Caroline Dubois successfully defended her WBC and WBO lightweight titles on Saturday night, defeating Amelia Moore by unanimous decision in Birmingham. The victory keeps Dubois on track for a highly anticipated meeting with unified super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, potentially in 2027.
Dubois controlled the fight at BP Pulse Arena, even scoring a knockdown against Moore in the fifth round with a powerful left hand. However, Moore, displaying resilience, was able to get back to her feet and avoid a definitive knockout. The judges scored the bout 99-90, 99-90, and 98-91 in favor of the British fighter.
Despite being the heavy favorite, Dubois' fighting style, which leaned on power and presence rather than speed, led to the bout going the full distance. Moore, making her professional debut against a more experienced opponent, showed considerable grit but lacked the offensive quality to significantly trouble Dubois.
Following the fight, Dubois engaged in a public exchange with Baumgardner, who was in attendance. Baumgardner criticized Dubois' performance, suggesting she appeared nervous. Dubois, in turn, challenged Baumgardner, asserting her dominance in the lightweight division.
This encounter marks Dubois' 15th professional fight, with an undefeated record of 14 wins. The fight against Moore, who has a notable amateur background with two American national championships, highlighted Dubois' advantage in professional experience. Dubois, who is four inches shorter than Moore, managed the distance effectively throughout the bout.
Dubois has recently made significant changes to her professional setup, including switching trainers from Shane McGuigan to Manny Robles in Los Angeles. This move signals her ambition to elevate her career to the next level.
For the potential bout with Dubois to materialize, Baumgardner must first defeat Elif Nur Turhan on November 8 in Texas for her IBF title. If successful, the path could be cleared for the two champions to headline a major women's boxing event. Dubois and Baumgardner have been exchanging words for about a year, and Baumgardner described her presence at the Dubois fight as a "scouting mission."