Issue
07
Photography
Sophie Jones
Words
Tayler Willson
Published
Reading Time
6 Min Read
At just 24, Caroline Dubois has already become one of boxing’s brightest and boldest names. A fighter in every sense, her journey – from a South London gym at nine years old to global recognition – isn’t just about titles or legacy (although she retained her WBC Lightweight Title in early 2025). For Caroline, boxing is about purpose, grit, and showing up for yourself. CZ8 sat down with her to discuss inner strength, role models, and what truly drives her inside and outside the ring.
Let’s start from within: where does your inner strength come from?
It comes from a deep desire I’ve had since I was a child. I’m the middle of seven siblings, and that naturally puts you in a position where you’re fighting for attention and respect. My dad was the dominant figure at home, and boxing was all he cared about. He didn't have much time for my sisters, but he did for my brother. I wanted to earn his respect—but more importantly, I wanted to find something of my own.
I chose boxing. I wasn’t pushed into it. I wasn’t forced to go to the gym. I made that decision for myself, and that’s where the strength comes from. It’s a choice. I’ve embraced this life fully because it's in me. It’s character. It’s something I believe God gave me, and I’m grateful for it.
How do you define success, especially in a sport that’s long been defined by men?
Everyone defines success differently. Some people chase money, others chase belts or happiness. For me, success is about legacy. I want to be on the pound-for-pound list – not just among women, but period. I want to be one of the greatest fighters to ever do it.
Outside the ring, success is about being content. Being surrounded by the people I choose to have in my life. Being proud of what I’ve built and who I am. But I’ll always be striving for more.
What’s driving you now, and how has that changed since you started?
Back then, a lot of what I did was for validation – especially from my dad. But that changed. I don't speak to him now, or my older brother. You grow up fast in those moments. You realise no one's expecting you at the gym anymore – you’re going because you want to be there.
Now, everything I do is for me. I’m chasing my own happiness, my own version of success. That drive I had as a kid is still there. But today, I'm focused and mature. I know what I want, and I’m going to make it happen.
You’ve become a role model to a lot of young people, especially young women and people of colour. What does that mean to you?
It’s strange – I don’t know when that shift happened. One minute I was just a kid chasing a dream. The next, people were calling me a role model. It’s a responsibility I take seriously.
To me, being a role model means living with integrity – being consistent in how you walk, how you talk, how you treat people. And staying true to your morals, no matter what. As a young Black woman in boxing, I stand out by default. There aren’t many of us in this space, especially from England. But I didn’t start boxing to be a role model – I started because I loved it. I think staying grounded in that love is what makes it meaningful for others.
Do you feel pressure around that responsibility?
Not pressure – more like expectation. When people are watching you, especially kids, you naturally straighten up a bit. You’re conscious of your choices. You can’t just say whatever you want or hang around with whoever.
I know eyes are on me – some looking up to me, others waiting for me to slip. That keeps me sharp. I always want to conduct myself in a way that I’ll be proud of in five or ten years.
You’ve spoken about overcoming setbacks. How have those experiences shaped your mindset?
They made me. Every obstacle helped me figure out who I am. It taught me independence, clarity, and responsibility. When I train, it’s because I want to. When I set goals, I’m doing it for me. Those setbacks taught me how to block out the noise and focus on what actually matters. That clarity makes all the difference, both in life and in the ring.
When you’re in the ring, how do you stay centred? How do you block out the noise?
I lock in. I’m an instinctual fighter. Once I step through the ropes, everything else disappears. I don’t hear the crowd, I don’t see the cameras – I just focus on my opponent. I react, I flow, and I trust my instincts. It's like being caught in a current – you just move with it.
What was the moment when you knew this path was yours?
Walking into the gym for the first time. I’d begged my dad to take me for ages, and when I finally got there, I just knew. I felt the energy, the intensity – it just fit. That moment was the turning point.
What changes do you want to see in women’s boxing, and how do you see your role in that?
Progress is happening. I see it, and I’m happy about it. But there’s still more to be done. I think the best way to drive that change is to keep winning – keep putting on great fights, keep drawing attention. If I become what I know I can become, that will open doors for other women. It’s about showing the world what’s possible.
Finally, outside of boxing, who are you? What grounds you?
A lot of fighters struggle with having a personality outside of the sport – boxing becomes their whole identity. But for me, it’s important to have a life beyond the sport. I spend time with my friends and family. I travel. I read. I’m learning guitar. I love a bit of retail therapy. I’m just trying to live fully – not just as a fighter, but as a regular person.
