Alycia Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois: A Clash of Champions

Alycia Baumgardner, the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF junior lightweight champion, recently retained her titles with a decisive victory over Bo Mi Re Shin at Madison Square Garden. Following her win, Baumgardner expressed skepticism about a potential fight with Caroline Dubois, the WBC and WBO champion at lightweight, stating that Dubois still has more to prove. Baumgardner characterized Dubois as a "guppy" in comparison to her own prowess, asserting, “I’m a piranha.”

The Guardian

Both Baumgardner and Dubois are signed to Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company co-founded by boxer-influencer Jake Paul. MVP has launched a women's platform aimed at increasing visibility for female fighters. Dubois recently headlined the inaugural MVP event in London, while Baumgardner topped the second card in New York, benefiting from enhanced exposure and opportunities in the sport.

The Guardian

Alycia Baumgardner, 31, has been a champion at 130 pounds since 2021 and is known for her powerful fighting style. Caroline Dubois, 25, is the sister of heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois and has quickly made a name for herself in the sport, recently defeating Terri Harper to consolidate her titles at 135 pounds. Both fighters are seen as rising stars in women's boxing, with aspirations to elevate the sport further.

The Guardian

In the aftermath of her victory, Baumgardner indicated that her focus is on high-profile opponents like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano rather than Dubois. She stated, “When you talk about my career and where I’m going, it has to align with the biggest fights.” Baumgardner emphasized that respect and merit are essential in securing fights, asserting that Dubois has not yet reached her level.

The Guardian

Dubois has been vocal in her criticism of Baumgardner, suggesting that the American would struggle against Shin and questioning her integrity due to a past positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, which was later overturned. Dubois claimed that Baumgardner's performances have not been consistent since the incident, further fueling the rivalry between the two fighters.

The Guardian

As Baumgardner aims for fights with Taylor or Serrano, the prospect of a bout with Dubois remains uncertain. Dubois has expressed a desire to face Baumgardner by the end of the year, stating, “It’s the most exciting fight in women’s boxing … and we need to make it happen.” However, Baumgardner's focus on higher-profile opponents may delay any potential matchup.

The Guardian

• “That’s a guppy. Get her out of here.” — Alycia Baumgardner, Unified Champion

The Guardian

• “This is a respect game. You don’t just get a fight by calling someone out. You have to put the work in. I’m a prizefighter, not a charity fighter.” — Alycia Baumgardner, Unified Champion

The Guardian

• “She is not as gangster as she makes out to be.” — Caroline Dubois, WBC Champion

The Guardian

• “It’s the most exciting fight in women’s boxing …” — Caroline Dubois, WBC Champion

The Guardian