Caroline Dubois revealed that she was struck down by illness on the day of her match against Terry Harper.
Dubois took down British rival Harper en route to a unanimous decision victory at the Olympia in Kensington on Sunday night.
With this victory, she unified Harper’s WBO lightweight title and WBC championship. Similar to the threat Harper posed, Dubois also had to battle illness.
“I woke up this morning with the worst flu I’ve ever had. (I thought) this is the worst I’ve ever had,” Dubois said after the game.
“I woke up this morning not feeling 100% and was walking around with a cold towel over my head and around my neck.
“I wasn’t feeling the best and I was telling myself to keep up the pace for this game.
“This was a test. We were able to push through and come out victorious.”
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After defeating Harper by unanimous decision in their WBC and WBO world lightweight title unification bout, Dubois insisted in a speech that the rivalry was never personal to her.
Dubois, now the unified world champion, will benefit from his 10-round experience with Harper.
“It was really tricky because she was a lot smarter than I expected. She’s smart and she’s experienced. She knows how to get through fights. She knows how to box,” said the Londoner.
“I’ve only been in the ring 13 times[as a professional fighter]and I’m still figuring out how to get through the rounds, how to handle the pressure and everything else. But I think I did OK.”
“I know if I had pushed the game harder I could have beaten her, but it was an experience. I give her credit. She was very smart and tried to be as smart as she could.”
Dubois won the unification match against Harper.
What’s next for Dubois?
Her representative, Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidalian, wants to pit Dubois against Katie Taylor, a two-division undisputed champion, Olympic champion and Irish boxing superstar.
“My dream scenario would be for Caroline to be Katie Taylor’s final dance partner,” Bidalian said.
“Maybe instead of passing the baton, Katie Taylor will give Caroline a chance to pick it up.
“I think it’s going to be a huge fight in Croke Park.”
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Claressa Shields said Dubois could even overshadow his accomplishments.
Dubois would welcome the fight, but he doesn’t have high expectations.
“I have a lot of time for Katie. I think she’s a legend. If she said, ‘Caroline Dubois, let’s do this,’ she would want to test herself against me. I would jump at the opportunity. Who wouldn’t? Who would honestly say no to Katie Taylor?” Dubois said.
“She’s a legend. It’s an honor to be in the ring with her.”
But that’s not Dubois’ target. She wants a showdown with American rival Alicia Baumgardner.
Dubois scores a knockdown in the sixth round against Harper (Photo: Most Valuable Promotions)
“Let’s see who’s really the strongest. That’s the match I want by the end of the year. No need to waste time. No need to do this or that. Let’s make it happen, best against best, there’s a 5-pound difference (in weight). She’s older than me, she’s more experienced than me, let’s see.”
“That’s the fight I want. I would beat the unification fight. I know she’s going to run away from this fight by a mile.”
“If she wants to say I can do more, I’m going to unify again.
“It’s the biggest fight in women’s boxing, and I want that fight. I want Alicia, and I want her next time.”
