We analyse the credentials and statistics of Caroline Dubois and Magali Rodriguez ahead of their IBO lightweight world championship showdown at Bethnal Green's iconic York Hall this weekend.

With Katie Taylor’s four lightweight titles safe for the time being the chasing pack have to find alternative routes to haul her in.

Caroline Dubois is one such individual who is not only in the pack, she's in fact leading it.

This Saturday night (30th September) inside the sweatbox that is York Hall, Dubois (1/20) will face 10/1 underdog Magali Rodriguez for the IBO lightweight championship, also known as the fifth belt. 

The strap doesn't carry any legitimacy, but it at least gives you something to bargain with in forthcoming contests.

With Katie Taylor facing Chantelle Cameron once again in November, up at super-lightweight, Dubois has the chance to show Taylor and all the other contenders that “Sweet” Caroline is here to take over.

She can only do that by overcoming Magali Rodriguez in London on Saturday night.

Caroline Dubois v Magali Rodriguez
Tale of the Tape

Caroline Dubois
In Profile

The Dubois surname was synonymous with heavyweight contender Daniel, but his little sister Caroline could very well be a level above her big brother.

Having bowed out of the summer 2020 Olympics at the quarter-final stage, Dubois joined the professional ranks the same year turning over with BOXXER. 

With her fights shown live on Sky Sports, the likeable Londoner made a strong impression with her power, physicality, and ability to stop opponents - which is a rare commodity in the women's code. 

In her seven fights, only twice has she gone the distance.

Dubois has made such an impact in the fighting game already that many experts perceive it to be a matter of when, not if, she becomes a world title holder.

And, with Ireland's history-making undisputed champion Katie Taylor on the home straight of a wonderful career, it looks like a matter of time before Dubois takes over. 

Magali Rodriguez
In Profile

The result that Magali Rodriguez achieved against 2016 Olympic Gold medallist and former IBO lightweight title holder Estelle Mossely is either a warning sign for Dubois or a false dawn for Rodriguez.

Her efforts in securing a draw against the French boxer, with some believing she did enough to win, is proof that Rodriguez has what it takes to step up on the big occasion. 

Mossely, however, hasn’t set the world alight as a pro and maybe another example of a fine amateur fighter who may never hit the heights expected over longer distances.

Rodriguez will be in Dubois’s face until she physically can’t press forward anymore - it's all she knows, and, given her ability to take a shot, this will be a good test of the Brit’s reputable power. 

The 22-year-old may be in for a hard night’s work if she cannot fend off the pressure of Rodriguez.

View the latest Caroline Dubois v Magali Rodriguez odds

All odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
 

Shaun Brown

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