Caroline Dubois didn’t hold back on Saturday night, branding her American rival Alycia Baumgardner a coward after a tense exchange at ringside. The two fighters have been linked to a blockbuster showdown, especially now that Baumgardner is set to move up to Dubois’s weight class when she challenges IBF lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. The confrontation began moments after Dubois secured a unanimous decision victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham. Baumgardner, who was watching from the audience, approached the ropes and a heated verbal sparring session erupted, complete with a tug‑of‑war over the microphone and a barrage of sharp remarks that only intensified their budding feud.
Dubois later took aim at Baumgardner’s decision to skip her post‑fight press conference, calling her out on the absence. “I’m surprised she isn’t there. I think she’s a coward,” Dubois said, her tone unmistakably pointed.
“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 Dubois would need to “tighten up” if she hoped to defeat the former undisputed world champion.
The exchange has added fuel to a rivalry that already includes talk of a possible super‑fight, a bout that promoters and fans alike are calling the biggest clash in women’s boxing in recent memory. Dubois responded by questioning Baumgardner’s record, pointing out that the American has yet to secure high‑profile fights against legends such as Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields.
She argued that at 25 years old she is already ahead of Baumgardner in skill and experience. “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 asserted. “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. “I think it will be a great fight, and I hope that she wins against Elif [Nur Turhan], 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.” The conversation also turned to other potential opponents. Dubois mentioned Stephanie Han as a viable alternative after the British fighter recently defended her WBA lightweight title with a majority decision over Holly Holm. “Nakisa [MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian] flew me out earlier this year to watch Stephanie fight against Holly Holm,” Dubois recounted. “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.” MVP founder Jake Paul, speaking to Sky Sports, said his organization is fully prepared to sign contracts for a Dubois‑versus‑Baumgardner bout as soon as the fighters are ready.
“We are 100 per cent ready to go when they want to sign the contracts,” Paul affirmed, emphasizing that the promotion is eager to lock in the clash. The rivalry has also drawn comments from other top names in the sport.
Former champion Claressa Shields accused Baumgardner of being “scared” of Dubois, a claim the American quickly rebuffed by labeling Shields as “jealous.” Baumgardner herself insisted she isn’t frightened of anyone and believes the fight will happen after she completes her November 8 title challenge. “Alycia is not scared of anyone, I know it’s going to happen, she has to get through November 8 and then we can have those discussions,” Paul added. “I think it’s funny when fans or critics say certain people are scared of somebody – they aren’t scared, it’s what they do for a living.” The drama surrounding the potential matchup has captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide.
Both fighters bring distinct styles: Dubois is known for her crisp footwork, high‑volume punching, and tactical precision, while Baumgardner boasts power, aggression, and a reputation for finishing fights early. If the bout materializes, it could serve as a watershed moment for women’s boxing, drawing mainstream attention comparable to the sport’s biggest male headline events. Beyond the personal jabs, there are broader implications for the sport’s growth.
A high‑profile fight between Dubois and Baumgardner would likely attract major broadcast deals, sponsorships, and a surge in viewership, helping to elevate the visibility of female athletes in combat sports. It could also inspire a new generation of young women to step into the gym, seeing that there are lucrative, high‑stakes opportunities available.
In the meantime, both fighters remain focused on their immediate objectives. Baumgardner is preparing to face Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight title, a fight that could either cement her status as a top contender or expose areas that need improvement before a potential clash with Dubois. Dubois, meanwhile, is keeping her options open, training hard, and continuing to promote her brand as the reigning champion who is unafraid of any challenger.
Whether the two will finally meet in the ring remains to be seen, but the animosity, media coverage, and fan interest suggest that when they do, it will be a historic event—one that could redefine the landscape of women’s boxing for years to come.