Detroit native Alycia Baumgardner to fight for equality in ‘Paul vs. Tank’ co-main event

DETROIT – Detroit native Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight world champion, will defend her unified WBA, WBO, and IBF titles against Canada’s Leila Beaudoin in a 12-round, three-minute fight.

The bout will take place on Friday, Nov. 14, at Miami’s Kaseya Center as the co-main event of Netflix’s Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Tank Davis superfight.

Baumgardner has vacated her WBC belt because the sanctioning body does not allow women to compete under the same 12 rounds of three minutes as men’s champions.

She will fight Beaudoin under equal rules to men’s championship bouts.

Baumgardner, born in Fremont, Ohio, turned pro in 2017 and quickly rose to prominence by winning multiple world titles.

She is currently ranked among the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters by ESPN and BoxRec.

Baumgardner said, “Fighting 12x3:00 represents equality. Equality in boxing means giving champions a platform to show their greatness.”

On vacating the WBC title, Baumgardner stated, “Women in boxing deserve equal opportunities, respect, and rules as men. I have chosen to move forward in my career under those terms.”

Leila Beaudoin, fighting professionally since 2019, holds the WBO International Super Featherweight title and recently made a statement by defeating former world champion Elhem Mekhaled in six rounds. Beaudoin said, “Every great story needs a turning point—this is mine.”

Tickets go on sale Sept. 24 at Ticketmaster.com, with presale starting Sept. 23.

Detroit

Baumgardner is a fan of the city and the Detroit Lions, which she put on full display following their upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.

“I lived in Detroit for about six years, so just seeing the Lions do their thing. They’re the underdogs, but they’re showing up every time. They had such a great season last year. I thought that was great to witness,” said Baumgardner on the Pivot Podcast.

She has since moved to Texas to train with 2023 Trainer of the Year Derrick James for her July 11 fight against Miranda.

The German, Japanese, Korean, and African-American boxer is a mixture of her punching ability and aggressive approach in the squared circle, throwing massive punches that earn her the nickname The Bomb, and she’s ready to detonate.

Previous fight

Baumgardner returned to the ring to face undefeated champion Jennifer Miranda, defending her undisputed super featherweight title.

In a hard-fought battle, Baumgardner retained her crown by unanimous decision.

On Friday (July 11), during the co-main event of the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy, with one thing on her mind, and that was to show up and show out, which is precisely what she did.

After fighting only four rounds in 24 months, Baumgardner said her performance was a B+.

“I definitely give myself a B+ as it wasn’t my best performance, but I’m just happy to be in the ring after such a long layoff and just be able to get those rounds in,” Baumgardner said.

Miranda came prepared and seemed to have a counter for Baumgardner, as she had a great game plan.

After the bout, Baumgardner said she wanted to return back to the ring sooner rather than later.

“Listen, I want to be right back. No time off,” Baumgardner said.

left her mark on the historic all-women’s card promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which she is signed to, on Netflix inside Madison Square Garden.

After a lengthy layoff, Baumgardner, the Undisputed Women’s Junior Lightweight Champion, stepped back into the ring for the first time since September 2024, where a clash of heads vs. Delfine Persoon ended the bout in a no-contest due to a significant cut over Persoon’s eye.

She started the fireworks during the ring walk, letting those watching worldwide and in person know that “The Bomb,” she was the living example of Beauty and the Beast.

She was a showwoman as she came out to Johnny Kemp’s “Just Got Paid,” rocking her hips to the groove, letting boxing fans know that she was very confident.

The career of the 31-year-old took a brief pause after she tested positive for a banned substance, Mesterolone, days before her win over Christina Linardatou inside the Masonic Temple in July of 2023.

Baumgardner was found not guilty of intentionally taking the banned substance by the World Boxing Council in January of 2024.

The German, Japanese, Korean, and African-American boxer is a mixture of her punching ability and aggressive approach in the squared circle, throwing massive punches that earn her the nickname “The Bomb.”

She has since moved to Texas to train with 2023 Trainer of the Year Derrick James for her July 11 fight against Miranda, and it appeared that the changes were implemented as she was throwing the left hook in conjunction with her explosive right hand.

More: Former boxing protege of Grand Rapids native has blockbuster fight moved from Atlanta to Miami