29 September 2023 , 15:04
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It’s an important weekend for the McGuigan camp, two women fighting for world titles on opposite sides of London.
Ellie Scotney defends the IBF super bantamweight championship at Wembley and Caroline Dubois challenges for the IBO lightweight title at the York Hall. They are the only girls in our gym. Both are superb, complete fighters, and at the very start of their careers, which is so exciting for them and us.
Scotney, who is making her first defence against Laura Soledad Griffa, an experienced fighter from Argentina, has the potential to win world titles at featherweight and super feather. She is a great combination puncher with good feet and excellent timing. I can see her going through the divisions and blossoming into a real star.
She moved over to us two years ago. She was shy to begin with, but has really come out of herself. She takes the mickey out of me relentlessly. I don’t mind. It makes me laugh and creates a great atmosphere in the gym.
She was in the GB set-up in Sheffield but never felt comfortable in the north. The professional game suits her better.
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Scotney showed her potential when she sparred with the great Mikaela Mayer, who was preparing for her super featherweight unification bout against Alycia Baumgardner. She learned a lot from that experience, competing on level terms with a woman two divisions bigger than her.
As her profile grows the public will realise what a star she is. She lost her gran a couple of weeks ago and will be fighting for her this weekend.
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Caroline Dubois is set to face Magali Rodriguez (Getty Images)Dubois is fighting for her first title. The four recognised belts are tied up with unified champion Katie Taylor. Hopefully the IBO crown will be her launchpad to greatness.
Her opponent, Magali Rodriguez from Mexico, is experienced and tough. But Dubois is exceptional.
She punches like hell and, as a southpaw, carries a serious threat. But Rodriguez has been a pro since 2009 and knows her way around the ring.
I’ve been watching Dubois sparring in the build-up. Predominantly she spars with men and is so impressive. Not only can she handle herself she can hurt them too.
Women’s boxing is really starting to establish itself and producing household names like Taylor, Mayer, Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields. I really believe Scotney and Dubois have the potential to move in those circles. That’s their aim. They both want it so badly. As do we.
Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @mcguigans_gym