Claressa Shields: Baumgardner 'Scared' to Fight Dubois

Claressa Shields says Alycia Baumgardner is ducking a fight with Caroline Dubois, telling Sky Sports the undisputed super featherweight champion is protecting her record rather than proving her status against the best available name in her weight range.

Shields did not mince words when asked about the standoff between Dubois and Baumgardner. "I think that Baumgardner is 100 percent scared of Caroline, and she doesn't want to risk her record now that she already has one loss on it. She doesn't want to risk it. I believe that Caroline will win that fight," Shields said.

Why Shields Thinks Baumgardner Is Avoiding Dubois

Shields argues the excuse of a weight gap does not hold up. Dubois has been pushing publicly for the Baumgardner fight while Baumgardner has pursued other plans, and Shields pointed out that the two are separated by only a few pounds, meaning Baumgardner could move up and settle the matter in the ring if she wanted to. Instead, Shields framed the hesitation as a calculated business decision by a champion who already knows what a loss to Dubois would cost her.

Shields Puts Dubois in the Torch-Bearer Conversation

Shields is not just picking a side in a potential matchup, she is staking out a bigger claim about where women's boxing is headed. She said she expects Dubois to be the next fighter to carry the sport forward, and she singled out Gabriela Fundora as another rising force in the division picture. Shields even offered to help develop Dubois and pass along her self-coined "GWOAT" label, on the condition that Dubois keeps chasing the toughest fights and keeps winning them.

The comparison makes sense on style alone. Dubois fights with the same forward pressure and confidence that built Shields' own reputation, and that stylistic overlap is clearly part of why Shields is willing to publicly co-sign her.

Betting Angle

Nothing about this fight is official, so there is no line to point to yet. But Shields putting her name behind Dubois as the future favorite in women's boxing is worth filing away for bettors. If the Baumgardner-Dubois fight does get made, expect Baumgardner to open as the favorite given her status as the sport's reigning undisputed champion at 130 pounds. The real market value may end up on Dubois as a live underdog, especially with a voice as respected as Shields already stumping for the upset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Claressa Shields say about Alycia Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois?

Claressa Shields said Alycia Baumgardner is scared to fight Caroline Dubois and is avoiding the matchup to protect her boxing record, adding that she believes Dubois would win the fight.

Is Alycia Baumgardner vs Caroline Dubois an official fight?

No official date or contract has been announced; Caroline Dubois has publicly pushed for the fight while Alycia Baumgardner has pursued other plans.

Who does Claressa Shields think will be the next star of women's boxing?

Claressa Shields said she expects Caroline Dubois to be the next fighter to carry women's boxing forward, while also crediting Gabriela Fundora as a rising force in the sport.