Caroline Dubois has been elevated to full WBC lightweight world champion after Katie Taylor vacated the belt.
Dubois became interim champion with a unanimous points victory over Maira Moneo in August and had since called for a bout with Taylor for the title.
But the Irish legend’s decision to vacate means Dubois inherits the belt, and will make her first defence on January 11 – her 24th birthday – against Canada’s former world title challenger Jessica Camara in Sheffield, live on Sky Sports.
Dubois was presented with the belt by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman at the governing body’s annual convention in Hamburg on Wednesday.
“It is a great honour to be elevated to full WBC world champion and to have WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman present me with the belt,” Dubois said.
“It’s always been my dream to become world champion, and this is just the start of the journey for me. I look forward to defending my WBC world title on January 11 in Sheffield.”
Since turning professional after competing at the Tokyo Olympics, Dubois has amassed a 10-0 professional record with five knockout victories.
The Londoner, who is the sister of IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois, has barely been troubled so far in the professional ranks but former world title challenger Camara could provide one of her sternest tests yet.
Dubois’ promoter Ben Shalom said: “We would like to thank WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and the board of governors for upgrading Caroline.
“The WBC lightweight title is active again and in Caroline the WBC has a champion who can rule for many years to come.
“We are only just starting to see her true potential. We believe Caroline will become the future face of women’s boxing.”
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s huge heavyweight rematch will be live on Saturday December 21 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now!
