MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-06 UK VS. USA AND MVPW-07 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27, 2026 – Today at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) hosted the back-to-back MVPW-07 Kickoff Press Conference and MVPW-06 UK vs. USA fight week press conference, bringing together stars from two upcoming championship cards as MVP continues a historic stretch of boxing events showcasing the sport’s most elite fighters across the UK and US.

Taking the stage ahead of Saturday night’s MVPW-06 UK vs. USA were MVP’s American unified WBA and WBC champion and ESPN’s #7 pound-for-pound fighter Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs) and MVP and the UK’s WBO champion and ESPN’s #5 pound-for-pound fighter Chantelle Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs), who will meet in a 10-round title unification main event at 154lbs. Also participating were MVP and London’s unified WBC and WBO lightweight world champion Caroline Dubois (13-0-1, 5 KOs) and the USA’s WBO #5 contender, two-time national champion and reigning NABF lightweight champion Amelia Moore (4-0, 1 KO), who will meet in the 10-round co-main event at 135lbs, along with MVP’s Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs), Jessica Barry (10-1, 2 KOs), MVP’s Terri Harper (16-3-2, 6 KOs), MVP’s Miranda Reyes (9-3-1, 3 KOs), MVP’s Tysie Gallagher (10-2), and Brandi Robinson (5-0, 1 KO).

The press conference also officially kicked off MVPW-07, set for Sunday, November 8 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs) came face-to-face with MVP’s newest signee, Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs), ahead of their 10-round championship main event contested with three-minute rounds for Turhan’s IBF lightweight world title. Baumgardner will step up to 135lbs as she seeks to become a two-division world champion. MVPW-07 co-main event fighters also took the stage as MVP’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (21-0, 11 KOs) met MVP’s former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney (12-0). Brown will defend her WBC featherweight world title over 10 rounds at 126lbs against Scotney, who moves up in weight seeking to become a two-division world champion.

See below for quotes from today’s MVPW-06 UK vs. USA and MVPW-07 Double Kickoff Press Conference. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

MVPW-06 UK VS. USA

MIKAELA MAYER QUOTES

On wanting big fights:

I’m in that stage of my career where these are the only type of fights that I really want. I think [Chantelle] Cameron feels the same way.

On her and Cameron’s boxing careers:

We’ve had a lot of ups and a few downs, but it’s great that we both always wanted to continue to fight the best.

On Cameron’s fighting style:

I can just do more. I think that you can look at Chantelle Cameron and her style, and it’s very straightforward. You know what she’s going to do.

On her plan for Saturday night:

When I go in there this weekend, I’m going to start quick, start fast, start from round one, not let anything get away from me, and not leave it in the hands of the judges because you can’t always trust the judges.

On her goals for Saturday night’s bout:

I’m just ready to go in there and box her up, prove everyone who thinks she’s going to win wrong, and make my team proud.

CHANTELLE CAMERON QUOTES

On preparing to face Mayer:

I’m doing everything that’s been asked of me, and I think I’m in the prime actually. I think obviously I’ve had a few ups and downs, but I’m in a good place.

On blocking out outside noise:

As long as I know that I’m winning my fights and I’m doing what I want to do and what I’m set out to do, everything else is just noise.

On wanting to fight Mayer:

I think Mikaela [Mayer] is very good and that’s why I’ve always wanted this fight. I think she’s brilliant and I’m actually a fan of hers. Even though I’m coming up against her, I’d watch Mikaela [Mayer] and enjoy her fights. That’s why I want to fight her, because I want to fight the best.

On having compatible fighting styles with Mayer:

I think our styles just gel for a really good fight.

On her final message to Mayer:

Let’s go grab female fight of the year.

CAROLINE DUBOIS QUOTES:

On facing Moore:

I’m 100% confident. I’ve come so far. I’ve changed my team. I’ve moved to LA. I’ve dedicated myself as always. I’m excited.

On seeing Moore as a step on her path to becoming undisputed:

At the end of the day, it’s always an opportunity for me to just show out, show the world why I’m the best in the 135 division. It’s just another step on the road for me. I think it’s another opportunity to come out, show up, and show out.

On working to become undisputed:

My mind, my heart, and my soul are set on becoming undisputed. Nobody is going to stop me from achieving that.

On training to face Moore:

In terms of me overlooking anyone, I don’t see that as even a possibility because I see respect as training as hard as I absolutely can. I respected Amelia Moore in this camp because I’ve trained like an absolute animal.

On if she’s looking past Moore:

There’s no way I’ve looked past her [Amelia Moore]. I’ve trained unbelievably hard.

AMELIA MOORE QUOTES:

On preparing to face Dubois:

Every day is another stepping stone towards building more of myself and digging deeper into the camp. So, I’ve had a brilliant camp. I feel amazing.

On her weight cut:

The weight cut has been easy. My endurance is insane. My volume’s up. I’m ready to go.

On being an underdog:

I was really dedicated with my amateur career. I loved the pathway that I was going. Things changed, turned pro. I’ve been hard-stepping ever since.

On being overlooked:

There have been articles that have already been released looking towards Elif [Nur Turhan] who’s here and Alycia [Baumgardner] and all these potential fights beyond me. But you can’t move past what you already have in front of you. I’m not going to allow it to be so.

On her skills:

I have such a skill level when it comes to being creative, adapting, and really seeing the things in real time and being able to adjust as you move forward. I’m unpredictable, and I think that’s been a really beautiful part of who I am: I have a ton of tools in my toolbox, and you never know which one I’ll pull out.

REINA TELLEZ QUOTES

On facing Barry:

I just take this as another fight and to showcase my skills and show that I’m a better fighter than I was in my last fight.

On the pressure of Saturday’s bout:

I feel like I never fold under pressure.

On fighting in the UK:

I’m not afraid to really go inside somebody’s backyard as I’ve shown before.

On Barry not paying attention to her fighting style:

I can adapt to whatever she brings to the table or whatever she tries to do. So, if she lacks that experience with knowing who she’s coming in the ring with, then I feel like that’s on her and her team.

JESSICA BARRY QUOTES

On her previous boxing career setbacks:

I think actually the setbacks have given me the time to mature as a boxer and actually learn a lot more and be ready for this time that I’m sat here now. So yeah, I’m really excited about it now.

On not focusing on Tellez as she prepares:

I really don’t care because every time that I would be focusing on my opponent, I’m not focusing on being a better boxer myself. I’m fully focused on just developing myself as a boxer and my skills.

On the pressure being on Tellez:

I feel like the pressure is all on Reina [Tellez] for this fight. She’s the MVP-signed boxer. She’s been invested in and has been bought over here.

On her plan for Saturday night:

I’m just here to have fun and take that opportunity away from her.

TERRI HARPER QUOTES

On Saturday night’s pressure:

I’ve seen she’s [Miranda Reyes] game. It’s a pressure fight for me. It’s a must-win fight. I can’t be losing two fights on the bounce because where does my career go from there?

On facing Reyes:

I know Miranda was saying yesterday that I’ve probably overlooked her, but that’s not the case at all. I’ve taken this fight very seriously like I would any other fight, and I know that I need to be the best version of me on Saturday night to get a good, dominant performance.

On Reyes saying she is on her way out:

I think if I had a pound for every time someone said they’re going to retire me, I could have probably retired off that money by now. So, you know, you’re not getting rid of me that easy.

On fighting at 140 lbs:

Obviously, coming off the last fight, I learned from that fight, and I’ll take it into the next fight. MVP came forward with a plan at 140, and I thought it was brilliant, and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me.

On her athleticism:

I think as an athlete and as a competitive person, I always want to do better, be better, and keep improving.

MIRANDA REYES QUOTES

On facing Harper:

It’s an honor to step in the ring with Terri Harper. Respectfully, she has accomplished a lot in the sport, but she’s on her way out. I’m going to lead her to that way, and on August 29th, you’re going to see a great fight.

On her plan for Saturday’s bout:

Right now my mindset is right. I have a great team behind me, and we put in hard work. We all want the knockout, but if it has to go to deep waters, we’ll take it there.

On fighting in the UK:

It’s just an honor to be back here in the UK. I love it here.

On representing Texas:

I’m proud to represent my country, my city, my state. I’m just here to make a statement without causing chaos.

TYSIE GALLAGHER QUOTES

On her plan for Saturday night:

This is the biggest stage, but after the year or so I’ve had, I’ve just let go of every pressure in every aspect of my life. I never put pressure on myself, and I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it. When I do that, I perform the best.

On wanting to become the best of the super bantamweight division:

Now it’s the start of showing everyone, the world, and myself exactly what I can go and do. I believe I’m going to the top of the super bantamweight division. I’m going to take over.

BRANDI ROBINSON QUOTES

On preparing to face Gallagher:

I’m always in the gym, and I was prepared for the opportunity.

On wanting to be a world champion:

The ultimate goal for me is to be back at the world championship level with this sport, and I know it takes a lot of patience and timing. So, I’m in it. I’m in it to win it.

