Claressa Shields says she sees herself in rising British talent Caroline Dubois and believes the youngster has the tools to follow a similar path to multi-weight world championships. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and the current undisputed heavyweight champion who has also held belts at super-welter, middle and super-middleweight, has been vocal in her support.
“I’m so proud of Caroline — I’m her biggest fan,” Shields told Sky Sports, noting that she speaks with Dubois and is pleased to see her getting major opportunities. Dubois will face Terri Harper in a WBC and WBO lightweight title unification on Sunday, April 5, live on Sky Sports.
Shields urged Dubois to keep challenging herself. “She has the goods. All she has to do is fight the best, keep growing, never settle and keep pushing,” she said, praising Dubois’s work ethic, ambition and respect for the sport. Shields added she feels she can serve as a role model as Dubois pursues greatness.
On Dubois’s chances against established names, Shields was bullish. She singled out Alycia Baumgardner as someone Dubois can beat, calling Dubois “somebody to be reckoned with.” Observing Dubois’s frame and power, Shields predicted she could move up through divisions: “She’s tall, long, lanky, and she’s got power — power travels through weight classes. I definitely see her becoming a multiple weight world champion.”
Shields also acknowledged the difficulty of becoming undisputed but said she believes Dubois has the potential to reach that level. “She can put people’s lights out,” Shields added with a smile, noting her excitement to watch Dubois’s development.
Fans can watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday, April 5.