Mayer-Cameron, Dubois-Baumgardner? What’s ahead for the top figures in women’s boxing?
A significant weekend of boxing concluded with Caroline Dubois defeating Terri Harper in their rivalry match to claim the unified lightweight championship on Sunday.
When asked about her next opponent, one name dominated her thoughts: Alycia Baumgardner.
Chantelle Cameron and Ellie Scotney also secured titles in their respective categories, positioning themselves for major bouts later this year.
ESPN examines what lies ahead for the prominent figures in the sport.
Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron
A matchup that was nearly confirmed on Sunday as they confronted each other and expressed their desire to compete next, though it may not be straightforward.
Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs), the WBO welterweight champion and unified WBC, WBA junior middleweight champion, prefers the fight at 154 pounds. Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs) is aiming for it at 147lbs. Cameron favors three-minute rounds, while Mayer, as a WBC titleholder, has stated that this is not permissible due to the governing body’s regulations.
There is hope that the specifics can be resolved. It would serve as an excellent headline for another all-women’s event in the U.S. or UK, and their fighting styles would complement each other well.
Alternative: Katie Taylor vs. Cameron
The trilogy that fans are eager for. They could finally resolve their rivalry after two remarkable encounters, each winning one. This is arguably the most significant fight for Taylor as she approaches the end of her career.
Caroline Dubois vs. Alycia Baumgardner
If there was any uncertainty regarding Dubois (13-0-1, 5 KOs) and her next intentions, she clarified it right after her victory over Terri Harper.
“The fight I’m focused on is Alycia Baumgardner. That’s the matchup I want by the end of the year. There’s no reason to delay. The best against the best,” she stated during her post-fight press conference.
Dubois even dismissed a potential fight with Taylor to challenge Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) and acknowledged she would prefer that bout over unification matches.
In December, Baumgardner referred to Dubois as a “puppy” and suggested that the fight would come too soon for the Brit. However, by securing another title, Dubois has strengthened her case significantly.
It might not be detrimental if the matchup takes a bit longer to develop, and Dubois particularly has other significant fights on the horizon, but women’s boxing certainly requires headline events, and this matchup qualifies as one.
Alternative: Dubois vs. Elif Nur Turhan
IBF champion Nur Turhan (13-0, 8 KOs) has dominated every opponent thus far and shows no signs of slowing down. A contest against Dubois would greatly enhance her profile and represent her toughest challenge to date.
– Caroline Dubois defeats Terri Harper to unify world lightweight titles
– Boxing results: Dubois def. Harper, Scotney undisputed, Cameron two-weight world champion
– Caroline Dubois calls out Alycia Baumgardner over Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor vs. Lauren Price
Ireland vs. Wales at Croke Park, perhaps?
Two fierce rivals in a potential passing of the torch bout. The main issue could be the weight, as Price (10-0, 2 KOs) is a welterweight while Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has not fought above junior welterweight, having transitioned from lightweight throughout her career, but Price would be a formidable opponent for Taylor’s final match.
Alternative: Price vs. Mayer
The pre-fight discussions and exchanges between these two, who never back down, would be enthralling and create an excellent buildup to one of the sport’s most significant contests. However, it appears that the two camps are currently far apart regarding any agreement.
Ellie Scotney vs. Skye Nicolson
A matchup that had been discussed prior to Scotney (12-0) facing Flores for the undisputed title, which she won on Sunday in a potential fight-of-the-year candidate. Nicolson (15-0, 3 KOs) is the interim WBC champion at junior featherweight, and that fight could be ordered next for Scotney.
It would be an intriguing contest, likely more of a tactical battle than the brawl Scotney had against Flores, but it would feature two prominent names competing for all the honors.
Alternative: Scotney vs. Cherneka Johnson
Scotney defeated Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) in 2023, but the New Zealander has since become undisputed herself at bantamweight. Both are with MVP, and a rematch could be a possibility if Johnson opts to move up again.
