Caroline Dubois has set her sights on a definitive clash that could crown her the undisputed champion of the lightweight division, with American contender Alycia Baumgardner positioned as the next obstacle on her roadmap for next year. The upcoming bout on November 9, scheduled for the early hours on Sky Sports, will see Baumgardner step into the ring against Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight world title. While the fight will determine the holder of the IBF belt, Dubois is already plotting her next move, intent on adding the vacant WBA championship to her growing collection of world titles. Currently the holder of both the WBC and WBO belts at 135 pounds, Dubois has made it clear that she will not sit idly by while other champions vie for supremacy.
"I want to become undisputed and I want to be involved in relevant fights," she told Sky Sports. "Unifying the division is my dream right now. The only other champion available is Han, and we’ll have to see if I can get that belt before the end of the year.
If not, we’ll look at early next year." In her own words, Dubois believes she is only one belt away from achieving the ultimate status in her weight class. The British fighter’s confidence stems from a recent successful title defence in Birmingham, where she out‑pointed Amelia Moore in a decisive performance. That victory not only reinforced her dominance but also sparked a heated exchange of words with Baumgardner, who Dubois described as "intimidated" and "jealous" of her rapid ascent.
"She’s definitely frightened of what I bring to the table," Dubois said. "When she looks at me she sees a younger, stronger, more talented version of herself. Everything I do seems better than hers, and that threatens her." Dubois believes that Baumgardner’s upcoming fight against Turhan is a crucial test that will determine whether the American can claim the IBF belt and become a legitimate opponent for an undisputed showdown. "I hope she wins the fight," Dubois added, "because I need to show her something.
If she loses, I’ll be upset because I want to prove my point on the biggest stage." She emphasized that her ultimate goal remains unchanged: to become the sole champion holding the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA titles. The path to undisputed status, according to Dubois, has become clearer in recent weeks.
"The path has revealed itself to me. It’s so close, yet still just out of reach," she remarked, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead while expressing optimism about her chances. Her strategy involves first securing the WBA belt from its current holder, Stephanie Han, before setting up a final unification bout that would pit her against the winner of Baumgardner versus Turhan. If Baumgardner emerges victorious over Turhan, the stage would be set for a high‑stakes clash between two fighters who have already exchanged barbs and expressed mutual respect for each other's abilities.
Such a fight would not only decide the undisputed champion but also generate significant interest from boxing fans worldwide, especially given the narrative of a British champion seeking to cement her legacy against an American challenger eager to prove herself. Conversely, should Turhan retain her IBF title, Dubois would likely turn her attention to Stephanie Han, the WBA champion, as her next target. Han, a seasoned veteran, presents a different set of challenges, but Dubois believes she possesses the skill set and mental fortitude required to claim that belt as well.
"I want to be involved in relevant fights," Dubois reiterated, underscoring her desire to face the best opponents available, regardless of the timing. Beyond the immediate title implications, Dubois’s comments reveal a broader ambition to elevate the lightweight division as a whole. By unifying the four major sanctioning bodies—WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA—she hopes to bring clarity to a weight class that has often been fragmented by multiple champions. "Unifying the division is my dream right now," she said, emphasizing that her pursuit is not merely personal glory but also a service to the sport and its fans.
The upcoming November 9 fight between Turhan and Baumgardner will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering viewers a chance to witness a potential stepping stone toward an eventual undisputed showdown. As the boxing world watches, Dubois continues to train, promote her cause, and prepare for the next chapter in her career, confident that the final piece of the puzzle is within reach.
In summary, Caroline Dubois is poised to chase the undisputed lightweight crown with a clear roadmap: first capture the WBA belt from Stephanie Han, then face the winner of the Baumgardner‑Turhan contest. Her recent victory over Amelia Moore, combined with her outspoken confidence and strategic planning, positions her as a formidable force in the division.
Whether she will achieve her goal by the end of the year or need to extend her campaign into early next year remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Dubois is determined to leave no doubt about her claim to being the ultimate lightweight champion.