Alycia Baumgardner Shows No Interest in Facing Caroline Dubois
One of the most intriguing matchups in women’s boxing today is a potential showdown between unified junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner and WBC lightweight champion Caroline Dubois. It’s a fight fans are openly calling for. Unfortunately, Baumgardner appears to have little interest in making it happen anytime soon.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
The tension between the two fighters first boiled over during a press conference ahead of their appearances on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua–Jake Paul event in 2025. During that exchange, Dubois made it clear that Baumgardner was firmly on her radar. The verbal sparring didn’t end there; it has since continued across social media, keeping the matchup in the public eye.
Baumgardner’s (17-1, 7 KOs) response has been to downplay Dubois’ (12-0-1, 5 KOs) relevance. She claimed the WBC champion hasn’t earned the right to face her and has dismissed the challenge as clout-chasing. That argument rings hollow, especially considering Baumgardner herself has publicly stated her intention to campaign at lightweight and pursue a world title at 135 pounds in 2026.
Dubois is not some fringe contender. She is a world champion with a growing fan base in the United Kingdom. Also, she brings real commercial value to the table from both a competitive and financial standpoint.
THIS IS A FIGHT THAT SHOULD HAPPEN
Dubois represents the most compelling opponent available anywhere between 130 and 135 pounds. Making the fight should be straightforward as well, given that both fighters operate under the same promotional umbrella.
Baumgardner has very little left to prove at junior lightweight. She has already established herself as the division’s top name. From a pure boxing standpoint, a fight with Dubois makes perfect sense. A victory would crown Baumgardner a two-division world champion, significantly elevate her profile, and further solidify her legacy in women’s boxing.
Instead, Baumgardner’s public reluctance sends the wrong message. Rather than appearing like a champion eager to take on the best available challenges, she comes across as a fighter searching for reasons not to make a fight that fans clearly want. That’s not a good look — and it’s a disappointing stance for someone of her stature.
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