Caroline Dubois and Savannah Marshall near ‘big fights’ on March 7 

Boxxer’s Ben Shalom is determined to deliver for Caroline Dubois a “big fight” on the undercard of Natasha Jonas-Lauren Price.

Dubois, who on her 24th birthday of January 11 retained her WBC lightweight title via a technical draw with Canada’s Jessica Camara when a cut caused by an accidental clash of heads left Camara unable to continue beyond the second round, has spoken about her frustration at Terri Harper’s refusal to be her next opponent.

Her promoter, regardless, having hinted that Harper was one of the two opponents he was hoping to secure, remains confident that he will agree terms with the profile of fighter capable of truly launching Dubois’ reign as WBC champion on the occasion of the second defence of her title.

Beatriz Ferreira of Brazil is another opponent about which Dubois has been vocal, and Shalom told BoxingScene: “It’s gonna be a big fight. We didn’t want to say too much and affect negotiations, but she’s in a big fight next. It’s between two. The obvious ones, probably. 

“There’s a couple of big fights we’re about to make. Some big announcements to come.”

The second of the “big fights” to which Shalom was referring involves Savannah Marshall, who will be confirmed on the same all-female promotion at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 7 once her opponent has been confirmed. Francesca Hennessy is also expected to feature, and to that end is also seeking an opponent.

“The plan is to get [Marshall] back – we want her to fight for a world title,” Shalom continued. “The big fight, in all of women’s boxing, is the rematch [with Claressa Shields] – possibly at heavyweight. So the key is to get her back in a big fight and then look ahead. 

“We want her in a proper fight on Jonas-Price. She’s a superstar; does huge numbers; brings huge eyeballs; holds all the records in women’s boxing for the most-viewed event in this country. It’s great to have her back.

“We’re just looking at [Hennessy’s opponent] – we’ve got a couple of different cards, but I expect her to be on as well in a big fight.”

The Olympian Cindy Ngamba, born in Cameroon but who represented the Refugee team at Paris 2024, will also make her professional debut having agreed promotional terms with Boxxer.

“It’s huge,” said Shalom. “She was the standout for us in this Olympic Games; what she’s done in her life already; what she’s been through in becoming a medallist and the first refugee boxer to win a medal, it’s a special story. But also, one that’s got the grit and determination to go right to the top. 

“I just love that division – it’s a shame the depth isn’t there. ‘Where can we find someone that’s gonna beat Claressa Shields and be able to mix it with Savannah Marshall?’ Cindy’s that girl.”