Caroline Dubois pursuing a legacy similar to that of Ronda Rousey and Serena Williams

Caroline Dubois has consistently carved her own niche.

Beginning her boxing journey at the age of nine, she disguised herself as a boy due to the restrictions on girls in many gyms, including the Repton Amateur Boxing Club, where her father, Dave, introduced her to the sport. Her determination led to a distinguished amateur career, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics and representation of Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Games, along with numerous domestic championships.

She made a swift impact as a professional, capturing the WBC lightweight title in 2024, just two years after turning pro. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities, Dubois joined Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and fought on the undercard of the Paul vs. Anthony Joshua event in Miami within ten days of signing.

The week prior to the fight featured a notable exchange of words with Alycia Baumgardner; a rivalry that surprised many but at times took center stage.

As the 25-year-old embarks on the next chapter of her career, facing rival Terri Harper for the unified lightweight titles on Sunday [Sky Sports in U.K., ESPN in U.S.], Dubois (12-0-1, 5 KOs) is keen to make a significant impact beyond the ring.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Dubois mentions the scarcity of female boxers she could identify with. Instead, she drew inspiration from UFC icon Ronda Rousey and tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams, who demonstrated that women could lead in sports.

Now, she aspires to follow in their footsteps.

“I think that she [Rousey] was the first woman that I ever really took note of,” Dubois shared with ESPN.

“Even within boxing, there wasn’t anyone … And then Ronda emerged and changed the landscape … Not just for UFC, but for combat sports overall. I view her as a benchmark for everyone to strive towards.”

Female boxers eventually emerged, and Dubois recognizes their influence. Pioneers like Natasha Jonas, Nicola Adams, Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, and those who preceded her, such as Laila Ali, established the groundwork.

Dubois aims to create her own legacy and influence the evolution of women’s boxing.

“We’ve seen Ronda do it with the UFC. We’ve seen Venus and Serena do it with tennis. I believe you will witness a similar transformation through me in women’s boxing. My goal is to advance the sport,” Dubois stated at the launch press conference for Sunday’s match.

“I have a passion for boxing, but more importantly, I see myself as an entertainer.”

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian asserts that Dubois possesses the qualities necessary to realize the ambition of revolutionizing women’s boxing.

“She is an extraordinary young woman, characterized by her confidence and passion, not only for the sport but for people,” Bidarian remarked to ESPN.

“I believe Caroline, at her age, has the potential to become the Ronda Rousey of women’s boxing. It will take 3-4 years … It will require impressive performances, but she has all the essential attributes.”

While the British fighter aims to innovate the sport in her unique manner, she understands that it must be genuine and cannot be forced.

“You should strive to be the best version of yourself, to be the best athlete,” Dubois explains. “And through that, your actions will inspire admiration. People will be motivated by that. That is all I have endeavored to achieve.”

Trainer Shane McGuigan notes that her ascent is particularly remarkable given her somewhat atypical upbringing.

“Caroline didn’t attend school … She was in school for just a year,” McGuigan told ESPN.

“A lot of personal development occurs during school years.”

Dubois’ boxing gym became her support system. Alongside her brother, former heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois, she received close guidance from their father. Caroline has since distanced herself from her father, and McGuigan has been impressed by her growth over the past few years.

“Unfortunately, [Dubois has] had a falling out with her brother and her father, and she is navigating her own path at this stage,” McGuigan added.

“However, sometimes individuals … They develop in those circumstances. That is where resilience, strength, and growth truly emerge.”

Dubois would readily acknowledge that further personal and professional growth lies ahead.

Yet, having demonstrated such determination in forging her own path thus far, becoming the next Ronda or Serena appears to be within reach.