Caroline Dubois Dismantles Amelia Moore in Birmingham, Keeps Baumgardner Clash Alive
Caroline Dubois defended her WBC and WBO lightweight titles with a dominant unanimous decision over Amelia Moore at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham. The judges scored it 99-90, 99-90 and 98-91 — a near-shutout across ten rounds. BBC Sport
The fight was the chief support bout on a major card headlined by the Mayer vs Cameron super-welterweight title fight, giving Dubois one of the biggest stages of her career. Sky Sports
Dubois, unbeaten in 15 professional fights with 14 wins, was always expected to handle Moore — but the American made it interesting simply by refusing to go away. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a clean left hand that put Moore on the canvas. Moore, 36 years old and fighting in just her fifth professional bout, got back to her feet and saw out the distance. Despite giving up four inches in height to Moore, Dubois controlled the range and tempo throughout.
The pre-fight buildup had its share of needle. Dubois, who had said she wanted to "punch her in the face and get this over with," made good on the sentiment with a clinical, no-nonsense performance. Sky Sports Moore had warned observers not to look past her given the bigger fights being lined up for Dubois, but the gap in class told across every round. Sky Sports
Moore brought legitimate pedigree: two American national championships from her amateur days. But professional boxing is a different rhythm, and five fights in, she was facing a champion operating at a level she had not yet encountered.
Ringside and watching every move was Alycia Baumgardner, the 32-year-old unified super-featherweight champion who called the evening a "scouting mission" and said she "absolutely" wants to fight Dubois. BBC Sport Baumgardner had stirred the pot before the bell, dismissing Dubois as a "shivering puppy" who needed to "step up" and "do her part" by beating Moore to keep their prospective 2027 fight on track. BBC Sport
After the final bell, Baumgardner was unimpressed, accusing Dubois of "tightening up" and being "tired" during the contest. BBC Sport Whether that assessment is fair or simply the opening salvo of a promotional campaign, it adds fuel to what could become one of women's boxing's most talked-about matchups.
The pathway is now clear in theory. Baumgardner is scheduled to face Elif Nur Turhan — who holds the IBF lightweight title — in Texas on 8 November. If Baumgardner wins, the expectation is that she and Dubois will meet in 2027. BBC Sport
Dubois's corner has changed. She dropped trainer Shane McGuigan, who guided her to two world titles, and relocated to Los Angeles to work with Manny Robles. BBC Sport The transition appeared smooth on this evidence — Dubois looked composed, sharp and tactically disciplined, even if Baumgardner saw flaws.
For fans, the appeal of Dubois versus Baumgardner is straightforward: two elite champions, different styles, genuine friction, and a meeting that would likely unify belts across the lightweight and super-featherweight landscape. But first, Baumgardner must handle her own business in Texas. Boxing's best-laid plans rarely survive contact with an opponent who has other ideas — as Moore, for all her toughness, could not quite demonstrate.
