Caroline Dubois Targets Baumgardner for Future Boxing Super-Fight
Undefeated champion Dubois eyes a historic lightweight unification clash against rival Alycia Baumgardner.
1Defining the Next Rivalry
Undefeated professional boxer Caroline Dubois is actively pursuing a high-profile showdown with Alycia Baumgardner. Dubois, currently holding the WBC and WBO lightweight titles, believes their potential clash could elevate women's boxing to new heights. She views this matchup as the essential next step for the sport following previous iconic rivalries.
2Path to Undisputed Status
Dubois maintains a clear roadmap toward becoming the undisputed lightweight world champion. Her immediate focus involves a unification fight against WBA champion Stephanie Han. Following that bout, she intends to challenge the winner of the upcoming contest between Alycia Baumgardner and Elif Nur Turhan to secure the final necessary belt.
3Analyzing the Upcoming Bout
Alycia Baumgardner faces Elif Nur Turhan on November 8 for the IBF lightweight title. Dubois plans to attend ringside to evaluate the competition. She notes that Turhan is a dangerous, heavy-handed fighter who could pose a significant threat to Baumgardner if the fight ends early, especially given the three-minute round format.
4Technical Expectations for Baumgardner
Dubois predicts that Baumgardner holds a technical advantage over Turhan. She expects Baumgardner to control the fight if she successfully navigates the early rounds and forces Turhan to work hard. Dubois believes that if Turhan tires, Baumgardner's superior experience will allow her to dictate the pace and secure a victory.
5Commercial and Venue Ambitions
Dubois envisions the potential Baumgardner fight headlining London's O2 Arena. Having previously fought on the undercard of the Shields-Marshall event in 2022, she experienced the massive atmosphere firsthand. She believes a title unification bout between them would generate even greater public interest and provide the financial rewards both athletes deserve.
6Addressing Personal Animosity
There is documented tension between Dubois and Baumgardner, stemming from an exchange in Miami last year where Baumgardner referred to her as a puppy. Dubois interprets this behavior as a sign of fear, suggesting Baumgardner recognizes her as a dangerous opponent. Despite the bad blood, Dubois expresses genuine respect for Baumgardner's career.
7Historical Context of Defeats
Dubois acknowledges that even if Baumgardner loses to Turhan, their rivalry could remain relevant. She cites legendary fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran to illustrate that great careers often include setbacks. Her primary objective remains the undisputed title, regardless of whether she faces Baumgardner or Turhan in the future.
8The Future of Women's Boxing
Dubois emphasizes that women's boxing requires consistent, high-stakes moments to maintain momentum. She believes the winner of a potential Dubois-Baumgardner fight could become the new face of the sport. At 25, Dubois remains committed to learning and building her legacy through these challenging, high-reward encounters that capture global imagination.