Alycia Baumgardner explains decision to vacate WBC title
Alycia Baumgardner speaks to MMA Junkie and other reporters ahead of her title fight against Leila Beaudoin in the co-main event of Paul vs. Davis.
MIAMI – Alycia Baumgardner isn’t interested in maintaining the status quo.
That’s evident by the lead-up to her Nov. 14 bout vs. Leila Beaudoin at Kaseya Center. The co-main event to a spotlighted Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis exhibition bout, Baumgardner vacated her WBC title in order to partake in the bout.
“It’s very historic,” Baumgardner told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “It was, again, something I had to think about. But it was a no-brainer for me. When I think about who I am as a fighter, the most beautiful moments you can have in the sport, once they’re gone, they’re gone. You’ve got a story to tell. I’m writing my own story. I’m writing my own narrative. So with a promotion like Most Valuable Promotions, they’ve been able to back me and support me and just give me the platform.
“… It was difficult (to vacate). I had thought about it. You have to understand when I first came and turned pro, the WBC was the belt I wanted. I did that. I don’t have attachment to material things. I am already an undisputed world champion. I’ve been able to conquer that. My dad is happy. He’s smiling down right now that his baby girl did that. There’s nothing else for me to say about it other than we’re going to show women can do 12 3-minute rounds.
While women’s boxing has long gone by a different round structure than men’s boxing, MVP has aimed to change that with introducing 3-minute rounds rather than the traditional 2. Baumgardner is thrilled to once again push the ceiling upward and show women can compete at a high level for a possible 36 minutes.
“One thing about boxing is people make their own rules,” Baumgardner said. “We also control the narrative and we are able to do what we’re able to do as fighters. We’re the ones getting in there. Again, it was a no-brainer.
Baumgardner, 31, enters with a 15-1 record, not having lost since 2018. She will defend her IBF, WBO, and WBA titles against Beaudoin, 29, who is nearly as experienced and successful with a 13-1 record.
“Leila can feel my energy,” Baumgardner said. “She’s never been on this stage before. She’s never been in a ring with somebody like me. I love that she signed the contract because I handpicked her.”
