Alycia Baumgardner brushed aside any notion that she is intimidated by Caroline Dubois, insisting the British prospect has not yet reached her own level as speculation builds around a possible showdown. The American holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring super‑featherweight titles recently found herself at the center of a controversy when Claressa Shields alleged that Baumgardner was avoiding a bout with Dubois out of fear of a second professional loss. Both fighters have been inching closer to a clash, especially after Baumgardner’s world‑title clash with Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan was slated for November 8, while Dubois is set to square off against Amelia Moore this Saturday. The timing has led many observers to picture a future encounter between the two winners.
"Claressa has always been jealous of me," Baumgardner told Sky Sports, adding, "She fights in a different weight class, so the biggest fights are hers, not mine. But I could never be scared of anyone. You don’t get scared when you’re doing a sport like this." The champion’s confidence was evident as she explained why she believes a Dubois fight is premature for the 25‑year‑old British star. Dubois, who defends her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns against Moore in the co‑main event of MVPW‑06, will also share a card with Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron this weekend.
Baumgardner praised Dubois’s work ethic but argued the French‑born fighter still needs to prove herself before earning a shot at the American’s belt. "She’s got hunger, and I love that," Baumgardner said.
"But stepping up to my level is like a puppy trying to take on a big dog. There’s a clear difference, and I respect her ambition, even if I think she still has to climb a few more rungs." During a press conference in Birmingham, Baumgardner surprised former rival Mikaela Mayer by posing a question from the front row. When asked what she would inquire of Dubois, she replied, "I’d ask why she feels the need to go to other trainers I’ve worked with and ask how she can beat me. If you’re truly confident, you don’t ask those kinds of questions.
People love to talk, but I’m focused on my own fight in the USA – that’s my home." While the prospect of a Dubois‑Baumgardner bout looms, the American champion made it clear she is not looking past Turhan, who enters the November 8 contest with an unbeaten 14‑0 record and eight knockouts. "The boxing world may want that fight with Caroline, but I’m not overlooking anything," Baumgardner said. "It could be anyone’s night. I’ve seen Amelia Moore, she’s game, and anything can happen on fight night." 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 a tough test this Saturday against Amelia Moore, a decorated amateur," Bidarian explained. "Look at Amanda Serrano’s fight last weekend – everyone thought she’d dominate the 27‑year‑old, even Serrano herself expected a quick finish.
If Caroline stays focused and Alycia gets past the Turkish knockout machine, that would be a super fight that could capture global attention." Mayer, who suffered a split‑decision loss to Baumgardner back in October 2022 and still believes she should have won, also weighed in on the potential matchup. She noted that Turhan poses a genuine threat that could derail any plans for a Dubois‑Baumgardner showdown.
"It’s a fight that definitely needs to happen," Mayer said. "Alycia finally moved up to 135.
She hasn’t taken a real challenge since me, so it’s time. Turhan is a powerful opponent; if Alycia gets caught, the whole trajectory could shift and we might see Dubois versus Turhan instead." The narrative surrounding these athletes illustrates the growing depth of women’s boxing. With multiple champions across weight classes, promoters are eager to craft marquee matchups that draw mainstream attention.
Baumgardner’s confidence, Dubois’s hunger, and Shields’s outspoken comments all contribute to a storyline that fans can follow across weeks of buildup. Whether the eventual fight will be Baumgardner versus Dubois, or whether Turhan or Moore will step in as surprise opponents, the sport’s momentum appears unstoppable. In the meantime, fans can catch the upcoming co‑main event featuring Dubois and Moore on Sky Sports, alongside the Mayer‑Cameron bout.
For those without a traditional subscription, streaming options without contracts are also available, ensuring that the excitement of women’s boxing reaches as many viewers as possible. The next few months will likely determine which of these narratives becomes reality, but one thing remains clear: the talent pool is deep, the rivalries are fierce, and the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.