Caroline Dubois, the WBC lightweight champion, has opened up about her complex family situation. Two years ago, she left the family home following a disagreement with her father, Stan Dubois. Her father, also known as Dave, oversaw a strict boxing regime for both Caroline and her brother, Daniel, a former heavyweight world champion.
Finding Her Own Voice
Dubois says that separating from her father allowed her to find her own voice. She felt stifled and unable to express her own opinions under his regime. She now appreciates the freedom to choose the people she wants to be around.
Some of her younger siblings joined Caroline when she left home, creating a new family dynamic.
Hopes for Reconciliation
Caroline hopes to reconcile with her brother, Daniel. She believes that time will help heal their relationship.
However, her perspective on reconciling with her father is different. She suggests that the separation has allowed her to understand her own preferences and values.
Early Boxing Career
Dubois’ journey in boxing began at a young age. She recalls pretending to be a boy named Colin at nine years old to participate in the sport. She did this because there were not many opportunities for female boxers at the time.
Dubois tucked her hair into a headguard and maintained the disguise for months. She acknowledges the situation was a reflection of the times, but finds it “devastating” that people actually believed she was a boy.
Achievements and Family Absence
Dubois has achieved significant success in boxing. She won Youth Olympic gold, European gold, and qualified for the Olympics at 19. However, the family dynamic shifted as she climbed the professional ranks.
Daniel was not present when Caroline beat Maira Moneo in 2024 to become WBC ‘interim’ champion. Caroline, in turn, was not at Wembley Stadium when Daniel knocked out Anthony Joshua or when he lost his belt to Oleksandr Usyk.
Caroline Dubois is set to face WBO belt holder Terri Harper in London on Sunday.