Caroline Veyre believes that the ring experience she brings to her first title fight exceeds what is reflected on her pro record.
Veyre will face Delfine Persoon on Tuesday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The bout will be for the vacant women’s WBC 130lbs title that Alycia Baumgardner recently relinquished.
Veyre, 10-1, is a 37-year-old who represented Canada in the 2020 Olympic Games. Her standout amateur career includes past showdowns with Katie Taylor, Mikaela Mayer, Kellie Harrington and Queen Underwood.
She firmly believes that her extensive amateur career will show her merit.
“Experience isn’t just about the pro record,” Veyre told BoxingScene. “As an amateur, I competed in the golden era of my division.”
Persoon, 50-3 (20 KOs), has been a formidable force in women’s boxing since turning pro in 2009.
Now 41, the former longtime WBC lightweight titlist unfortunately remains best known for her non-wins. She gave Taylor hell in each of their two undisputed lightweight championship clashes, but less memorably fought to a no-contest with Baumgardner in September 2024. Persoon was floored in the opening round of a fight that ended abruptly due to a cut from an accidental clash of heads.
Persoon of Roeselare, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, stopped Ana Maria Lozano in June, in a homecoming bout.
“I am challenging a legend,” Veyre said. “But I love challenges.”
Veyre, 37, enters on a three-fight winning streak after a shocking loss to journeywoman fighter, Joana Chavarria Lopez, in 2024. She is on a three-fight winning streak and signed with Salita Promotions last year.
In July, Veyre won a 10-round unanimous decision over Licia Boudersa at featherweight. She will be moving up to junior lightweight to become a titleholder.
“I [moved up] for the opportunity for the belt, but I don’t mind fighting at 130lbs,” Veyre said. “I actually feel very comfortable at the weight.”
When asked if she would consider a fight against Baumgardner in the future, Veyre was to the point.
“I am willing to fight anybody,” Veyre said. “We want to make the best fights possible at 130lbs.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.
