Claressa Shields believes Caroline Dubois can follow in her footsteps and become a multi-weight world champion.
The American superstar, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion who has also held titles at super-welter, middle and super-middleweight, says she sees a lot of herself in the young Briton.
“I am so proud of Caroline. I’m like her biggest fan,” Shields told Sky Sports. “I see a lot of myself in her. And I have talks with her and I’m just so happy she’s getting the big fights.”
Dubois meets Terri Harper in a WBC and WBO lightweight world title unification on Sunday April 5, live on Sky Sports.
“Nothing against Terri Harper, I’m just a fan of the youngster, Caroline, and I want to be there in person to see her become a multiple world champ,” Shields said. “She has the goods, all she has to do is fight the best, keep growing, keep getting better, never settle and just keep pushing.
“I think that I’m a great role model for her and I love her own aspirations too. She sees greatness in herself and she respects the game and she just continues to learn and get better. I love what I’m seeing from her.”
Shields added her belief that Dubois could beat top fighters such as Alycia Baumgardner. “If anyone can beat Alycia Baumgardner, it’s Caroline Dubois. Listen, she is somebody to be reckoned with.”
Seeing Dubois’ physical tools and power, Shields expects her to progress through divisions. “Being undisputed champion is hard to do. I believe she can do that. But I also believe that she can be multiple weight world champion,” the American said.
“I definitely see that in her future. She’s tall, she’s long, she’s lanky, she’s got power, so power travels multiple weight classes. She can put people’s lights out. I haven’t become calm enough to do that yet!”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5.