On Gallagher:

I know she has 12 fights. I really think, honestly, the pressure is on her. I’m in her hometown. This is her country. Her people, her supporters, all her fans are here. So, the pressure is really on her to do whatever she’s going to do. I’m going to bring the best version of myself in the ring, and that’s it. I’m going to put on for my city and put on for my gym.

MVPW-07

ELIF NUR TURHAN QUOTES

***ALL QUOTES HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED FROM TURKISH TO ENGLISH.

On facing Baumgardner:

Whether it’s Alycia [Baumgardner] or any other fighter, if they prepared hard for me, I’m ready to fight them, and I’m ready to go.

On preparing to fight Baumgardner:

I don’t know how Alycia [Baumgardner] prepared for the fight, but all I know is I prepared for every single situation possible, and I know that I’m ready and I’m ready to go.

On if she thinks Baumgardner is underestimating her weight division:

I don’t think she’s taking me lightly. If she was taking me lightly, she wouldn’t be stepping up, and she wouldn’t be ready to fight me.

On competition in lightweight division:

You have to be a warrior to be in this division. I’m a warrior. It’s all about who prepares the best, and whoever prepares the best will come out victorious.

ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES

On her goal of becoming undisputed at 135:

I’m more than prepared for anything. To step up and to accept a challenge to fight somebody like Turhan, to step up to lightweight, this is nothing new to me. This is why I’m in boxing. This is why I was undisputed at 130 and why I will be undisputed at 135. It starts with her [Elif Nur Turhan].

On moving to lightweight:

I’m still the underdog. I still have the mentality of an underdog. So, when I’m moving up to lightweight, there are no distractions because I know exactly what I’m supposed to do.

On facing Turhan:

I love this. I’m a competitor at heart, and I have somebody great to fight.

On Turhan’s power:

Her [Elif Nur Turhan] power is legitimate. Yes, we’ve seen that with her previous fights, but for

me, this is something that I’ve seen before. Skill pays the bills. Real skill. I know what it is to have great defense. I know what it is to shoot down the middle. I see all that wild punching. I see it. I’m blocking.

On Turhan vs. Baumgardner being the biggest fight in women’s boxing:

I think the super fight, the biggest fight right now in women’s boxing, is myself versus Turhan. So that’s the fight that people need to focus on.

On potentially facing the winner of Dubois vs. Moore:

I will fight whoever is next. You know, she [Caroline Dubois] has a big fight ahead of her this Saturday, and again, I will be undisputed at 135,

On being in the UK:

There’s a lot of history here. This is where I became world champion, and to be back here again in a different space, stepping up in another challenge. I’m so grateful for this.

On MVP supporting women’s boxing:

I’m very thankful to have Nakisa [Bidarian], Jake Paul, and MVP come together once again to have women on one platform and for women to get the opportunity to fight. That’s what we want to do. We want to fight. We want the exposure, and they have given us that.

TIARA BROWN QUOTES

On facing Scotney:

She’s younger, she’s fast, she’s strong, but I’m well seasoned, and I’ve been boxing for a very long time. This belt, no one’s going to take it away from me.

On Scotney attempting to take her WBC belt:

I know that she [Ellie Scotney] broke many records being the youngest, undisputed champion of the world [from the UK], and she’s coming up, and she wants to come for my belt, but listen, at the end of the day, the belt’s going to stay in America.

On dedicating her fight to her loved ones, including former opponent Hannah Rapp:

I’m fighting for my loved ones. I’m fighting for my city, my town. In this fight against Ellie Scotney, I’ll be fighting with Hannah Rapp, the boxer who I just competed against. She just got her life taken away from her. I’m going to take her with me in the ring. So, it’s going to be a very tough night for Ellie Scotney.

On preparing to face Scotney:

I don’t do anything except train, and I train hard, and I’m not just fighting for myself.

On her focus on defeating Scotney:

I live, I eat, I sleep, I breathe boxing. So, if anyone thinks that they’re going to beat me, it’s going to be a cold day in hell. Icicles made of sweat.

On Scotney’s skill:

She seems to be able to hold her own. She’s very strong.

ELLIE SCOTNEY QUOTES

On facing Brown:

I’ve always said I feel like if you see the pattern of my career, I took the biggest and the best challenges, and that’s why I made it crystal clear as soon as I left that ring that was the name I wanted.

On wanting to become a two-weight world champion:

I knew as soon as I left that ring, it was what’s next, and becoming a two-weight world champion is what lies ahead.

On giving her best efforts vs. Brown:

I’ve always said that you’re going to see the best of me at featherweight. I feel like November the 8th, the fight I’ve got in front of me, that needs to be the case. I need to be the best of me, and that’s where you’re going to see it.

On where her focus lies:

All focus is on November the 8th, where the road to undisputed starts again.

On progress on getting a driver’s license for the car Jake Paul purchased for her:

I still haven’t got a license. I probably shouldn’t say this cuz there’s going to be a lot of pressure on me, but my driving test is five days after my fight. So, God willing, there are two victories.

On her feelings after becoming undisputed:

I think what I got from becoming undisputed was a level of peace. Again, it’s just all about what’s to come now.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.

MVP ANNOUNCES A CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERCARD AS ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER STEPS UP TO 135LBS TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ELIF NUR TURHAN AS MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-07 BRINGS A QUADRUPLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT TO ARLINGTON, TEXAS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, LIVE ON ESPN

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – August 25, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced MVPW-07, a championship supercard with a quadruple world championship event at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 8, live on ESPN and the ESPN App, headlined by MVP and Dallas, Texas’ unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs), who will step up to 135lbs seeking to become a two-division world champion when she challenges MVP’s newest signee, Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion, the “Golden Turkish Warrior” Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs), in a 10-round championship bout with three-minute rounds for the IBF lightweight world title. Baumgardner enters the matchup following a dominant run as unified champion at super featherweight and now takes on one of the most dangerous punchers in women’s boxing in Turhan, who claimed the IBF lightweight world title with a stunning TKO victory over previously unbeaten Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Beatriz Ferreira and enters her third world title defense.

MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. The Arlington Sports Commission will serve as Host Partner for the event. Fans can sign up for MVPW-07 Presale HERE. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, September 10 at 11am ET / 10am CT at AXS.com. All media interested in being credentialed for MVPW-07 must apply HERE.

Elif Nur Turhan said: “Alycia is a boxer who steps into the ring determined to win, never even entertaining the possibility of defeat; I know I am proud to be representing Turkiye on such a major international stage as I face an opponent who steps into the ring solely for victory. I do not want to lose, either. As two boxers sharing a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, we guarantee a fierce, relentless battle where everything is left on the line. Two warriors, one fight, and only one winner.”

Alycia Baumgardner said: “When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different. Sunday, November 8 is a superfight—the kind of fight boxing deserves—and the beginning of my next chapter. I know what it takes to become undisputed. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. To everyone in Dallas-Fort Worth and Arlington, this is my backyard, and I want you there with me. Come out to College Park Center, be part of the moment, and watch me make history.”

In the co-main event, MVP’s and Ft. Myers, Florida’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (21-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round defense at 126lbs against MVP’s and Catford, London, England’s former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney (12-0), who steps up to 126lbs seeking to become a two-division world champion. Turhan and Baumgardner and Brown and Scotney will come face-to-face for the first time at the official MVPW-07 kickoff press conference on Thursday, August 27 at 3pm BST / 10am ET at bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, England ahead of the MVPW-06 final fight week press conference.

Tiara Brown said: “She may have been the youngest undisputed champion in UK history, but I’m not stepping into the ring to admire her history. I’m stepping in to make my own. I’m a seasoned veteran who has been overlooked, but never outworked. Come fight night, we’ll see who’s truly built for greatness.”

Ellie Scotney said: “I can’t wait for the next chapter to begin at 126lbs, where I truly believe the world will see the best of me. It’s time to make more history on Sunday, November the 8th and become a two-weight world champion.”

Also joining the main card, MVP’s and Australia’s reigning WBC super bantamweight world champion at 122lbs, two-division champion, and 2020 Olympian Skye Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) will make her highly anticipated MVP debut in a 10-round title defense against Japan’s three-time, two-division world champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO).

Skye Nicolson said: “I’m excited to announce we have a new date locked in. Having to withdraw due to injury was incredibly frustrating, especially after everything that went into preparing for this fight, but unfortunately these things happen in elite sport. The focus now is completely on moving forward and taking on Miyo Yoshida in what I know will be a great fight. I’m looking forward to getting back in there, putting on a big performance and making sure everyone and anyone in my way is officially put on notice. This delay has only made me hungrier. I’ll be ready to make a big statement for Australia on fight night and finish the year exactly where I want to be.”

Miyo Yoshida said: “Many people see Skye Nicolson as the favorite and I understand why as she is an excellent fighter. But I have dedicated my life to boxing and I am prepared to give everything for this opportunity. I promise the fans will see a fearless Miyo Yoshida. I will bring the heart of Japan, my experience as a three-time World Champion and everything I have into this fight. On fight night, I believe the world will see me crowned as the new WBC super bantamweight champion.”

