Is Dubois Targeting Baumgardner for the Biggest Women's Fight?

Caroline Dubois, the rising British star in women's boxing, has made headlines by asserting that a potential showdown with Alycia Baumgardner could be "the biggest fight in women's boxing." With Dubois holding a record of 12 wins and one draw since turning professional in 2022, and Baumgardner boasting 17 wins and one loss, both fighters have their sights set on significant matches in the near future. Dubois believes their clash, anticipated for 2027, would elevate the sport and draw massive attention.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Currently, Caroline Dubois is on a trajectory to become a household name in women's boxing, following her impressive performance in Miami last month, where she defeated Camilla Panatta. Meanwhile, Alycia Baumgardner is enjoying her status as the unified super-featherweight champion after a recent victory over Leila Beaudoin. The two fighters have exchanged words, indicating a brewing rivalry that could culminate in a significant match. Dubois's ambition to unify the lightweight division with a fight against WBO champion Terri Harper is also on the cards for later this year, setting the stage for a potential clash with Baumgardner down the line.

Key takeaways

Caroline Dubois aims for a future fight with Alycia Baumgardner, viewing it as a potential milestone for women's boxing.
Dubois hopes to secure a unification bout against Terri Harper in 2024.
The rivalry between Dubois and Baumgardner has intensified following recent confrontations.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to a potential showdown between Caroline Dubois and Alycia Baumgardner has been shaped by several key events:

December 2022: Dubois and Baumgardner first exchanged heated words during the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight.
January 2023: Dubois made her American debut with a decisive victory over Camilla Panatta.
April 2023: Baumgardner defeated Leila Beaudoin, further establishing her dominance in the ring.
2027: Both fighters are eyeing this year for a high-profile bout, following their respective paths in the lightweight and super-featherweight divisions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Caroline Dubois has reiterated her call for a future fight with Alycia Baumgardner, asserting that it would be the biggest fight in women's boxing. The rivalry is gaining momentum, with both fighters publicly expressing their views and desires for a major showdown.

What was already established

Previously, Dubois has been viewed as a promising talent in women's boxing, with a strong professional record. Baumgardner, on the other hand, is already an established champion with notable victories over other top competitors. The groundwork for their potential fight has been laid through their interactions and respective career trajectories.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The anticipated fight between Dubois and Baumgardner could significantly influence the landscape of women's boxing in the UK, attracting more fans and enhancing visibility for upcoming fighters. This could lead to increased ticket sales, merchandise, and perhaps even pay-per-view events, contributing to the overall economy of the sport.

Businesses and jobs

A fight of this magnitude could bolster the boxing promotion industry in the UK, creating job opportunities in event management, marketing, and broadcasting. With MVP's involvement, the potential for lucrative broadcasting deals could also rise, benefiting local businesses and the sports sector as a whole.

Policy and regulation

The ongoing dialogue about women's boxing and potential match-ups like Dubois vs Baumgardner may prompt regulatory bodies to consider new policies or support for women's sports, leading to increased funding and resources for female athletes in the UK.

Numbers that matter

12: Career wins for Caroline Dubois since turning professional in 2022.
17: Wins for Alycia Baumgardner, showcasing her experience and skill level.
1: The number of draws in Dubois's professional career, indicating her competitive nature.
2027: The anticipated year for a potential fight between Dubois and Baumgardner.
8: Knockouts in 12 wins for Elif Nur Turhan, a notable contender in the lightweight division.

Definitions and jargon buster

Unified Champion: A boxer who holds multiple championship titles from different boxing organisations.
Southpaw: A boxer who leads with their right hand and foot, typically indicating a left-handed fighter.
Pay-Per-View (PPV): A television service that allows viewers to purchase events to watch live, often used for major boxing matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Dubois will likely focus on securing her fight with Terri Harper, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2024. The outcome of this bout could significantly influence her career trajectory and plans for a future match with Baumgardner.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Dubois successfully unify the lightweight titles, she will be in an even stronger position to negotiate a match against Baumgardner. This could lead to increased media attention and fan engagement as anticipation builds for their potential showdown.

Signals to watch

Results of the upcoming bout between Dubois and Harper.
Baumgardner's next fight and performance, which will impact her reputation and marketability.
Any announcements regarding broadcasting deals between MVP and UK networks.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow both fighters on social media for the latest updates on their fights and career developments.
Stay informed about upcoming events in women's boxing to understand the landscape better.
Support local boxing events to help elevate the sport in the UK.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of women's boxing—it's rapidly growing and deserves attention.
Assume that the fight between Dubois and Baumgardner is guaranteed; both fighters have paths to navigate first.
Neglect to consider the implications of their rivalry on the future of women's sports.

Checklist

Check fight schedules for Dubois and Baumgardner.
Look for news on potential unification bouts in women's boxing.
Follow developments regarding broadcasting contracts for women's boxing events.
Engage with relevant content about women's boxing on social media.
Consider attending local boxing matches to support female athletes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the anticipation for a Dubois vs Baumgardner fight is palpable, several uncertainties remain. The outcomes of upcoming bouts, the potential for injuries, and the negotiations between promoters could all affect the timeline and feasibility of this major match. Additionally, market dynamics and audience interest will play a crucial role in shaping the future of women's boxing. Caution should be exercised in assuming that all planned match-ups will materialise as expected.

Bottom line

The prospect of a fight between Caroline Dubois and Alycia Baumgardner represents a pivotal moment for women's boxing in the UK. As both fighters continue to build their careers and face challenges, the outcome of their future bouts will determine not only their legacies but also the trajectory of women's sports in the boxing arena. Fans and stakeholders alike should stay engaged as developments unfold.

FAQs

When is the anticipated fight between Caroline Dubois and Alycia Baumgardner?

The anticipated fight is expected to take place in 2027, as both fighters are currently on paths to establish themselves further in their respective divisions.

What are the current records of Caroline Dubois and Alycia Baumgardner?

As of now, Caroline Dubois holds a record of 12 wins and one draw, while Alycia Baumgardner has 17 wins and one loss in her professional career.

What is the significance of the potential Dubois vs Baumgardner fight?

This potential fight is seen as a major milestone for women's boxing, with both fighters representing the future and present of the sport. It could draw significant attention and elevate women's boxing to new heights.