Get ready for a thrilling chapter in women's boxing! The highly anticipated showdown between British sensation Caroline Dubois and American powerhouse Alycia Baumgardner is shaping up to be a historic event. Dubois, the 24-year-old WBC lightweight champion, has set her sights on this match, believing it will be the pinnacle of women's boxing. But here's where it gets controversial...
Dubois, a left-handed fighter with a bright future, has been calling out Baumgardner, the experienced unified super-featherweight champion. She argues that Baumgardner needs a 'superstardom fight' to elevate her status, and that's where Dubois comes in.
"It's a tango for two, and we need each other," Dubois told BBC Sport. "When we finally face off, it will be the biggest fight women's boxing has ever seen."
While Dubois expects this mega-bout to materialize in 2027, she has her eyes on another significant unification fight beforehand. She wants to take on Terri Harper, the WBO lightweight champion from Doncaster, later this year.
Dubois made her American debut last month in Miami, under the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner, and outshone Camilla Panatta. She believes this exposure has strengthened her profile across the Atlantic, with more Americans recognizing her name and sending positive messages.
However, tensions have been brewing between Dubois and Baumgardner. During a heated exchange in December, Baumgardner referred to Dubois as "a puppy" who should wait her turn. Dubois sensed intimidation from Baumgardner and is determined to shake up the script.
Baumgardner's notable victories over Harper and Mikaela Mayer make her a formidable opponent for Dubois, who sees unification fights at lightweight as her immediate goal. She's open to facing WBA champion Stephanie Han or the dangerous Turkish fighter, IBF champion Elif Nur Turhan, with eight stoppages in 12 wins.
But the most natural next step is a unification bout with Harper, who is also signed to MVP, co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and businessman Nakisa Bidarian. MVP is reportedly close to securing a broadcast partnership with a British broadcaster, which could bring the Harper fight to the UK in the first half of this year.
"We were set to fight on an all-female card in March, but she turned it down," Dubois said. "Now the chance has presented itself again, and I hope it works out for both of us. I want her to be fully prepared; no excuses."
So, will Dubois and Baumgardner's paths collide sooner than expected? And what impact will this have on the women's boxing landscape? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments!