Rounding out the quadruple world championship main card, MVP’s multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high-fashion model Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s undefeated Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round championship bout for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122lbs.

Ramla Ali said: “People assume the hardest fights of my life happened in a ring, under lights, with a bell to tell you when it’s over. They didn’t. The real fights never had a bell. They lasted years, some of them are still going. Every time a door closed, I found another way through. That’s the one true thing anyone could say about me: I’m relentless in my pursuit of anything I do. Mikiah and I have sparred probably a hundred rounds together. I have a lot of respect for her, and I know her journey in boxing hasn’t been easy either. We both know we’ll leave everything in that ring on Sunday, November 8th, the same way we left everything in every round of sparring that got us here. What does sit heavy with me is that so many of the people who made this possible won’t be able to watch it happen live as a result of new travel bans on Somalis and people who have travelled to Somalia. I would have loved to fight this one in London, where I was raised and haven’t competed in for four years. But that’s never been how my path has worked, I always seem to take the harder route, and I’ve made peace with that, because nothing worth having has ever come easy, and these titles are worth everything.”

Mikiah Kreps said: “I’ve been working toward this moment since I was a little girl watching my mom train in the boxing gym, and I’m ready for it. Fighting for my first world title means everything to me, but I’m not coming just to fight for a championship — I’m coming to win it. I appreciate MVP, DBE, and Team Kreps for working together to make this fight happen, and I’m grateful to the WBO & IBF for the opportunity to fight for a unified title. I can’t wait to step in the ring and show the world what I can do.”

Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions said: “MVPW-07 is one of the biggest championship events in boxing history, with four back-to-back world title fights, bringing together eight elite fighters from around the world with belts at stake in every matchup. Elif Nur Turhan joined MVP to take on the biggest fights in the sport, and in her first event under the MVP banner she will defend her IBF lightweight world title against pound-for-pound great Alycia Baumgardner, one of the most dominant champions of this generation, as Alycia steps up to 135 pounds in pursuit of becoming a two-division world champion. Undefeated WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown will defend her title against the undefeated former undisputed champion and ESPN’s 2025 Female Boxer of the Year Ellie Scotney, who moves up to 126 pounds seeking to become a two-division world champion. Two-division champion Skye Nicolson will make her MVP debut, defending her WBC super bantamweight world title against three-time, two-division champion Miyo Yoshida, and Ramla Ali faces undefeated Mikiah Kreps for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122lbs. Four world championship fights. One massive night for boxing. Live on ESPN from Arlington, Texas.”

Further information, including additional bouts, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About Elif Nur Turhan

Reigning IBF lightweight world champion at 135lbs Elif Nur Turhan has taken women’s boxing by storm over the past two years having established her reputation as one of the most dangerous and devastating punchers in the sport. The ‘Golden Turkish Warrior’ hails from Istanbul, Turkey, and boasts a flawless record of 14-0 with eight victories by way of knockout. Turhan captured the world title in December 2025 in Monte-Carlo with a remarkable upset: a fifth-round stoppage over Brazil’s previously unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. The 31-year-old sensation, who turned pro four years ago, has since successfully defended her crown with wins over Taylah Gentzen in Newcastle, England, in January 2026 and again against Gabriella Tellez in June 2026 in Arizona. Now Turhan is excited for what comes next with the Turkish star determined to capture more major titles. Turhan signed with MVP in August 2026 as part of MVP’s strategic alliance with Matchroom Boxing. She is currently ranked ESPN’s #3 talent in the world in the lightweight division.

About Alycia Baumgardner

MVP’s reigning unified WBO, WBA, and IBF super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner is one of the most electrifying superstars in boxing today and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport. Born in Fremont, Ohio, and of Korean, German, and African-American descent, she has built a career defined by power, precision, and resilience. Her success is fueled not only by her relentless work ethic but also by her deep faith, which guides her journey both in and out of the ring. Baumgardner turned pro in 2017, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory. In November 2021, she shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper in Sheffield, England, to claim the WBC and IBO world titles. She followed with wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she became undisputed, defeating Elhem Mekhaled in New York to claim the WBA title. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant win over Christina Linardatou in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed crown. She returned in September 2024 against Delfine Persoon, scoring an early knockdown before an accidental clash of heads led to a no-contest ruling. She defended her undisputed title in the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, live on Netflix, before making a 12×3:00 unified world title defense vs. Leila Beaudoin in the co-main event of MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day live on Netflix in December 2025–becoming just the second woman in boxing history to defend her unified world titles under equal rules to men’s champions. Most recently, Baumgardner headlined MVPW’s inaugural U.S. event on ESPN, earning a unanimous decision victory over Bo Mi Re Shin in a unified title defense contested with three-minute rounds. Outside the ring, Baumgardner is breaking barriers for women, proving that skill, strength, and marketability can coexist at the highest level.

About Tiara Brown

MVP’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown holds a career built on an exceptional amateur pedigree, technical excellence, and championship-level discipline. Long before capturing world honors in the professional ranks, Brown established herself as one of the most accomplished amateurs in the United States, becoming a multiple-time US national champion, competing at the highest levels of USA Boxing and consistently defeating top-tier competition across the country, culminating with a gold medal at the 2012 amateur world championships. That foundation seamlessly translated into the pro ranks, where her experience, composure, and adaptability have set her apart on the world stage. Brown’s style showcases speed, sharp fundamentals, and intelligent pressure. She is equally comfortable boxing off the back foot or engaging in high-paced exchanges, making her one of the most technically sound and versatile fighters in women’s boxing today. Representing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s proud boxing tradition, Brown defeated Skye Nicolson in March 2025 to claim the WBC featherweight title before successfully defending the belt against Emma Gongara in September 2025 and again against challenger Hannah Rapp in June 2026. She was ranked among ESPN’s best women’s boxers of 2025, and is now ranked Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound female fighter, and ESPN’s #2 featherweight talent globally.

About Ellie Scotney

MVP’s former undisputed super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney became the youngest in UK history, male or female, to become undisputed champion in April 2026. The Catford, England native made her pro debut in 2020. In her seventh pro fight, Scotney dethroned former 122lb champion Cherneka Johnson by UD to become the new IBF world champion. Scotney successfully defended her IBF belt against Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a UD win over then-undefeated 18-0 champion Segolene Lefebvre. The 27-year-old faced the longest-standing division champion, former WBC titlist Yamileth Mercado on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card live on Netflix, winning by UD and adding the WBC belt to her unified collection. The outstanding performance earned her recognition as ESPN’s 2025 Female Boxer of the Year, which she followed by defeating then-WBA titlist Mayelli Flores in the co-main event of MVPW-01 in April 2026 to claim the undisputed world title and become the youngest in the United Kingdom’s history, male or female, to become an undisputed boxing champion. Scotney is currently ranked Boxrec’s #6, ESPN’s #9, and Ring Magazine’s #9 pound-for-pound boxer globally, as well as ESPN’s #1 super bantamweight in the world.

About Skye Nicolson

Skye Nicolson was born and raised in Queensland, Australia to an English mother and Scottish father. She began boxing at age 12, following in the footsteps of her late brother. Her stellar amateur career saw over 150 fights around the world including a Commonwealth Games gold medal, bronze at the amateur world championships, and representing Team Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she finished as a quarter-finalist. Off the back of the Olympics, she signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom and began a very active professional career that skyrocketed her to her first world title in just her 10th professional fight, defeating Sarah Mahfoud for the WBC featherweight title in 2024. Now 16-1 as a professional, Nicolson most recently rose to Interim champion and mandatory challenger for the WBC 122lbs title. Shortly after, the belt was vacated by former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney, and Nicolson was elevated to become a two-time, two-division WBC world champion in May 2026. Entering this next chapter under the MVP and Matchroom strategic alliance, the 30-year-old prepares to unify the super bantamweight division and aims to be part of the biggest fights in women’s boxing. She is currently ranked ESPN’s #2 super bantamweight globally.

About Miyo Yoshida

Miyo Yoshida is a three-time, two-division world champion from Kagoshima, Japan. A former IBF bantamweight world champion and two-time WBO junior bantamweight world champion, Yoshida has established herself as one of Japan’s most accomplished female fighters. She made history as one of only a handful of Japanese women to win world titles in multiple weight classes and has earned recognition for her technical skill, resilience, and championship pedigree. Known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, Yoshida is a former The Ring Most Inspirational Female Fighter award recipient and a revered role model both inside and outside the ring. After relocating to the United States, she now trains at the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York. Yoshida most recently earned a victory over Edith de Jesus Flores in April 2026, following a unanimous decision win over Beata Dudek in February 2025. She captured the IBF bantamweight world title with a dominant unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in December 2023 after accepting the fight on less than two weeks’ notice.

