change and we might see Dubois versus Turhan instead.” The narrative surrounding these upcoming fights is more than just speculation; it reflects the evolving landscape of women’s boxing in 2026.
With multiple titles on the line, promoters are eager to craft marquee match‑ups that draw both hardcore fans and casual viewers. Streaming platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free boxing streams, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe keep enthusiasts engaged with weekly analysis. Highlight reels and video clips continue to circulate across social media, amplifying the reach of each bout.
In the broader context, the sport is witnessing a surge of talent across weight classes. Fighters like Dubois, who holds the WBC and WBO lightweight belts, are building impressive amateur pedigrees before turning pro, while American champions like Baumgardner bring a blend of power and technical skill that appeals to a global audience.
The rivalry, whether real or manufactured by media narratives, adds a compelling storyline that promoters can leverage. Looking ahead, the November 8 showdown between Baumgardner and Turhan will serve as a litmus test.
A decisive victory for Baumgardner could accelerate talks of a Dubois fight, potentially setting up a historic encounter between two of the sport’s most charismatic figures. Conversely, a loss could shift the focus toward other emerging contenders, such as Amelia Moore or even a rematch between Dubois and a different lightweight challenger. Regardless of the outcome, the conversation underscores a key theme: women’s boxing is no longer a niche.
The sport is gaining parity in terms of viewership, sponsorship, and media coverage. Fans are demanding high‑stakes match‑ups, and athletes like Baumgardner and Dubois are stepping up to meet those expectations, each confident in their own path.
In summary, Baumgardner remains unapologetically confident, dismissing any claims that fear drives her decisions. She acknowledges Dubois’ ambition but insists the British fighter still has work to do before earning a shot at the American champion. As the calendar fills with title bouts and promotional events, the boxing world watches closely, waiting to see whether the long‑rumored Baumgardner‑Dubois clash will finally materialize or remain a tantalizing "what‑if" in the sport’s ever‑growing narrative.