Caroline Dubois defeats Miranda Reyes to retain IBO Lightweight Title

Caroline Dubois (9-0, 5 KO's) found herself fielding questions about boxing politics and a potential IBF lightweight title clash with the formidable Brazilian fighter Beatriz Ferreira throughout the week. Nevertheless, the undefeated 23-year-old Londoner remained focused on her immediate task – defending her IBO title against Texan challenger Miranda Reyes (7-2-1, 3 KO's).

Reyes started her campaign aggressively, but Dubois swiftly discouraged her tactics by delivering punishing body shots. The relatively inexperienced Reyes soon abandoned her initial strategy, allowing Dubois to dictate the fight's pace.

In the second round, Dubois showcased her skill set, investing power into her southpaw right hook, followed by a precise straight left. Reyes had hoped to lure Dubois into a brawl before the fight, but she struggled to capitalise on Dubois's aggression, managing only a decent hook after the bell.
Recognising the need to push Dubois backwards, Reyes determined to take the initiative. She displayed a burst of energy towards the end of the third round, landing some well-placed short punches and gaining the upper hand in a brief exchange.

The third round demonstrated fierce competition, prompting Dubois to create more space in the fourth. She took measured steps backwards, causing Reyes to fall short and capitalise on her mistakes. Although Reyes had never previously boxed a scheduled ten-round bout, she displayed determination and resilience. However, she did absorb a right hand from Dubois midway through the fifth round as she pressed forward, attempting to counter with her punches. Unfortunately for Reyes, she increasingly found herself on the receiving end of Dubois's straight left, which eventually opened a significant cut over her left eye.

By the sixth round, Reyes appeared to be running out of options. She struggled to mount any significant offence and seemed to need more ideas on how to close the distance. Dubois began to circle her and target the body with the right hooks. However, just when Reyes seemed to be losing her grip on the fight, she entered the seventh round with renewed determination. The Texan forced her way inside and landed her most significant punch of the match – a solid right hand to Dubois' chin.

Nevertheless, it had little impact, as the faster and more skilled fighter outmatched her. Dubois reverted to focusing on the body, adjusting her approach as she realised Reyes was prepared for a prolonged battle. Dubois began landing stylish, short combinations while staying out of Reyes' reach.

Reyes did manage to land a decent right-hand and left hook at the start of the ninth round, consistently attempting to counter whenever Dubois engaged. However, she struggled to make a substantial impact and never appeared in any real danger of being seriously hurt. The pattern continued into the tenth and final round, with Reyes seeking to get in close but paying a price for her efforts. Dubois continued to execute one-two combinations and delivered right hooks to both the head and body, maintaining the same level of effectiveness as in the opening round.

As anticipated, the judges' scorecards reflected a decisive victory for Dubois, with all three scoring the fight identically at 100-90 in her favour, allowing her to retain her title.