“I Don’t Need Katie Taylor”: Caroline Dubois Vows to Walk on Her Own ‘Legacy-Making’ Path

In a recent update, the undisputed women’s super lightweight champion, Katie Taylor has relinquished her WBC lightweight title which she had held since 2019. It wasn’t as great a shock as it might appear as she hadn’t fought in the 135 lbs division since 2022. Her last three fights all came in the super lightweight division. Thus, her vacating the title was a long time coming. So what now? Thankfully, there is another name eagerly awaiting her shot.

At the recent WBC annual convention in Hamburg, the sanctioning body, under the guidance of President Mauricio Sulaimán, elevated Caroline Dubois from Interim champion to full WBC Lightweight Champion. The IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois’ sister became the interim champion following her unanimous decision victory over Maira Moneo in August. Following the monumental announcement, the Greenwich native expressed her thoughts and ambitions in an exclusive conversation, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in her career.

Caroline Dubois fine with the Katie Taylor snub

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, a reporter asked her about her earlier mandatory challenger status and wanted to know whether she was disappointed with Katie Taylor relinquishing her title instead of fighting Dubois. In response, the 23-year-old said, “I’m not disappointed. I understand the boxing game completely, and, you know, for me, I’m so grateful that I don’t need Katie Taylor in my career.”

The undefeated Dubois had been calling out the Bray Bomber hoping to earn a fight. However, Taylor always had bigger fish to fry. So, when asked about the fight, Dubois added, “It would be an amazing fight if it happens and if it happens, you know. I’ll be ready. But if it doesn’t happen, there are so many other fighters out there for me to fight, that would just be as legacy-making. There are so many other fighters out there. The fight will be just as amazing, and you know. I’m happy to go my way. She can go hers.”

Later, when the reporter questioned her confidence for a bout against the Irish superstar, the newly crowned WBC Light champion confidently stated, “A victory for me, 100%.”

Caroline Dubois’ determination to establish her identity as a champion became even more apparent as she discussed her immediate plans. Drawing inspiration from her brother Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight success, she aims to match, if not surpass, his achievements in her weight class. With her next fight on the horizon, Dubois appears poised to set the foundation for her own storied career.

Sweet Caroline’s Climb to the Top

Caroline Dubois, who previously held the interim championship, is all set to make her first defense against Canada’s Jessica Camara on January 11, her 24th birthday, at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield.

Her promoter, Ben Shalom, praised the WBC’s decision and highlighted her potential to become a prominent figure in women’s boxing. He expressed confidence in her abilities and the opportunities that lie ahead. And for her upcoming defense against Jessica Camara, the 23-year-old remains focused on solidifying her status as a world champion.

Even though Katie Taylor has shifted her focus to new challenges, a fight between the two would undoubtedly captivate the boxing world. Katie Taylor’s experience and skill versus Caroline Dubois’ youthful vigor and ambition could make for a historic encounter. The possibility of such a clash, however, cannot be dismissed entirely.

What are your thoughts on Caroline Dubois’ promotion to WBC lightweight champion? Do you believe a future bout between Dubois and Katie Taylor is still on the horizon?