Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside the chatter that she might be intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting the London‑born fighter is still a step below her own class as speculation builds around a possible showdown. 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.
Both fighters have been nudged closer together this week. Baumgardner is slated to defend her titles against Turkey’s unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan on November 8, while Dubois is set to face fellow Briton Amelia Moore this Saturday in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, which also features Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron.
The winners of those fights could be lining up for a high‑stakes clash in the near future. "Claressa has always been jealous of me," Baumgardner told Sky Sports. "She fights in a different weight class, so she can’t claim the biggest fights like I do. But I’ve never been scared of anyone.
You can’t be afraid when you’re doing a sport like this." Baumgardner has previously hinted that a fight with Dubois would be premature for the 25‑year‑old Briton, who will defend her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore on the same card. While Baumgardner respects Dubois’s hunger and mental toughness, she believes the English fighter still has to earn her place at the same level.
"She’s still working to reach my level, but I love that she’s hungry and wants a challenge," Baumgardner explained. "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 clear difference, but I appreciate her ambition." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by asking a pointed question from the front row.
She wondered what Dubois would say about consulting trainers that Baumgardner has worked with to figure out how to beat her. "Why does she need to ask other coaches how to defeat me? If she’s confident, she wouldn’t be asking those questions," Baumgardner said, adding, "People talk, but I’m in the USA now—this is my country." Even with the Dubois talk swirling, Baumgardner remains focused on Turhan, a flawless 14‑0 fighter with eight knockouts.
"The boxing world wants a Baumgardner‑Dubois fight, but I’m not overlooking anything. It could be anyone’s night," she warned.
"I’ve seen Amelia Moore, she’s a tough opponent, and anything can happen on fight night." MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian cautioned against underestimating any opponent, but she also believes a Baumgardner‑Dubois matchup would be a global draw for women’s boxing. "Caroline has a tough test against Amelia Moore this Saturday.
Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend—people thought she’d dominate the 27‑year‑old opponent, even Serrano herself expected a knockout. If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past Turhan, who is a knockout monster, we could have a super‑fight that captivates fans worldwide." Mikaela Mayer, who suffered a split‑decision loss to Baumgardner in October 2022—a decision she still believes should have gone her way—also weighed in on the potential domino effect.
She noted that Turhan’s power could derail any plans for a Baumgardner‑Dubois clash. "It’ll be a great fight, one that definitely needs to happen.
Alycia finally moved up to 135, and she hasn’t taken a real challenge since me. Turhan is a tough test, and if she lands a big shot, the whole trajectory could change, possibly leading to a Dubois‑Turhan bout instead." The upcoming weekend offers a clear picture of the current landscape. On Saturday, viewers can watch the Mayer‑Cameron showdown while also catching Dubois versus Moore on Sky Sports. The outcomes will shape the narrative for the rest of the year.
If Baumgardner dispatches Turhan convincingly, the buzz around a Baumgardner‑Dubois showdown will intensify, potentially setting up a marquee event that could elevate women’s boxing to new heights. Conversely, a surprise upset could shift momentum toward other contenders, underscoring the depth and unpredictability of the sport. Regardless of the results, Baumgardner’s confidence and refusal to be labeled “scared” underscore her mindset as a champion who thrives on challenges. Her comments about Shields’ alleged jealousy, her respect for Dubois’s work ethic, and her laser focus on Turhan all paint a picture of a fighter who is both aware of the politics surrounding her sport and determined to let her performances in the ring speak louder than any rumors.
The next few weeks will reveal whether the much‑talked‑about Baumgardner‑Dubois clash remains a distant fantasy or becomes the next big headline in women’s boxing.