Alycia Baumgardner has added 2023 Trainer of the Year Derrick James to her team. 

Baumgardner, the undisputed junior lightweight champion, had teased a major announcement on social media. That announcement was made official on Monday afternoon, when she posted a picture of her and James at the World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas, Texas, to her Instagram account. 

“Solid addition. Even stronger foundation. We’re ready for July 11th!” Baumgardner wrote. 

July 11 is when Baumgardner, 15-1 (7 KOs), will defend against Jennifer Miranda, 12-0 (1 KO), on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III at Madison Square Garden in New York. 

Miranda is undefeated but has not fought any notable opposition. She is 38 years old and turned pro in 2018.

In contrast, Baumgardner is a decorated fighter, is positioned 10th on the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board’s pound-for-pound list, and is the owner of a win over Mikaela Mayer, who TBRB ranks seventh. Baumgardner’s lone loss came against Christina Linardatou in a split decision in 2018. Baumgardner exacted revenge over Linardatou in their 2023 rematch via a comfortable unanimous decision.

James has worked with other notable fighters, including being the corner man for Errol Spence Jnr through 2023, as well as Jermell Charlo and Ryan Garcia. James had a difficult 2023: Terence Crawford shattered Spence’s undefeated record and took his three welterweight titles with a savage ninth-round TKO, and Charlo turned in a listless performance against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez that had James with his face in his hands ringside. 

He and Baumgardner will be working for a better result in July.