Caroline Dubois accused Alycia Baumgardner of cowardice after the two women exchanged a heated verbal clash at ringside on Saturday night. The animosity between the transatlantic rivals has intensified as Baumgardner prepares to move up into Dubois' weight class, targeting a bout with Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight world title on November 8, which could set the stage for a blockbuster encounter between the two.
The confrontation began when Baumgardner, who was watching from the crowd, approached Dubois at the ropes immediately after Dubois secured a unanimous decision victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham. A brief tug-of-war over the microphone escalated into a sharp exchange of words, adding fuel to an already simmering feud.
Dubois later took aim at Baumgardner for skipping her post‑fight press conference. "I'm surprised she's not here. I think she's a coward," Dubois said, expressing a clear desire to confront her opponent face‑to‑face.
"I wish she were here so I could tell her that directly. I really do.
I think she's a coward because she chose not to attend the press conference. This is supposed to be the biggest fight in women's boxing, and she should have been present." Baumgardner, for her part, dismissed Dubois' performance as "lacklustre" and warned that Dubois would need to "tighten up" if she hoped to beat the former undisputed champion.
Dubois fired back, questioning why Baumgardner had never secured high‑profile match‑ups against the likes of Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields, and insisting she was already ahead of Baumgardner despite being only 25 years old. "She tries to downplay 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. This could be the biggest fight in women's boxing.
I think it will be a great fight, and I hope she wins against Elif, but you never know. Maybe Elif wins, and then it's me versus her, so we shouldn't write off Elif." Another potential opponent for Dubois is Stephanie Han, who recently defended her WBA lightweight title with a majority decision win over Holly Holm. Dubois explained that MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian had flown her out earlier in the year to watch Han fight Holm.
"I attended the press conference afterward. I wasn't afraid to show up. I called her out publicly, and she promised a fight would happen.
I intend to hold her to that promise; I want to fight Stephanie." MVP founder Jake Paul, speaking to Sky Sports, confirmed that his promotion is fully prepared to sign contracts for a Dubois‑Baumgardner showdown as soon as both camps are ready. "We're 100 percent ready to go when they want to sign the contracts," Paul said, referring to the potential bout. The rivalry has also drawn comments from other top fighters. Claressa Shields recently accused Baumgardner of being "scared" of Dubois, a charge the American responded to by labeling Shields "jealous".
"Alycia is not scared of anyone. I know this fight will happen.
She just has to get through November 8, and then we can discuss the details," Paul added. "It's funny when fans or critics say people are scared—these athletes make a living by stepping into the ring." If the fight does materialise, it would represent a watershed moment for women's boxing, pitting two of the sport's most charismatic and accomplished athletes against each other. Dubois, a rising star who has already claimed multiple world titles, brings a blend of speed, technical skill, and confidence. Baumgardner, a powerful puncher with a reputation for resilience, offers a contrasting style that could make for an electrifying clash.
Beyond the personal drama, the bout would have significant implications for the lightweight division. Baumgardner's upcoming challenge against Turhan for the IBF belt will be closely watched, as a victory could catapult her into immediate contention with Dubois. Conversely, a loss would likely delay any direct confrontation, leaving fans to wonder when the two will finally meet. The broader boxing community is also paying attention to how promoters will navigate the negotiations.
With high‑profile names like Jake Paul and MVP involved, the financial stakes are substantial, and both fighters stand to benefit from a lucrative payday and heightened global exposure. In the meantime, both athletes continue to train and promote their respective careers. Dubois remains vocal about her desire to face top‑tier opponents and has hinted that she will not back down from any challenge.
Baumgardner, meanwhile, is focused on her upcoming title fight, but has not shied away from the ongoing war of words, suggesting she is ready to prove herself on the biggest stage. Whether the confrontation will happen soon or be postponed for future scheduling, the rivalry between Caroline Dubois and Alycia Baumgardner has already captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide, promising an exciting chapter in the evolution of women's boxing.