The short version
- Caroline Dubois aims to unify all four major lightweight titles by first defeating WBA holder Stephanie Han.
- The undefeated British champion views a future bout with Alycia Baumgardner as the next defining rivalry in women's boxing.
- Dubois predicts Baumgardner will defeat Turhan due to superior technical skills, though she acknowledges Turhan's early-round power threat.
Caroline Dubois has positioned herself at the center of a potential new era in women’s professional boxing. The undefeated British lightweight champion, who currently holds the WBC and WBO world titles, is preparing for her next mandatory challenge against Stephanie Han, the reigning WBA holder. This upcoming bout represents a critical step toward her long-standing goal of becoming an undisputed world champion, a status she has pursued since beginning her professional career.
Dubois views the landscape of women’s boxing as entering a transitional phase. While previous matchups between stars like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, or Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall, elevated the sport's profile, Dubois argues that the division now requires fresh narratives and new dominant figures. She believes that a future confrontation with American star Alycia Baumgardner could generate the necessary momentum to define the next generation of heavyweight talent in the lightweight class.
The path to such a unification bout is not immediate. Baumgardner is scheduled to defend her IBF title against Elif Nur Turhan on November 8. Dubois plans to attend this event, viewing it as an opportunity to assess her potential rival and gauge the competitive dynamics of the division. She has stated that she will be ready to issue a formal challenge to whoever emerges victorious from the ring in Miami.
Dubois has expressed strong confidence in her own abilities, asserting that a victory over Baumgardner would establish her as the premier name in women’s boxing. She acknowledges the existing tension between the two fighters, referencing past verbal exchanges where Baumgardner dismissed Dubois as inexperienced. However, Dubois interprets these comments as promotional tactics rather than genuine underestimation, suggesting that Baumgardner may be wary of the physical challenge Dubois presents.
Regarding the specific matchup between Baumgardner and Turhan, Dubois offers a technical breakdown that favors the American champion. She notes that Turhan possesses significant punching power and an aggressive style that can overwhelm opponents in the early rounds. If Turhan lands clean shots before Baumgardner establishes her rhythm, there is a tangible risk of a knockout for the IBF holder.
However, Dubois believes that Baumgardner’s technical proficiency will ultimately prevail. She predicts that if Baumgardner can survive the initial pressure and utilize her jab to control distance, she will dictate the pace of the fight. The introduction of three-minute rounds in this bout presents a specific challenge for Turhan, who has not previously competed under this format. Dubois suggests that fatigue could become a decisive factor as the contest progresses.
The financial and promotional aspects of a potential Dubois-Baumgardner fight are also central to the discussion. Both fighters have recognized the need for substantial compensation that reflects their status and the risk involved in high-profile unification bouts. Dubois has drawn inspiration from how other champions have marketed themselves, aiming to secure a major stage for their eventual meeting. Her ideal scenario involves headlining a major venue like London’s O2 Arena, where she previously fought on an undercard during a historic Shields-Marshall event.
Dubois remains focused on the immediate task of defeating Han to consolidate her title holdings. She acknowledges that setbacks are part of professional boxing, citing historical examples of champions who lost and rebuilt their careers. Should Turhan defeat Baumgardner, Dubois has indicated she would pivot her attention to the Turkish fighter, ensuring that her pursuit of undisputed status continues regardless of the outcome in Miami. The coming months will determine whether these rivalries materialize or if new contenders emerge to challenge the current hierarchy.
The broader context of women’s boxing remains one where champions must often prove themselves across multiple weight classes or through repeated unification efforts to gain widespread recognition. Dubois sees her role as not just accumulating belts, but creating compelling sporting events that capture public imagination. By targeting both Han and the winner of the Baumgardner-Turhan fight, she is laying out a clear roadmap for dominance in the lightweight division.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗I want to face Baumgardner, it will be boxing's next great rivalry - Dubois
