Dubois beats Moore to keep Baumgardner in picture

Dubois beats Moore to keep Baumgardner in picture

In just her fifth professional fight, Moore - who has two American national championships from a respectable amateur career - showed admirable guts, but lacked the quality to trouble her foe.It was clear that Dubois has boxed 70 more professional rounds than Moore, and she made light of being four inches shorter to avoid any danger.Now it is anticipated that Dubois, now unbeaten in 15 professional fights with 14 wins, will face Baumgardner next year - should the American beat Elif Nur Turhan in November.Dubois and Baumgardner - who both gave separate media conferences promoting their respective upcoming fights in Birmingham on Thursday - have been sniping at each other for a year.And it continued ringside post-fight, with Baumgardner present for what she called a "scouting mission" on Dubois on Saturday night.Dubois' new MVP-curated personality - brash and self-confident - was on display as she called out Baumgardner for stepping into "my division - I am the best here", in an expletive-infused exchange.She has also made changes outside ring, including a shock decision to switch trainer.Dubois dropped Shane McGuigan in London, who helped guide her to two world titles in the lightweight division, and has opted to make the move to Los Angeles to work with renowned US trainer Manny Robles as she aims to take her career to the next level.Baumgardner has said she "absolutely" wants to fight Dubois, and if the 32-year-old successfully steps up to lightweight and beats IBF champion Turhan in Texas on 8 November, then they should headline another MVP showcase of women's boxing.Earlier on the undercard, Terri Harper - who lost on points to Dubois in April - began her rebuild with a comprehensive victory against Miranda Reyes which she described as "one of the best performances of my career".Harper considered retirement after losing to Sandy Ryan in 2024, but had no such thoughts after defeat by Dubois.And she stepped up to welterweight to take on Reyes, knowing this was a must-win bout to maintain her career as a top-rated fighter.Harper bounced into the ring with bright yellow gloves, and there was nothing mellow as she continued that energy into the first round - holding the centre of the ring for the majority and landing some good body shots on Reyes.She then upped her game and brought an early close at the start of the second round, dropping Reyes twice in short order.A flurry of body shots was followed by a short left hook to down the Houston fighter, and the referee called it off 47 seconds into the second round to the delight of Harper's similarly yellow-attired corner."One of the best performances of my career, I'm very happy with that," Harper said. "You can't get rid of me this easily!"I am excited for what's next. It's way too early [to say goodbye] - I've got a lot to give yet."It is the seventh knockout win of Harper's career from 17 victories in 22 bouts, and she will now look up again after a timely reminder of her capabilities.

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