About Ramla Ali

Ramla Ali is a 35-year-old Somali-British professional boxer, philanthropist, high-fashion model, and social activist. Born in Somalia, Ali and her family fled the country following the loss of her brother in a grenade attack and civil unrest. At age 12, she took up boxing in secret to overcome bullying and obesity, becoming the first Muslim woman to win national amateur boxing titles in England in 2015 and 2016 before making history as the first female boxer to represent Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She made her pro debut in October 2020, winning the vacant IBF Intercontinental title at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2023 in just her 8th pro fight before winning the WBA International super bantamweight title in a hard-fought rematch against Mexico’s Julissa Alejandra Guzman later that year. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and women in boxing, Ali established the Somali Boxing Federation in Mogadishu, Somalia. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the fight for women’s equality, Ali was one of twelve extraordinary leaders named among TIME’s 2023 Women of the Year.

About Mikiah Kreps

Mikiah Kreps is an undefeated American professional boxer from Niagara Falls, NY, and a former elite member of Team USA. A lifelong boxer who first stepped into the gym at five years old when her mother was training for amateur fights, Kreps achieved an accomplished amateur career of more than 75 bouts, winning multiple national championships and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships before turning pro.

Kreps has built an 11-0 record as a professional and has established herself among the elite of the Super Bantamweight division. She is currently ranked #1 in the world by both the WBO and IBF, positioning her for the biggest opportunity of her career: her first shot at a world championship and for a unified title.

Trained by Manny Robles and known for her relentless pressure, explosive power, slick combinations, and high ring IQ, Kreps brings an aggressive and technically polished style to the ring. Now, with a world title within reach, she is looking to turn years of preparation and sacrifice into the first chapter of a championship legacy.

About MVP

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

About the Arlington Sports Commission

As a division of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Arlington Sports Commission recruits and supports high-impact youth, amateur, collegiate, professional and international sporting events to Arlington, driving economic impact and reinforcing the city’s status as one of the nation’s premier sports destinations. With world-class stadiums, professional sports teams, strong local connections and a team that knows how to make big events happen, Arlington delivers unforgettable sports experiences at every level. To learn more, visit arlingtonsportscommission.org.

About College Park Center

College Park Center (CPC) is a 7,000-seat multipurpose arena which opened in 2012 on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). It is the home court for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA, the UTA basketball and volleyball programs, and offers professional class training facilities. In addition, CPC is host to concerts, professional wrestling and boxing, world-renowned speaker events, graduation ceremonies, banquets, various local education events and more, in total averaging over 140 events per year.

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-02 POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 17, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) MVPW-02 took place tonight at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, streaming live on ESPN and the ESPN App, marking the promotion’s inaugural U.S. event for its global women’s boxing platform. The event delivered a stacked night of championship action, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs), who retained her WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles with a commanding performance over Bo Mi Re Shin (19-4-3, 10 KOs). In the co-main event, Lani “The Smiling Assassin” Daniels (12-4-2, 2 KOs) captured the IBF, WBO, and Ring super middleweight titles with a ninth-round TKO over MVP’s Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-2, 11 KOs), becoming a three-division world champion. Additional standout performances included victories from MVP’s Nat “No Love” Dove (8-0-1, 2 KOs) vs. Maria “La Imparabla” Micheo (14-7, 8 KOs) on the main card and U.S. Olympian Jahmal Harvey (3-0, 2 KO) vs. Daniel Lugo (6-5, 2 KOs) in the preliminary card headliner, highlighting MVP’s growing roster of elite and rising talent.

At the press conference following the fights, the fighters had much to discuss. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES

On her thoughts following her bout vs. Bo Mi Re Shin:

When we talk about legacy, and we talk about development, these are the types of fights that I need to be in. These are the type of fights that really put my skills to the test and my mentality and my mental. Physically, I have it, but mentally, it’s another threshold to overcome.

On her performance:

I hope that you guys just saw the separation from my last performance in December to this performance. So, it was everything that I enjoyed.

On facing Katie Taylor:

I think when we talk about a Katie Taylor, we talk about someone who is just as skilled. I believe in my abilities, and I’m sure she believes in hers. But when we talk about high-level boxing, when it comes to women, she’s a perfect person to be in the ring with.

On doing three-minute rounds:

I think when you understand what an extra minute does for my type of style, it allows me to take my time. It allows me to set up the punches and pick my punches. Punch placement is everything in boxing, and I have a really great IQ and timing. So, that’s why you have to be patient to get some of those shots in.

On knocking down Bo Mi Re Shin in the fourth round:

I definitely knocked her down. I did knock her down for sure. Go back and watch it.

On being asked if she will face Caroline Dubois:

When we talk about Alicia Baumgardner and her career and her trajectory on where she is going, we have to align her with the biggest fights. I’m at a stage where I’m at the biggest fights. Dubois is a great fighter. Yes, but she’s nowhere near where I am.

On making adjustments in the ring:

I have a great team. They will tell me instructions, but ultimately I have to make that adjustment in the ring.

On coming out with Lil Kim:

It was everything. When we talk about women’s sports, when we talk about women’s movement, we talk about being a collective. I think it is so key and representation matters. And to be in a sport like boxing, to add the entertainment, to add the movie, to add just the excitement, you know, we have to think about how we set the bar. And Little Kim was perfect for New York.

JAHMAL HARVEY QUOTES

On Daniel Lugo’s performance:

He was taking some shots pretty well. I knew I had to start breaking him down. I started hitting the body a little bit more.

On his engine during the bout:

I’m always grateful for the rounds. It just shows that I got a high motor.

On taking control of the bout:

After the first two rounds, I knew I had to start slowing it down, slowing down the pace. He was starting to hold a lot.

NAT DOVE QUOTES

On her performance vs. Maria Micheo:

As a fighter in the ring, I think I did my part. I saw what I was landing, and I saw how she was reacting to that.

On her plan during the bout:

I was trying to stick to the plan, stay sharp, and just box.

On Maria Micheo’s pressure during the bout:

Throughout the fight, it was rough on both ends. A lot of us are coming in, clashing heads, and I was trying to avoid getting headbutted as best as I could, but at the same time, she was putting a lot of pressure.

MIKE LEANARDI (HEAD OF BOXING, MVP) QUOTES

On Shadia Green’s condition after her bout vs. Lani Daniels:

Shadiasia is awake and talkative. It was a scary moment for all of us. She’s looking much better. We’ll keep everyone updated through socials.

On MVP’s performance of the night bonuses:

We had two performance of the night bonuses. One is going to Lani Daniels, upsetting the card, and becoming the unified super middleweight champion. Heck of a performance by her. The other performance of the night bonus […] is going to Bo Mi Re Shin. Bo Mi came all the way from Korea and fought a tremendous fight.

On Lani Daniels being taken to a local hospital after her bout vs. Shadasia Green:

Lani was taken to a local hospital just as a precaution. She has an 18-hour flight home, so they just want to make sure she is tip-top before she flies out tomorrow.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter-first ethos. Since its inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally.

Baumgardner Decisions Shin; Retains Junior Lightweight Titles

Alycia Baumgardner retained the IBF/WBA/WBO Junior Lightweight world titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Bo Mi Re Shinn at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden.

It was a hard fought fight throughout with both fighters sitting down and throwing power shots. It was Baumgardner who showed more diversity by mixing in some boxing and landing the cleaner shots.

Baumgardner landed 263 of 681 punches. Shin was 161 of 654,

Baumgardner, 129.8 lbs of Dallas won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 18-1. Shin, 129.4 lbs of South Korea is 19-4-3.

Lani Daniels Shocks, Stops Shadasia Green; Wins Unified Super Middleweight Title

Lani Daniels won the IBF/WBO Super Middleweight titles with a ninth round stoppage over Shadasia Green.

Daniels was the quicker fighter from the get-go. The two had several nice exchanges, but it was Daniels who continuously beat Green to the punch. In round nine, Daniels battered a bloody Green on the ropes until the fight was stopped at 32 seconds.

Green struggled in the corner and was rushed out of the ring on a stretcher.

Daniels, 167.6 lbs of Pipiwai, NZ is 12-4-2 with two knockouts. Green, 168 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 16-2.

Rosado Decisions Reyes

Krystal Rosado won a eight-round unanimous decision over Fernanda Reyes in a bantamweight bout.

Rosado, 118 lbs of Carolina, PR won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 9-1. Reyes, 118 lbs of Mexico City is 8-1.

Dove Decisions Micheo

Nat Dove remained undefeated with a eight-round split decision over Maria Micheo in a flyweight out.

Dove landed 105 of 380 punches. Micheo, 111.6 lbs is 14-7.

Jahmal Harvey stopped Daniel Lugo in round five of their six-round lightweight bout.

Harvey dominated the fight until the bout was stopped at 1:32.

Harbey, 134.6 lbs of Oxon Hill, MD is 3-0 with two knockouts. Lugo, 135 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 6-5.

Alex Vargas won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rani Jalomo in a battle of undefeated welterweights,

The right eye of Vargas began to close in round eight.

Vargas, 144.2 lbs of Bellport, NY won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 15-0, Jalomo, 141.8 lbs of Chicago is 7-1-1.

Elon De Jesus won an eight-round unanimous decision over Conor Adaway in a super bantamweight bout.

