NEW YORK — Alycia Baumgardner proved once again why she sits atop the women’s boxing world but not without facing real danger along the way. Inside Madison Square Garden, Baumgardner weathered multiple tense moments before earning a unanimous decision victory over Bo Mi Re Shin at Infosys Arena. The judges scored the bout 98-92, 98-92, and 99-91, giving Baumgardner a wide decision on paper though the fight told a more competitive story.
Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs) came out sharp, establishing control early with a crisp, snapping jab. Through the first two rounds, she dictated the pace, repeatedly catching Re Shin clean and keeping the challenger at range. It looked like a routine night.
Then came the turning point. In round three, Re Shin surged forward and landed a heavy right hand that visibly shook Baumgardner, briefly buckling her legs and forcing the champion to reset.
The moment injected life into the fight and belief into the challenger. Re Shin’s pressure continued to create opportunities, and in the sixth round, she again found success, landing a strong combination that forced Baumgardner to clinch and survive.
Championship Adjustments
Great fighters adjust and Baumgardner did exactly that. After absorbing danger, she shifted her approach. In rounds eight and nine, the unified champion abandoned the pocket exchanges and began fighting on her toes, using movement and angles to neutralize Re Shin’s forward pressure.
The adjustment paid off. Re Shin, who had found success earlier, was left chasing and swinging at air as Baumgardner regained full control of the fight.
Strong Finish Seals the Win
The final round saw both fighters trade in the closing seconds, but by then, Baumgardner had already done enough. While the bout featured competitive moments, the judges saw it clearly in favor of the champion.
Calling Out the Biggest Names
Baumgardner didn’t waste time looking ahead. Immediately after the fight, she set her sights on two of the biggest names in women’s boxing:
- Katie Taylor
- Amanda Serrano
“Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, what’s up?” Baumgardner said in the ring.
The callout signals her intent to chase legacy-defining fights rather than lower-profile matchups notably bypassing rising contender Caroline Dubois. Adding fuel to the moment, MVP co-founder Jake Paul took a shot at Taylor, accusing her of avoiding the challenge as she nears the end of her career.
What’s Next?
Baumgardner remains one of the sport’s most dangerous and marketable champions but Saturday’s performance showed she’s not untouchable. Against elite opposition like Taylor or Serrano, those moments of vulnerability could prove costly. Still, with her power, adaptability, and growing profile, Baumgardner is positioning herself for the biggest fights available. And after a gritty win at Madison Square Garden, she’s made one thing clear: She’s ready for them.
