Say hello to the Marvin Hagler of women’s boxing.

Like Marvelous Marvin, Caroline Dubois is right-handed but fights as a southpaw. And just like him, the right-hand jab snaps your head back like being hit by a telegraph pole. Dubois was made for the pro game, one of the few female fighters who can switch your lights out with either hand. And as Hagler showed, it helps to be spiteful.

On Saturday night in Sheffield she kicks off a huge year for her with the first defence of the WBC lightweight title. Her opponent, Jessica Camara, fought for the world super lightweight title three years ago, and includes on her record the scalp of former champion Hyun Mi Choi.

At 36 she is arguably at her peak and believes she can win the fight. Dubois is certainly not looking beyond her but she understands there are bigger targets ahead and, given the opportunity, she will be going after Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron. Dubois had been pressing for a title fight for a long time before the WBC bestowed Taylor’s lightweight title on her.

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Taylor was such an impressive champion the WBC gave her licence to retain her crown whilst fighting at super-lightweight. Dubois wanted to challenge her for the title but it was never really available until Taylor made it clear she was not going to drop back to 135 pounds any more.

People said it was gifted to Dubois. It wasn’t. It was earned. It is not her fault that Taylor took so long to decide. Dubois will prove on Saturday night why the WBC chose to crown her. Taylor is 38 and close to the end. Dubois turns 24 on the night is getting better by the day, working hard on conditioning, as well as technique.

Taylor won’t be around much longer, and Dubois is the next in line to be the face of women’s boxing. She is a very smart, switched-on kid. She was also a world class amateur, her only defeat coming at the Olympics when she just 20.

And when fight week rolls around she takes everything in her stride. As a professional fighter you still feel anxiety. Fight night brings heightened sensitivity. You are nervously looking forward. There is a bit of apprehension, but that keeps you on your toes and your mind feels really sharp and alert.

In a counter-intuitive way that nervousness used to give me a sense of calm that stopped me exploding at any moment, which in fight mode is always a danger. This girl knows what she is about, as will Camara the moment she gets hit.

Follow Barry on X at @‌ClonesCyclone @McGuigan’s_Gym