In round eight, De Jesus dropped Adaway with a left hook.

De Jesus landed 124 of 460 punches. Adaway was 112 of 460.

De Jesus, 121,4 lbs of Dunkirk, NY won by scores of 80-71 and 78-73 twice and now is 12-1-2. Adaway, 122 lbs of Plymouth, ENG is 10-3-1.

Luis Gjolena remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Robert Salinas in a six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Gjolena dropped Salinas with a double left. In round two, Gjolena landed a huge left that put Salinas down on his back and the fight was stopped at 45 seconds.

Gjolena, 248.4 lbs of Bronx, NY is 8-0-1 with six knockouts. Salinas, 276.8 lbs of Santa Rosa, TX is 4-3-1.

Raquel Miller stayed undefeated and survived a knockdown to win a six-round unanimous decision over Adriana Araujo in a super middleweight fight.

In round two, Araujo dropped Miller with a counter left to the side of the head. In round three, Miller started to swell under her left eye.

Miller landed 63 of 285 punches. Araujo was 56 of 124.

Miller, 168.8 lbs of San Francisco won by scores of 58-55 and 57-56 twice and is now 14-0. Araujo, 169.2 lbs of Salvador, BRA is 6-4.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-02

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 16, 2026 – Today at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) and WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs) stepped on the scales ahead of their highly anticipated main event showdown this Friday, April 17 in New York City, airing live on ESPN.

Fighters on the main and preliminary cards participated in the weigh-in, including co-main event fighters MVP’s unified super middleweight world champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-1, 11 KOs) and IBF #2 and WBO #3 contender Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO). Additional fighters included MVP’s Krystal Rosado (8-1, 2 KOs), Fernanda Reyes (8-0), MVP’s Nat “No Love” Dove (7-0-1, 2 KOs), Maria Micheo (14-6, 8 KOs), MVP’s Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO), Daniel Lugo (6-4, 2 KOs), Alex Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs), Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs), Elon De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KOs), Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KOs), Luis Gjolena (7-0-1, 5 KOs), Robert Salinas (4-2-1, 3 KOs), MVP’s Raquel Miller (13-0, 6 KOs), Adriana Araújo (6-3, 1 KO).

MVPW-02 marks a major milestone as the inaugural U.S. event of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing. The event will stream live on ESPN from the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, April 17, with the preliminary card beginning at 6:45pm ET live on ESPN+, and the main card starting at 10:00pm ET, live on ESPN.

For additional details on the final weights, please refer to the below bout sheet.

MAIN CARD

IBF/WBA/WBO/Ring Super Featherweight World Titles (130 lbs)

Alycia Baumgardner vs. Bo Mi Re Shin

129.8 | 129.4

Dallas via Freemont, OH | Seoul, South Korea

IBF/WBO/Ring Super Middleweight World Titles (168 lbs)

Shadasia Green vs. Lani Daniels

168.0 | 167.6

Paterson, NJ | Pipiwai, New Zealand

Bantamweight Bout (118 lbs)

Krystal Rosado vs. Fernanda Reyes

118.0 | 118.0

Carolina, PR | Mexico City, Mexico

Flyweight Bout (112 lbs)

Nat Dove vs. Maria Micheo

112.0 | 111.6

Philadelphia, PA | Eastvale, CA via Guatemala

PRELIMINARY CARD

Lightweight Bout (135 lbs)

Jahmal Harvey vs. Daniel Lugo

134.6 | 135.0

Oxon Hill, MD | Tucson, AZ

Junior Welterweight Bout (140 lbs)

Alex Vargas vs. Rani Jalomo

144.2 | 141.8

Bellport, NY | Chicago, IL

Junior Featherweight Bout (122 lbs)

Elon De Jesus vs. Connor Adaway

121.4 | 122.0

Dunkirk, NY | Plymouth, England

Heavyweight Bout

Luis Gjolena vs. Robert Salinas

248.4 | 276.8

Bronx, NY via Tirana, Albania | Santa Rosa, TX

Super Middleweight Bout (168 lbs)

Raquel Miller vs. Adriana Araújo

168.8 | 169.2

San Francisco, CA | Salvador, Brazil

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-02 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 15, 2026 – Today in New York City at Palladium Times Square, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and ESPN hosted the final press conference for MVPW-02, marking a major milestone as the inaugural U.S. event of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing. The press conference featured the final faceoffs ahead of the highly anticipated main event from MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) and WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs) in a 10×3:00 championship bout. Also featured was the co-main event between MVP’s unified super middleweight world champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-1, 11 KOs) and IBF #2 and WBO #3 contender Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO) in a 10×2:00 unified world title bout at 168 lbs, underscoring the depth and significance of the all-action event set for the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, April 17, live on ESPN.

In attendance at today’s press conference were Baumgardner, Shin, Green, and Daniels, all of whom addressed the media as the countdown to fight night officially began.

Hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, the fighters shared their thoughts on their upcoming matchups and the significance of MVPW-02 in advancing women’s boxing on a global stage. See quotes below and view the full press conference on MVP’s YouTube Channel and ESPN+.

ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES

On what she’s expecting from Bo Mi Re Shin on Friday, April 17:

One thing about Bo is that she’s coming to fight. She is a warrior, just as I know she is. But I’m hungrier, and I’m meaner, and I’m just sharper.

On her mindset going into the ring:

This last camp has been so good for me mentally, being locked in and in a different space. Now being the main event and shooting off on ESPN, this is a perfect moment to showcase who Alycia Baumgardner is.

On what she’s learned from fighting 12 rounds:

What I learned from the last fight, fighting 12 rounds, was that I was able to take my time. I was able to show a high level of boxing. When we talk about skillful fighters, I am one of those fighters.

On fighting 10, three-minute rounds on Friday, April 17:

I have high expectations for myself. It’s never a comparison to say I’m better than the man. It’s just that I can do it as well, and I do it just as good with the high level of boxing that I have, the high IQ that I have. I think people appreciate the style of boxing that I bring.

On her plans for fight night:

For this fight, I know that I can fight 12 rounds. I know that I can do 3 minutes, so now I want to bring in the other parts of me that I know that I can bring out. And that’s just the meaner side, the more aggressive side, the hungrier side, the go-get-it side. That’s what I’m aiming for for fight night.

On fighting at Madison Square Garden:

To see women’s sports push forward in a sport like boxing, we need our men, and we need our women. We need cohesiveness. We all share the runway to show the world that influence is important, and we have great women on this stage who can show that, as well as myself, on Friday night, to show that boxing is already here. We’re just putting it on the biggest stage, which is ESPN.

On facing Caroline Dubois in the future:

I am chasing the biggest fights. Dubois is not ready. Is she hungry? Absolutely. Am I ducking smoke? No. I am aligned with the biggest fights possible, and that fight will happen when it happens.

On whether she would like to face Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, or Mikaela Mayer:

Those are all three great fights. Let’s get them all.

BO MI RE SHIN QUOTES

***All quotes have been translated from Korean to English.

On the Korean flag being presented to her by Alycia Baumgardner:

I’m going to show off the Korean flag on Friday after the fight.

On her thoughts on Alycia Baumgardner:

I have a great respect for Baumgardner. She has a great style of boxing. She’s a strong fighter, but I believe I have more perseverance, and I will show you on Friday.

On fighting 10, three-minute rounds on Friday, April 17:

I have always questioned, why should women’s boxing be two minutes, ten rounds, not three minutes, ten rounds, just like men? I have always prepared myself to be ready for three minutes, ten rounds, so no problem.

On accomplishing her goal to fight Alycia Baumgardner:

Alycia was my goal. She has always been, but now it’s time to take her belts for me.

SHADASIA GREEN QUOTES

On preparing for future opponents:

I’m not necessarily focused on anything but Lani Daniels. You gotta watch Lani Daniels. She’s had opportunities, she’s been a world champion, so my preparation is strictly for Lani Daniels come April 17th. Whatever is next after that, we’ll focus on it after that.

On fighting at Madison Square Garden:

I’m just happy to be here at The Theater again. Like I said, this is my second home, and to be the co-main event to Alycia “The Bomb” is always entertaining. You guys got a show on your hands, April 17th, live on ESPN at the Infosys Theater.

On fighting close to her hometown, Paterson, New Jersey:

This is home to me and my family. Just a 45-minute drive. I’ve got lucky things happening in this arena [Madison Square Garden], so I’m looking forward to it.

On her thoughts on Lani Daniel’s wanting to face Savannah Marshall:

I would never overlook her. I mean to hear Savannah is the prize…Friday, April 17th…we’ll see about Savannah.

LANI DANIELS QUOTES

On her thoughts on Shadasia Green’s victory over Savannah Marshall:

I was very impressed. I was a bit envious, actually, because Savannah’s been like my dream fight, like I’ve wanted to fight her the whole time since I started boxing.

On a potential bout vs. Savannah Marshall:

Perhaps if I win on Friday, I’ll get the opportunity.

On her weight class:

I’m naturally a super middleweight; I just like to eat.

