Alycia Baumgardner successfully defended her unified super-featherweight titles against Bo Mi Re Shin earlier today, in a bout where the outcome solidified her champion status. Post-victory, Baumgardner immediately pivoted, setting her sights on future mega-fights and pointedly sidelining challenger Caroline Dubois.
Baumgardner framed her immediate future around potential bouts with Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, and Mikaela Mayer, explicitly dismissing the notion she is avoiding pressure by not engaging with Dubois. The reigning champion articulated her view of Dubois as a lesser entity, comparing the situation with a stark metaphor: "I'm a piranha, that's a guppy." This dismissive stance was echoed in Baumgardner's assertion that Dubois needs to "do more to call me out," highlighting her own accomplishments, including becoming undisputed champion.
Baumgardner retained her WBA, WBO, and IBF super-featherweight world titles in a hard-fought contest. The fight, contested under three-minute rounds, was part of a card that saw Shadasia Green suffer an upset loss. Baumgardner's own performance against Shin apparently convinced her of her ability to handle longer rounds, a point she's willing to negotiate for a bout with Katie Taylor.
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Dubois's Counterarguments and Past Claims
Caroline Dubois has been vocally critical of Baumgardner, with a recent report from two days ago quoting her saying Baumgardner is "most definitely" scared. Dubois suggested Shin would "expose what I know and what I see" in Baumgardner.
This is not the first time Dubois has questioned Baumgardner's courage. Dubois previously stated that Baumgardner would be "easy work," and has also levied accusations of drug use against the champion, referencing a past failed drug test and suggesting Baumgardner "hasn't looked the same since." She has publicly called for a unification fight with Baumgardner.
Shifting Landscape of Top-Tier Fights
Baumgardner's focus on Katie Taylor is notable, especially as Taylor has indicated plans for a retirement fight in Ireland later this year. Most Valuable Promotions has reportedly expressed interest in seeing Dubois face Taylor.
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The narrative around Baumgardner and Dubois has been ongoing. Weeks ago, Dubois called out Baumgardner, prioritizing that potential bout over unification fights at 135 pounds. Baumgardner, in turn, has acknowledged Dubois's calls but has repeatedly emphasized the need for Dubois to further establish herself. Dubois, described as the WBC lightweight champion, is significantly younger than Baumgardner.
Background Dynamics
The persistent public exchange between Baumgardner and Dubois has generated significant commentary within the boxing community. Dubois has accused Baumgardner of hypocrisy, citing Baumgardner's past calls for a fight with Claressa Shields, a fighter in a higher weight class. The debate over Dubois's "C-level" performance and whether Baumgardner is avoiding a fight with her has been circulating for some time, with Baumgardner's camp suggesting Dubois has not yet reached the required level for such a high-profile contest.
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