Caroline Dubois vs Magali Rodriguez
One of the UK’s brightest female prospects Caroline Dubois (7-0, 5KO) steps up to fight for a world title in just her eighth bout against experienced Mexican Magali Rodriguez (22-6-4, 9KO) on September 30 at the York Hall.
The female fighters will clash for the vacant IBO World lightweight title in their top of the bill showdown part of a BOXXER event, live on Sky Sports.
‘Sweet’ Caroline, the 22-year-old younger sister of heavyweight Daniel Dubois, will be entering into her first ever championship contest this Saturday night. Fortunately, her last fight in June against South American champion Carmen Lescano saw her bank eight full rounds, which will be invaluable in her first 10-rounder. A fifth-round knockdown during that fight, that ended 80-71, will also give the young southpaw confidence in her maiden title tilt.
Her 31-year-old, 32-fight veteran opponent is a former world title contender, who recently held the WBC Silver super-lightweight belt. Nuevo Leon’s ‘Tormenta’ hasn’t lost in her previous six fights, and it was almost five years since her last defeat.
The Mexican has never fought in the UK before, but she travels well. In June 2022, she flew to France to defeat Victoire Piteau for the WBC Silver lightweight belt, which she defended to unbeaten Olympic and World gold medallist Estelle Mossely in Tajikistan with a mixed decision draw.
Prediction
Magali has a tendency to reach in with her shots from range and she throws widely in this scenario, which someone like Dubois, with her varied shot selection and pristine technique, should be able to take full advantage of. Those wide, lunging shots should present an opportunity to land inside the guard, right down the middle, but the Mexican is scrappy and rough. She plants her feet and waits for the chance to throw big shots in twos or more.
She also puts her head down when she throws a wide, looping right, which Dubois should be able to anticipate to land uppercuts or left hooks against.
The Mexican is a counter-puncher, who loads up on her shots. She adopts a high guard, but when she attacks, the shots launch from her hips, almost like Carl Froch.
She doesn’t edge in with a jab, she just launches big hooks and crosses from range, which leaves her quite open.
This style could really suit Dubois. If she can get into her rhythm early, into her stride, moving her head and that lateral movement she's so adept at, she could really land a lot on this opponent.
It’s possible this contest could be a bit messy at times, the way that this pair both come in throwing big hooks. Magali gives as good as she gets, so there could be a few firefights where they stand and trade. If Dubois is super sharp and fluid, then she could look really good, but her opponent is rugged and rough and will be a spoiler and a tough adversary.
Verdict
Caroline Dubois to win on points, scoring a knockdown along the way.
