Caroline Dubois sailed through a resilient Amelia Moore before engaging in a heated exchange of words with fellow contender Alycia Baumgardner on the sidelines, setting the stage for a possible blockbuster showdown between the two fighters. In the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham on Saturday, the 25‑year‑old Londoner delivered a masterclass performance, cruising to a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99‑90, 99‑90 and 98‑91, thereby retaining her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns. Dubois’ dominance inside the ring was matched only by the intensity of her post‑fight rhetoric.
After the bell rang, Baumgardner—who will step up to lightweight when she meets Elif Nur Turhan on November 8—joined the conversation, launching a series of barbs aimed at the champion. Baumgardner, a former undisputed champion, has been a constant presence in Birmingham this week, even questioning former rival Mikaela Mayer during her final press conference.
She dismissed Dubois’ showing as “lackluster,” insisting the British fighter appeared tired and needed to tighten up if she hoped to compete at the highest level. Dubois responded with equal fervor, reminding everyone that she has been vocal about moving up in weight and challenging the best. She referenced the recent retirements and moves of legends such as Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields, declaring that she has already achieved the milestones she set for herself.
"I’m 25, I’m the best in this division, and I’m not going to let anyone tell me otherwise," she said, adding that a victory over Baumgardner would cement her status beyond doubt. The fight itself unfolded as a textbook example of tactical boxing. Dubois seized the initiative from the opening bell, unleashing a rapid barrage of body shots in the first round that forced Moore to retreat despite the American’s longer reach.
In the second round, Dubois continued to probe her opponent’s defenses, landing a crisp overhand right that snapped Moore’s head back as the round drew to a close. Rounds three and four saw Dubois maintain the tempo, targeting Moore’s midsection with precision while the challenger struggled to find a clear opening.
By the fifth round, a pivotal moment arrived when Dubois knocked Moore down. The referee’s count revealed that the knockdown was more a result of Moore losing her balance than a single thunderous blow, but it nevertheless shifted the momentum decisively in Dubois’ favor. Seizing the opportunity, Dubois pressed forward with a ferocious right hook that kept Moore on the defensive.
The British champion’s accuracy did not wane. In round seven she landed a series of sharp hooks to Moore’s head, followed by a clean straight left that pierced the American’s guard. By round eight, Moore’s nose began to bleed, a visual testament to Dubois’ relentless pressure. Although Moore attempted a late surge in the ninth round, Dubois’ footwork and ring‑generalship kept her firmly in control.
The final round turned into a gritty contest as Moore, despite a cut from an accidental head clash, fought back with everything she had left. Nevertheless, the judges’ scorecards reflected Dubois’ clear superiority throughout the bout, granting her a unanimous decision and solidifying her hold on both world titles. Beyond the main event, the card featured several noteworthy performances.
Terri Harper made a triumphant return to the ring, dispatching Miranda Reyes of Houston with a second‑round stoppage. Harper’s victory began with a perfectly timed left hand that sent Reyes to the canvas, and after a brief recovery the British fighter unleashed a flurry of hooks and a powerful right that forced the referee to end the contest.
Harper praised the win as one of the best of her career and expressed gratitude to MVP for giving her a swift comeback after her previous loss to Dubois. In another bout, American Reina Tellez showcased her striking prowess against Jessica Barry, earning a 96‑94 points win.
Tellez, who famously stepped in on short notice to fight Amanda Serrano earlier in the year, displayed crisp, high‑volume punching that out‑scored Barry. Despite a point deduction for a low blow in round six, Tellez rebounded with a vicious right hand in round eight, ultimately securing the decision. She acknowledged feeling a touch of ring rust but emphasized her overall satisfaction with the performance and the platform provided by MVP.
The night also highlighted the debut of Tysie Gallagher, who earned a points victory over Chicago’s Brandi Robinson, improving her professional record to 11‑2. Gallagher admitted she was not entirely pleased with her showing, citing a slow start and a desire to improve, but pledged to return stronger in future outings. Overall, the MVPW‑06 event delivered a blend of decisive victories, compelling narratives, and a glimpse into future rivalries. Dubois’ commanding win over Moore and her ensuing war of words with Baumgardner have set the tone for what could become one of the sport’s most anticipated match‑ups.
As the lightweight division continues to evolve, fans can expect further intrigue as Baumgardner prepares for her November fight and Dubois eyes a potential clash that could define the era.