Caroline Dubois accused Alycia Baumgardner of cowardice after a tense exchange took place at ringside on Saturday night. The two fighters, who have been linked to a blockbuster matchup, found themselves in a heated verbal clash that has only intensified their rivalry.
The prospect of a super‑fight has been swirling ever since Baumgardner announced she will move up to the lightweight division to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF world title on November 8. That move would place her directly in the same weight class as Dubois, who currently holds the WBA lightweight crown. The timing of the two athletes' schedules has fueled speculation that a showdown between the British champion and the American contender could become the biggest bout in women’s boxing in recent memory.
The confrontation began when Baumgardner, who was watching from the audience, approached Dubois at the ropes immediately after Dubois secured a unanimous decision victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham. A brief tug‑of‑war over a microphone quickly escalated into a sharp exchange of words, with both fighters trading barbs that hinted at a deeper feud.
Dubois later took the opportunity to criticize Baumgardner’s decision to skip her post‑fight press conference. "I’m surprised she isn’t there. I think she’s a coward," Dubois said, adding that she would have liked to confront Baumgardner face‑to‑face.
"She should have come to the press conference. This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing, and she’s not even there to answer the questions." Baumgardner, for her part, described Dubois’s recent performance as "lacklustre" and warned that the British champion would need to "tighten up" if she hoped to beat the former undisputed world champion. The American fighter’s comments hinted at a belief that Dubois still has work to do before she can truly contend at the highest level.
Dubois responded by questioning why Baumgardner has not yet secured fights with marquee names such as Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields. She argued that at 25 years old she is already ahead of her rival in terms of skill and experience.
"She tries to dismiss me, to make it look like I’m not on her level, but I am," Dubois said. "I’m the world champion, and she’s moving up to my division. I think this could be the biggest fight in women’s boxing." Dubois also expressed a measured optimism about Baumgardner’s upcoming bout with Turhan, saying she hopes the American wins but acknowledging that anything could happen.
"Maybe Elif wins, and then it will be me and her facing off, so we shouldn’t write off Elif," she added. Another potential opponent for Dubois has emerged in the form of Stephanie Han, who recently fought Holly Holm. Dubois recounted that MVP co‑founder Nakisa Bidarian flew her out earlier in the year to watch the Han‑Holm clash. "I went to the press conference afterwards and wasn’t afraid to speak up," Dubois explained.
"I called her out then and there, and she promised a fight. I intend to hold her to that. I want to fight Stephanie." MVP founder Jake Paul, speaking to Sky Sports, confirmed that his promotion is "100 per cent ready to go" when the fighters are prepared to sign contracts for a Dubois‑versus‑Baumgardner bout. Paul emphasized that the logistics are in place and that the only missing piece is the athletes’ agreement.
The tension between the two camps has been further inflamed by comments from former champion Claressa Shields, who accused Baumgardner of being "scared" of Dubois. Baumgardner fired back, labeling Shields as "jealous" and defending her own confidence. "Alycia is not scared of anyone," Paul said on behalf of the American. "She just needs to get through November 8, and then we can have those discussions." The narrative surrounding this potential showdown reflects a broader trend in women’s boxing, where rivalries are increasingly being marketed as must‑see events.
Fans and media outlets are eager for a marquee clash that can draw mainstream attention, and the Dubois‑Baumgardner saga provides a compelling storyline: a young, outspoken British champion versus an assertive American challenger who is eager to prove herself on a bigger stage. If the fight does materialize, it would likely take place later in the year, after Baumgardner’s title challenge against Turhan.
The outcome of that bout could shape the negotiation dynamics, as a victory for Baumgardner would give her additional leverage, while a loss might prompt Dubois to push for a different opponent. In the meantime, both fighters continue to promote their positions through press conferences, social media posts, and interviews. Dubois has been vocal about her desire to face top‑tier opponents and has not shied away from calling out other fighters, while Baumgardner has maintained a confident stance, insisting she is ready for any challenge.
The boxing community remains watchful, as the potential match could set a new benchmark for women's boxing in terms of viewership, pay‑per‑view revenue, and overall visibility. Whether the fight happens in 2026 or later, the ongoing exchange between Dubois and Baumgardner has already added a layer of intrigue that could help elevate the sport to new heights.