On her roots in New Zealand:

For a small country like New Zealand, to be here on the big stage is wicked.

About MVP

FULL CARD SET FOR MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-02 ON FRIDAY, APRIL 17 AT INFOSYS THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, LIVE ON ESPN AND THE ESPN APP

NEW YORK, NY – DATE – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the rest of the card for MVPW-02 which will mark the inaugural U.S. event for MVPW, taking place live on ESPN on Friday, April 17 at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Joining the main card, MVP’s 2x Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and #1 IBF, WBC, WBA and #2 WBO contender Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Brazil’s Nadja Jesus (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round bout at 160lbs in the middleweight division. Opening the main card, MVP’s young Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado (8-1, 2 KOs) will face Fernanda Reyes (8-0) in an 8-round battle of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the bantamweight division at 118lbs. The event will be headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs). The bout will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds for the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles at 130 lbs. In the co-main event, MVP’s unified super middleweight world champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-1, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round world title defense vs. IBF #2 and WBO #3 contender Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO) at 168lbs. MVPW on ESPN will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. MVPW-02 marks the inaugural U.S. event of MVPW, a new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

On the preliminary card, streaming exclusively on the ESPN App, MVP’s US Olympian and amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO) will face Argentina’s Leandro Medina (7-3-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout at 135lbs. Also joining the preliminary card will be MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton vs. Brownsville, Texas’s Dionne Ruvalcaba (2-2, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout at 135lbs , MVP’s Nat “No Love” Dove (7-0-1, 2 KOs) vs. Maria Micheo (14-6, 8 KOs) in an 8-round flyweight bout at 112lbs (pending approval), and MVP’s undefeated Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (13-0, 6 KOs) will make her promotional debut vs. Brazil’s Adriana “Pitbull” Araújo (6-3, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout at 168lbs in the super middleweight division (pending approval). Dunkirk, New York’s Elon “El Leon” De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KOs) will also face Plymouth, England’s Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KOs) in an 8 round super bantamweight bout at 122lbs, and Bellport, New York’s Alex “El Toro” Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs) will face Dublin, Ireland’s Ryan “The Silent Assassin” O’Rourke (13-0, 3 KOs).

MVP’s standout Tamm Thibeault is currently the #1-ranked WBA, #1 IBF, #1 WBC, and #2 WBO middleweight contender. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Thibeault began her boxing journey at the age of nine, inspired by seeing her father, a former CFL player, knock out an opponent during a Provincial boxing tournament. Following in his footsteps, she took up boxing at age 12 and was inspired to compete for Canada while watching the first women’s Olympic boxing competition during the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old middleweight, a southpaw standing 6 feet tall, then forged an outstanding amateur career. A two-time Olympian, Thibeault made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg (165lb) event, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in any women’s boxing event. She went undefeated until she returned to the Paris Olympics in 2024, earning gold medals at the 2022 Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Thibeault, who speaks French, English, and Spanish, completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Concordia University in 2023, which she earned over seven years while competing, then moved to Sheffield, England, where she earned a one-year Master’s degree in urban design and urban planning while training at the renowned Steel City Gym. Thibeault made her pro debut while competing under men’s rules, three-minute rounds, on the main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 in December 2024, then returned to the ring in March 2025 as part of MVP’s first ever event in Canada, Most Valuable Prospects 11, where she again competed under men’s rules with three-minute rounds and won by knockout in the final second of the first round, proving again the impact of women competing with equal rules to men. Thibeault entered her third pro fight continuing to compete under equal rules over 8, three-minute rounds on the preliminary card of MVP’s historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card against then-#1 contender Mary Casamassa, winning by TKO to become the #1 contender with two sanctioning bodies following the bout—one of the fastest-rising world title contenders in history. She earned her most recent TKO win in September 2025 on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15.

“I’m proud to be part of the first all-women’s main card on ESPN,” said Tamm Thibeault. “ESPN and MVP are making a statement by putting women’s boxing at the forefront, and on Friday, April 17, I’ll be ready to show my talent, my elegance, and exactly why I belong on this stage.”

Nadja Jesus Santos has represented Brazil in national and international competitions and is part of the new generation of athletes helping strengthen women’s boxing in the country. Born in Brazil, she developed an interest in sports at a young age and discovered boxing as both a passion and a path for personal growth. She advanced through regional competitions before representing her state and later Brazil in amateur tournaments, with an amateur record of 65 fights with 50 wins and 15 losses. She is a two-time Brazilian champion as well as the current Brazilian champion. Inside the ring, she is recognized for a tactical style that combines speed with defensive awareness. Her performances have contributed to the continued rise of women’s boxing in Brazil, helping inspire younger athletes to pursue the sport and further expanding opportunities for female fighters nationwide.

“Fighting in New York, at a major MVP event, is proof that all the work, sacrifice, and dedication are paying off,” said Nadja Jesus Santos. “Facing Tamm Thibeault will be a big challenge, but I am prepared and motivated to show my progress inside the ring. Representing my team, my country, and all the people who believe in me gives me even more strength. I will step into that ring with a lot of determination, heart, and desire to win. It is a huge opportunity, and I am ready to seize it.”

MVP’s rising bantamweight contender and Amanda Serrano’s protege, Krystal Rosado is a 23-year-old sensation and Carolina, Puerto Rico native who made her professional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 2 show in August 2023, stunning fans with a ferocious second-round KO. Rosado went on to collect a win on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos card in October 2023 before appearing in front of her home fans at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan as part of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland in March 2024, taking home a majority decision win, which she followed with a swift knockout victory at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7 in July 2024. She returned for Most Valuable Prospects 9 in October 2024 where she earned a UD win. Following another dominant UD win in March 2025, Rosado competed with three minute rounds—equal rules to men—during the fight week Open Workouts for MVP and Netflix’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s mega-event, winning by unanimous decision. She most recently defeated Tania Walters on the Serrano vs. Tellez undercard in January 2026. She is currently ranked the WBA #5, WBO #8, IBF #10, and the WBC #17 contender.

“I know Fernanda Reyes is coming to fight like the proud Mexican warrior she is and to defend her undefeated record. But I’m coming to New York to give everything I have and continue the great momentum my team and I have been building,” said Krystal Rosado. “I’m ready to put on a spectacular show for the fans and prove once again why I belong at the top. With God on my side, I will step into that ring prepared for war and leave with my hand raised.”

Fernanda Jimena “Torita” Reyes Delgado is a Mexican boxer from Jiquipilco, Mexico who began boxing at the age of 13 after being inspired by her father. Her nickname, “Torita,” originally belonged to her late father, and she adopted it in his honor. Reyes Delgado developed a standout amateur career, compiling an impressive stated amateur record of 80 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws while building a reputation for a style that blends technical skill with aggression and a willingness to exchange in the ring.

“I’m proud to be part of this historic event and facing a talented boxer like Krystal Rosado,” said Fernanda Reyes. “I am sure we will keep the tradition alive of an all out war between Puerto Ricans and Mexicans inside the ring. For those that don’t know me, don’t miss this one. I don’t step back, and I’m coming to win. I am ready to put on a show and come out victorious.”

“MVPW was created to give the best women in boxing the same platform, spotlight, and opportunity as male counterparts in the sport, and this card shows exactly what that looks like,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We’re proud to have women leading the charge with MVPW. This is what true equality in the sport looks like. For years, women fought on the undercards of men’s events, and now the roles can be reversed, with the best female fighters headlining, supported by incredible male talent on the undercard. MVPW-02 highlights the incredible depth of talent in women’s boxing today and bringing this event to New York at Madison Square Garden and delivering it live on ESPN is another major step in establishing MVPW as the global home for women’s boxing.”

US Olympian and amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO) was introduced to boxing at age 13 by his football coach Darrell Davis, who also owned a boxing gym. After competing in both sports, Harvey, an Oxon Hill, Maryland native, soon went all-in on boxing and immediately proved his elite potential at the junior, youth, and amateur levels, becoming a 10x national champion. By 18, he was training and sparring with Olympians, including Keyshawn Davis and Duke Ragan. That same year, he captured gold at the 2021 Elite World Championships— becoming the first American male to win the world title since 2007, while competing as one of the youngest athletes in the tournament. The next year, he took home silver at the 2022 Continental Championships and continued to dominate at the international level in 2023, winning gold at the Santiago Pan American Games. The finish qualified him for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he finished as a quarter-finalist. The 22-year-old Harvey signed with Most Valuable Promotions ahead of his professional debut–a knockout win–on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14 in August 2025, heralded as one of the top prospects in American boxing. He most recently earned a knockout win on the main Netflix card of MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day in December 2025.

“I’m happy to be back on another great stage!” said Jahmal Harvey. “I’m looking to put on another skilled performance at the Mecca of boxing, MSG. Catch me live on ESPN on Friday, April 17.”

He will face Leandro Medina (7-3-1, 4 KOs), the 30-year-old from Rosario, Argentina. Medina returns to the ring following an active year. Fighting four times since July 2025, he notably earned two knockout wins, and most recently went the distance against rising contender Zaquin Moses in January 2026.

MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton (3-0-1, 1 KO) signed with MVP in July 2023 as an athlete under development before making his pro debut in 2024. As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer. Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects, becoming a multi-time Junior Regional Champion and two-time Junior Olympic national silver medalist. The Atlanta native is also a world-renowned actor who captured international attention with his debut role as the beloved drug dealer “Ashtray” in the HBO Max Emmy-winning series Euphoria starring alongside Hollywood icons Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and has since continued to co-star in numerous other film and TV titles. He trains under his father and coach, DJ Walton.

“I’m back in action on Friday, April 17, and I’m hyped to be fighting at such a historic venue like MSG,” said Wanna Walton. “I’ve got strong ties to New York, so it’s the perfect place to showcase everything I’ve been working hard on since my last fight in September.”

Brownsville, Texas 22-year-old Dionne Ruvalcaba (2-2, 1 KO) began boxing at the age of 16 after facing bullying in school, turning to the sport as a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience. Ruvalcaba competed in 15 amateur bouts, compiling a record of 8 wins and 7 losses while developing a traditional boxer’s style in the ring. Known for his discipline, coachability, and hunger for success, Ruvalcaba continues to develop his craft as a young fighter building his path in the sport.

Following her outstanding amateur career as a 15x US national champion, MVP’s Nat Dove (7-0-1, 2 KOs) has quickly emerged as one of women’s boxing’s most promising up-and-coming talents. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native first made waves on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects developmental series, competing at the 6th and 8th installments of the series. Dove made her first knockout against Michel Novas in March 2025, continuing to develop her undefeated record. She defeated Randee Lynn Morales by TKO in August 2025 on the MVP Fight Night card and most recently defeated Perla Lomeli on MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua Judgment Day Showcase in December. She is managed by Bob Kane, lives in Atlanta, Georgia and trains out of Philadelphia.

“MVPW brought boxing back to ESPN, and I’m blessed to be a part of it,” said Nat Dove. “I’m finally fighting close to home, NEW YORK WHAT UP!”

Maria “La Imparabla” Micheo (14-6, 8 KOs) comes to the ring from Corona, California. She began boxing at the age of 21 and competed in 50 amateur fights. As a pro, she is a two-time world title contender, who contested for the unified IBF and WBO minimumweight titles vs. Yokasta Valle in 2023, and the WBA minimumweight title vs. Senesia Estrada in December 2021, with additional notable fights against other top pound-for-pound fighters including Gabriela Fundora. She steps back into the ring following her latest two TKO wins in August and October 2025.

MVP’s Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller is an undefeated professional boxer from San Francisco, California, boasting a record of 13-0 with 6 knockouts and a reign as former WBA Interim super welterweight world champion, currently ranked the WBC #2 contender at 168lbs. A standout talent from the moment she laced up gloves, Miller began boxing in her early 20s and, within just two years, captured the 2012 USA Boxing National Championship and a silver medal at the 2012 Women’s World Championships in Beijing. She also earned a bronze medal at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and was selected to join the historic first-ever U.S. women’s boxing team for the London 2012 Olympic Games as an alternate. Beyond the ring, Miller is a driven entrepreneur and mentor. She is the founder of PB Brand, a luxury athletic line inspired by her “Pretty Beast” persona, and the co-founder of Ladies In Power, a Bay Area nonprofit empowering youth through mental health support, financial literacy, leadership training, and life skills development. Following her latest first-round TKO win in 2023, Miller took a break from boxing and now will make her return under the MVP banner.

“I’m excited to make my MVP debut on Friday, April 17 at Madison Square Garden,” said Raquel Miller. “Fighting on the Baumgardner vs. Shin card is a huge opportunity, and I’m ready to show the world why I belong on the big stage.”

Adriana Dos Santos Araújo is a 2x Brazilian Olympian who made history as the first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing. Raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, she grew up facing financial hardship and turned to sports as an outlet, initially playing soccer before discovering boxing in her late teens, where her natural talent and determination quickly stood out. Araújo rose through Brazil’s amateur ranks and reached a historic milestone at the 2012 London Olympic Games—the first Olympics to feature women’s boxing—where she won a bronze medal in the lightweight (60 kg) division, becoming the first Brazilian woman to stand on an Olympic boxing podium. She then returned to represent Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following her Olympic success, Araújo transitioned to the professional ranks, competing internationally across multiple weight divisions and building a respected career known for her technical skill, speed, and resilience. Today, she is widely regarded as a pioneer of women’s boxing in Brazil, with her accomplishments inspiring a new generation of female fighters and expanding opportunities for women in combat sports across the country.

“I am very happy to be fighting at the best event in the world with MVP in New York, the company that takes care of us women,” said Adriana Araujo. “I am super excited and confident for this fight. I know that Raquel is a great fighter, but she knows who I am. I am training a lot and I will come out with the victory.”

Elon “El Leon” De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KOs) is a 31-year-old hard-hitting super bantamweight prospect. A 2019 New York Golden Gloves Champion, DeJesus turned professional in 2020. He quickly earned a reputation as a dangerous fighter willing to test himself against tough opposition. With explosive power and a warrior’s mentality, he has delivered thrilling performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Proudly representing Dunkirk and Western New York, De Jesus carries the pride of his hometown into every fight. A determined and battle-tested boxer-puncher, Elon DeJesus is a rising force in the super bantamweight division, and a fighter to watch as he pursues his goal of becoming a world champion.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this event, fighting in Madison Square Garden is every fighter’s dream! I appreciate MVP and my manager, Times Square Boxing, for making this opportunity happen,” said Elon De Jesus. “Training camp has been all work and no shortcuts. April 17th I step in that ring to make a statement. Every moment of sacrifice throughout the years led to this moment. I’m hungry, I’m prepared, and I’m coming for the win.”

Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KOs) is a 27-year-old rising contender from Plymouth, Devon, England who has built his professional résumé fighting across Europe, Asia, and now the United States. Adaway has made a strong impact fighting in Atlantic City, recently headlining an August 2025 card and defeating then 15-2 Emmanuel Rodriguez by eighth-round UD. He followed with another statement victory in November 2025, stopping then 20-3 Carlos Jackson by seventh-round TKO in another main event appearance.

“I’m excited and ready. I’ve had a great camp and I’ve put the work in,” said Connor Adaway. “Elon’s a tough fighter and I respect him, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m ready to show the level I belong at. Coming over from England to fight in America on a stage like Madison Square Garden is something fighters dream about. Especially on a huge MVP show, I’m grateful for the opportunity that they’ve given me but I’m not just coming to take part, I’m coming to make a statement and show everyone exactly who I am.”

Alex “El Toro” Vargas fights out of Bellport, New York. He began boxing at age six and built an accomplished amateur career highlighted by two Junior Olympic titles and a major victory at the New York Golden Gloves, where he won the 165lb title and was named Fighter of the Tournament. A standout multi-sport athlete and captain of the football and wrestling teams in high school, Vargas stepped away from boxing to pursue his education, earning degrees from Suffolk County Community College and SUNY Cortland, and studying Spanish in Colombia. After returning to the sport, he became a 2018 Golden Gloves finalist, then turned professional later that year, developing a reputation for slick footwork and speed while training alongside elite fighters including Richard Commey, Chris Colbert, Chris Algieri, and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Outside the ring, Vargas serves his community as a police officer with the Suffolk County Police Department.

“I’ve been doubted my entire career, but that’s what motivated me,” said Alex Vargas. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream, and on Friday, April 17th it’s time to beat another undefeated fighter and prove I belong here.”

Ryan “The Silent Assassin” O’Rourke was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. With around 70 amateur bouts, he was a finalist at the prestigious Eindhoven Box Cup in 2019 and 2020 Irish National Boxing Championships semifinalist.He then turned pro, earning his first seven wins across the United Kingdom, Spain, and Brussels. He made his U.S. debut in April 2022 with a dominant six-round shutout over Faycal Rezkallah, then returned later that year to score a first-round TKO against Andreas Maier. A tall, rangy 140-pounder who uses his reach, angles, and body work effectively, O’Rourke most recently delivered a standout victory over Boubacar Sylla, further establishing himself as one of Ireland’s rising contenders.

