Caroline Dubois sailed through a gritty bout against Amelia Moore before turning the heat up with a verbal showdown against Alycia Baumgardner on the sidelines, setting the stage for what could become a blockbuster clash with the American fighter. In the co‑main event of MVPW‑06 in Birmingham on Saturday, the 25‑year‑old Londoner displayed a level of control that left little doubt about her superiority. She secured a unanimous decision with scores of 99‑90, 99‑90 and 98‑91, successfully defending both her WBC and WBO lightweight crowns. Throughout the three‑round stretch she was rarely, if ever, in danger, dictating the pace and distance with a blend of speed, precision and power that left her opponent scrambling.
After the final bell, Dubois immediately launched into a war of words with former undisputed champion Alycia Baumgardner, who is slated to step up to lightweight when she meets Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. Baumgardner, who has been a vocal presence in Birmingham all week, used her press conference with former rival Mikaela Mayer to reiterate her belief that Dubois has not yet reached her own lofty standards. "That was a lackluster performance," Baumgardner said, her tone dripping with confidence. "You need to tighten up, baby girl.
You were tired, really tired. I'm going to show you what a true champion does. I'm an undisputed champ now, and I’m moving up to lightweight." Dubois fired back with equal fervor: "I’ve been calling for this matchup for a long time.
After my last fight I said, ‘Move up and fight that bum.’ What happened to Amanda Serrano? To Katie Taylor? To Claressa Shields? You haven’t gotten what you wanted, but I have.
I’m the best in this division, I’m 25 and I’m better than you." The exchange continued, with Dubois adding, "If you get past Elif Nur Turhan, there will be no denying who the real champion is. Everything I’ve asked for has happened, and I’m going to knock this bum out – you can bet on it." In the ring, Dubois announced her intentions from the opening bell. She unleashed a rapid barrage of body shots in round one, immediately establishing dominance over Moore’s longer reach. By the second round she was probing for her range, landing a crisp overhand right that snapped Moore’s head back and signaled that the British fighter was in control.
Rounds three and four saw Dubois continue to dictate tempo, shifting her focus to the body and forcing the well‑conditioned American to retreat and search for openings that simply weren’t there. Moore, despite her athleticism, struggled to find a target as Dubois moved with sharp footwork and fluid combinations. The turning point arrived in round five when Dubois scored a knockdown. The fall appeared more a result of Moore losing balance than a single crushing blow, yet it underscored Dubois’s ability to change the rhythm of the fight at will.
Seizing the moment, Dubois pressed forward with a ferocious right hook, further unsettling her opponent. In round seven, Dubois landed a series of clean hooks to Moore’s head before breaking through the American’s guard with a snapping straight left.
By round eight, blood began to trickle from Moore’s nose, a visual testament to Dubois’s relentless pressure. Even when Moore attempted a late surge in round nine, Dubois’s front‑foot aggression kept her firmly in command. The final round turned into a chaotic scramble after an accidental clash of heads caused a cut on Moore.
Despite the injury, Dubois maintained composure, finishing the fight with the same poise that had defined her performance from start to finish. Beyond the headline bout, the undercard delivered its own share of excitement.
Terri Harper, returning after a loss to Dubois in April, showcased a polished second‑round stoppage over Houston’s Miranda Reyes. Harper opened with a perfectly timed left hand that sent Reyes to the canvas. The American struggled to regain footing, and Harper responded with a rapid flurry of hooks capped by a powerful right that forced a second knock‑down.
When Reyes rose again, the referee stepped in, awarding Harper a decisive victory. "One of the best performances of my career," Harper told Sky Sports, adding, "I’m grateful MVP brought me back so quickly. I have a lot more to give." In another thrilling contest, Reina Tellez out‑pointed Jessica Barry in a close 96‑94 decision. Tellez, who famously stepped in on fifteen days’ notice to face Amanda Serrano earlier in the year, displayed crisp, high‑volume punching that earned her the edge.
She acknowledged a slight ring‑rust but emphasized her gratitude for the platform. "She showed a lot of heart, a different style, and I respect her, but overall I dominated," Tellez said. The bout featured moments of drama: Barry landed a clean uppercut in round five, and Tellez was penalized a point in round six for a low blow, yet she rebounded with a crushing right hand in round eight that visibly shook Barry.
Ultimately, Tellez’s relentless aggression and accuracy secured the win. The night also highlighted the emergence of Tysie Gallagher, who made her MVP debut with a points victory over Chicago’s Brandi Robinson, improving her professional record to 11‑2. Gallagher admitted she was not entirely satisfied with her performance, noting, "I couldn’t really get going, first one back, no excuses. I’ll be back 100 % next time." Overall, MVPW‑06 delivered a compelling mix of championship‑level skill, rising talent, and fiery post‑fight banter that has set the boxing world buzzing.
Dubois’s dominant display and her outspoken challenge to Baumgardner have already sparked speculation about a potential unification bout that could headline a major pay‑per‑view. With the lightweight division heating up and several top contenders already positioned for high‑stakes matchups, fans can expect an exciting run‑in toward the end of the year. The upcoming fight between Baumgardner and Turhan on November 8 will likely serve as a stepping stone toward that much‑anticipated showdown, and the boxing community will be watching closely to see whether Dubois can maintain her momentum and finally settle the question of who truly reigns supreme at lightweight.