Dubois outclasses Moneo to win WBC interim title

Briton Caroline Dubois outclassed and outpointed Maira Moneo to win the WBC interim lightweight title at Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium.

The 23-year-old put in a stylish performance, dropping Uruguay’s Moneo in the sixth round en route to a unanimous points decision.

With scores of 100-90, 100-89 and 99-90, Dubois is now undefeated in 10 professional bouts and is the mandatory challenger for Katie Taylor’s WBC title.

“I feel like I’m getting more confident in the pro ring. It’s something you have to learn with and get the experience,” Dubois said.

Ireland’s Taylor – one of the most decorated female boxers in history and a fighter Dubois idolised growing up – holds both the WBA and WBC belts but is currently operating in the division above.

The pound-for-pound star also holds all four recognised world titles at light-welterweight and is set to defend her belts against Amanda Serrano in November.

If Taylor vacates or is stripped of her WBC lightweight title, Dubois is likely to be upgraded to full world champion status.

It was an all-round impressive start from Dubois as she landed hurtful-looking left hooks to the head, stiff right hooks to the body and utilised her superior jab.

Moneo’s only loss in 14 previous bouts was courtesy of a headbutt disqualification, but the 31-year-old struggled to get into any rhythm on Saturday.

Two straight lefts from southpaw Dubois pierced through Moneo’s guard in the fifth round before a sweetly-timed overhand left sent Moneo crashing to the canvas in the following round.

The away fighter jumped back to her feet but the writing was on the wall.

Coach Shane McGuigan encouraged Dubois to look for the stoppage. However, while there were some more flush heavy hits in the final round, Moneo’s grittiness saw her through to the final bell.

Dubois, who also defended her IBO title, is highly rated within the sport but Boxxer have been slightly cautious with her matchmaking, keen not to rush the Londoner.

The shackles now seem to be off, though, with promoter Ben Shalom keen to deliver her a world title shot next and McGuigan predicting Dubois will be an undisputed champion within a year.

Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon – who faces Terri Harper next month – is the WBO champion and Brazilian Beatriz Ferreira holds the IBF belt.

In the headline bout, super-middleweight Callum Simpson enjoyed a memorable night at the home of his beloved Barnsley FC by dethroning British and Commonwealth champion Zak Chelli on points.

It looked like it could be a short work for Simpson, 27, when he rocked 26-year-old Chelli in the opening round.

The champion fought back in a competitive contest, but Simpson was the busier fighter and landed the more telling punches.

Scores of 118-111, 118-110 and 117-111 were met with huge cheers from the 7,500-strong crowd in Oakwell’s East Stand.