Claressa Shields Admits Caroline Dubois' Knockout Power Surpasses Her Own

The self-proclaimed 'GWOAT' of women's boxing recognizes a rising star's unique abilities.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:55am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match between Claressa Shields and Caroline Dubois, with the fighters' movements and actions broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of red, blue, and yellow, capturing the raw energy and power of the sport.Shields' recognition of Dubois' knockout prowess signals a changing of the guard in women's boxing, where power and charisma are becoming as important as technical mastery.Los Angeles Today

When a legend like Claressa Shields, the undefeated 18-0 champion who has dominated across multiple weight classes, openly admits that there's someone who can do things she can't, it's a remarkable moment in sports. Shields' recent comments about rising star Caroline Dubois reveal a surprising humility and insight, as the 31-year-old acknowledges Dubois' superior knockout power - a skill Shields herself is still working to master.

Why it matters

Shields' willingness to recognize Dubois' strengths is a testament to her own growth as an athlete and leader. It also highlights the evolving landscape of women's boxing, where knockout power and charisma are becoming just as important as technical mastery. Dubois' emergence represents the next generation of female fighters who are captivating audiences and pushing the sport to new heights.

The details

At just 25 years old, Caroline Dubois has already racked up 5 knockouts in 12 professional fights, a feat Shields, despite her impressive resume, has yet to achieve. Shields acknowledges that Dubois possesses a 'natural power and precision' that she is still working to develop, a rare admission of vulnerability from a champion of her stature.

  • Claressa Shields, 31, is currently in the prime of her career with an unblemished 18-0 record.
  • Caroline Dubois, 25, has burst onto the scene with 5 knockouts in 12 professional fights.

The players

Claressa Shields

A dominant three-division world champion and self-proclaimed 'Greatest Woman of All Time' (GWOAT) in women's boxing.

Caroline Dubois

A 25-year-old rising star in women's boxing, known for her knockout power and potential to become a multiple-weight world champion.

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What they’re saying

“There's things that Caroline Dubois can do that I can't do. She can put people's lights out.”

— Claressa Shields, Three-division world champion

The takeaway

Shields' acknowledgment of Dubois' superior knockout power is a remarkable display of humility from a champion, and it speaks to the evolution of women's boxing. The sport is no longer just about technical mastery; it's about captivating audiences with power, charisma, and the thrill of the knockout. Dubois represents the future, and Shields is ensuring her own legacy continues through the next generation of female fighters.