Unleashing Power: Beaudoin's Quest for Championship Clashes

A Resurgent Performance and Newfound Confidence

Leila Beaudoin, a prominent figure in the women's junior lightweight division, recently secured her first stoppage victory in over four years, marking a pivotal moment in her career. This impressive performance, culminating in a sixth-round technical knockout against Elhem Mekhaled in Quebec City, Canada, has dramatically shifted perceptions of her fighting prowess. Despite this significant achievement, Beaudoin harbors reservations about the likelihood of a future bout with the undisputed champion, Alycia Baumgardner.

Silencing Critics: The Evolution of a Fighter

The 29-year-old Canadian boxer, now boasting a record of 13-1 with 2 KOs, has long faced scrutiny regarding her fighting style, often being labeled as less exciting. Beaudoin openly embraced this criticism, using it as motivation to refine her approach. Her recent dominant display against Mekhaled served as a resounding response to her detractors, showcasing a more aggressive and dynamic presence in the ring. This evolution is a testament to her dedication and willingness to adapt.

The Influence of a Teammate: A Paradigm Shift in Training

A key factor in Beaudoin's stylistic transformation has been the influence of Canadian Olympian Caroline Veyre. Veyre's decision to train alongside Beaudoin under Samuel Decarie-Drolet introduced a new dynamic to Beaudoin's regimen. Inspired by Veyre's high-volume punching style, Beaudoin significantly increased her output during training camps, doubling her punch count per round. This strategic adjustment directly translated into her more assertive and impactful performance against Mekhaled, who had previously never been stopped in her career, having faced formidable opponents like Baumgardner, Chantelle Cameron, and Delfine Persoon.

Embracing Pressure: A Liberated Approach to Competition

Beaudoin expressed that the pressure to prove her exciting style was not burdensome but rather invigorating. She intentionally withheld predictions about her improved performance, preferring to let her actions speak for themselves. This mindset allowed her to enter the fight against Mekhaled with a sense of liberation. Her past defeat to Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza in Mexico in 2023, which she later avenged in Canada, also contributed to this newfound freedom. Beaudoin attributed the initial loss to perceived unfair judging, which fueled her determination for a rematch and instilled a belief that every fight, win or lose, contributes to the advancement of women's boxing.

Skepticism Towards a Title Shot and Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Beaudoin remains doubtful about securing a fight with Alycia Baumgardner, who is slated to defend her undisputed title against Jennifer Miranda. Beaudoin critiques Baumgardner's track record, suggesting that the champion has avoided major challenges since unifying the titles. She points to Baumgardner's refusal of a rematch with Mikaela Mayer and her selection of less compelling opponents. Beaudoin also speculates that Baumgardner may soon outgrow the junior lightweight division. Consequently, Beaudoin is actively considering moving up to lightweight, anticipating that other prominent fighters in that category, such as Caroline Dubois, Mikaela Mayer, and Terri Harper, who are known for seeking competitive bouts, might offer her the opportunity for significant matchups that Baumgardner appears to be sidestepping.