”This is the sort of opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Big thanks to Joe DeGuardia, Sheer Sports and MVP for giving it to me,” said Ryan O’Rourke. “To come all the way from Ireland and fight in such and iconic venue like MSG is a dream come true, but these are the sort of cards and venues I’ve always seen myself boxing on, so on Friday, April 17th I’m coming to put on a standout performance and announce myself on the big stage.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

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About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

About ESPN

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS LAUNCHES MVPW, THE GLOBAL HOME OF WOMEN’S BOXING, AND SIGNS LANDMARK MULTI-YEAR MEDIA DEAL WITH ESPN

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – March 6, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the launch of MVPW, a new global platform for women’s boxing, alongside a landmark multi-year agreement with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028. With the gold “W” embedded directly within the MVP logo, MVPW signals that women’s boxing is a foundational pillar of the company’s long-term global strategy and is afforded the same platform and push as men’s boxing. Each event will be sequentially branded beginning with MVPW-01, establishing a clear, year-round schedule showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters. The MVPW platform debuts with MVPW-01 on Sunday, April 5, in London, where Sky Sports will broadcast the event live in the United Kingdom and streaming live in the U.S. on the ESPN App as the first event under the new agreement. The platform makes its U.S. linear premiere on Friday, April 17 with MVPW-02, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. top contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs) at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. MVPW-03 will take place Saturday, May 30, in El Paso, Texas, headlined by MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs) vs. the most decorated two-sport athlete in combat sports history, Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs). The deal will deliver a mix of linear and streaming distribution, with the majority of events airing on ESPN’s linear channels, a significant milestone for women’s boxing and female sports.

The launch cements MVP’s position as the global home of women’s boxing and follows the company’s revolutionary multi-year investment into the sport, including record-setting global events, the signing and development of more than 40 female athletes, and the promotion of the most-watched, historic, and highest-grossing women’s boxing fights of all time. MVPW will showcase the sport’s most elite fighters in championship bouts on every card. Additional international broadcast partners will be announced soon.

MVPW-02, the inaugural U.S. event for MVPW, will take place live on ESPN on Friday, April 17 at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs). The bout will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds for the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles at 130 lbs. In the co-main event, MVP’s unified super middleweight world champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-1, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round world title defense vs. IBF #2 and WBO #5 contender Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO) at 168lbs. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. MVPW also marks the beginning of a strategic relationship between MVP and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, with the organizations’ shared goal to stage annual MVPW events at the iconic venue over the next three years, positioning New York City as a cornerstone market for the new global property.

MVPW-03 will take place on Saturday, May 30 in El Paso, Texas, headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs) vs. the most decorated two-sport athlete in combat sports history, Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs) as the pair return to settle the score following an accidental clash of heads that resulted in a technical decision during their first meeting in January.

MVPW debuts with MVPW-01 on Sunday, April 5 from London, England streaming live in the U.S. on the ESPN App featuring Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores. Sky Sports will broadcast the event live in the United Kingdom.

“Since inception MVP has strategically focused on creating an umbrella brand as the global home for women’s boxing, with the best fighters in the world, that engages existing boxing fans and attracts untapped fan demographics that embrace women’s sport, and today, we proudly enter a new era,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. ”Over the past five years, we have invested heavily in female athletes, delivered historic and record-breaking events, and proven that these athletes belong on the biggest stages in the sport. Partnering with ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, to launch MVPW across its platforms is a historic milestone, and aligning with the world’s most iconic venue, Madison Square Garden, as we introduce the brand in the U.S. reinforces the scale and ambition behind what we are building.

“MVPW is the first boxing brand that truly features the best fighting the best on a consistent basis, and it begins in the US with one of the sport’s most electrifying champions, Alycia Baumgardner, facing top contender Bo Mi Re Shin on Friday, April 17 at Madison Square Garden, alongside unified champion Shadasia Green in the co-main event. Then on Saturday, May 30, Stephanie Han and Holly Holm will settle their rivalry in El Paso. All live on ESPN.”

“MVPW brings together some of the most accomplished and dynamic championship athletes in boxing, competing on a stage that reflects the magnitude of their talent,” said Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions. “We’re proud to bring these championship matchups to ESPN and the ESPN App and further elevate women’s boxing for fans across the country.”

MVP’s unified 130lb world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner was born in Fremont, Ohio, is based in Dallas, Texas, and is of German, Korean, and African-American descent. She turned pro in 2017, then shocked the world in November 2021 by knocking out Terri Harper to win the WBC world title. She defeated Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer to add the WBO and IBF belts to her collection, then became undisputed in February 2023, defeating Elhem Mekhaled for the WBA title. She defended her undisputed title in the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, live on Netflix, before making a 12×3:00 unified world title defense vs. Leila Beaudoin in the co-main event of MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day live on Netflix in December 2025–becoming just the second woman in boxing history to defend her unified world titles under equal rules to men’s champions.

“New York sets the tone for boxing’s biggest nights. Becoming undisputed there was monumental, and the fans have embraced me from the beginning,” said Alycia Baumgardner. “Every fight for me is about elevation; I’m here to dominate and continue building something that lasts beyond belts. ESPN is where greatness is documented, and I’m ready to perform at that level. This fight is also a special crossover: Two Korean fighters on this kind of stage is something fans don’t see often, and I’m proud to represent every part of who I am.”

South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin turned pro in 2016, and has since established herself as one of the leading talents in female boxing. Since 2022, Bo Mi Re Shin has fought in seven title fights. She has won the WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title, the ?WBC International super featherweight title, and the WBA Asia lightweight title. She also challenged for the WBC lightweight world title against Caroline Dubois in March 2025, a narrow points decision for Dubois. She is currently the WBC #3, WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to showcase my talents on such a big occasion in New York City,” said Bo Mi Re Shin. “This is the sort of dream fight that you always imagine. MSG, all those belts, a fierce competitor in Aylcia Baumgardner. I’m going to make sure that I turn this opportunity into the most defining night of my life. I want to thank MVP for what they are doing for women’s boxing. The opportunities they are giving girls around the world to showcase their talents is unbelievable. I know I have a tough matchup, but I have every confidence that I will become the unified world champion. We’ve worked hard to get opportunities throughout my career, and now has come the time where I’ve jumped to a chance to capture multiple titles in one night. I won’t be denied. This is my time.”

MVP’s super middleweight powerhouse Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green makes her fourth straight world title fight appearance. Green, the former standout college basketball star and Team USA boxing silver medalist from Patterson, NJ, joined MVP in January 2023. Shortly after, Green defeated former unified world champion Elin Cederroos with a vicious sixth-round TKO, marking the first and only time Cederroos was ever stopped in her career. On Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in November 2024, Green defeated Melinda Watpool to become MVP’s first homegrown champion and the WBO world champion at 168lbs, before putting on a career-best performance to defeat then-IBF and Ring Magazine titlist Savannah Marshall on MVP’s historic Taylor vs. Serrano 3, live on Netflix, becoming the new unified super middleweight world champion.

“I am so excited to be fighting again and defending my titles,” said Shadasia Green. “Beyond that, I’m excited to be fighting in NYC and excited to put on a beautiful performance and showcase my skill set on ESPN. This platform has been around for a long time showcasing some of the best fighters ever, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

Lani Daniels is a two-division world champion fighting out of Whang?rei, New Zealand. She began boxing at age 24, and had around 30 amateur fights, becoming a 2x national amateur champion before turning pro. She now enters her seventh consecutive world title fight since May 2023, when she claimed the vacant IBF heavyweight title with a win over Alrie Meleisea, defending it once before moving down to win the vacant IBF light heavyweight title vs. Desley Robinson. Following another successful defense, Daniels then went the distance against Claressa Shields for the undisputed heavyweight world championship in July 2025, and most recently contended for the IBF world title at light heavyweight against Sarah Scheurich.

“From the dusty roads of Pipiwai to the world stage — back to my roots with a new corner backing me. I’ve come too far not to go further,” said Lani Daniels. “Thank you, MVP. Now it’s time to show what this M?ori girl can do!”

MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han is a proud Korean-American, El Paso native, devoted mother of two, an eight-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department, and beauty pageant competitor. She launched her amateur career in 2006 before stepping away from the sport in April 2011. A decade later, she returned to boxing after helping her sister, former world champion Jennifer Han, train to take on Katie Taylor. Han knocked out Hannah Terlep to win the vacant WBA lightweight world title in February 2025, successfully defended the title in her MVP debut in August 2025, and most recently earned a technical decision win against Holly Holm after an accidental head clash caused an early stop to the bout.

“Last time the fight ended early because of the cut,” said Stephanie Han. “I got the win, but not the closure. This time in my city, there will be no excuses, no “what ifs”, and no doubt who the better fighter is. I can’t wait to showcase my abilities to millions of fans on ESPN.”

MVP’s Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm is widely regarded as the most dominant two-sport athlete in combat sports history. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she made her pro boxing debut in 2002 and went on to become a three-division champion, a career that later earned her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (Class of 2022). Holm pivoted into MMA in 2014, culminating in her headlining megafight against then-undefeated champion Ronda Rousey in November 2015, the most highly-attended UFC event in history at the time. Rousey was the overwhelming favorite going into the bout, but Holm landed a sensational second round knockout, handing Rousey her first loss. With the win, Holm became the first person to win championships in both boxing and MMA, and is currently rated Boxrec’s #2 greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. She signed with MVP in 2025 ahead of her return to boxing on Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and subsequent title challenge vs. WBA champion Stephanie Han, ruled a technical decision due to an accidental clash of heads.

“The rematch with Han is coming, and I’m ready for it,” said Holly Holm. “She’s a disciplined, tough champion, and I respect that. I’ll be putting in the work and I WILL be ready. I’m honored to headline on ESPN once again. It’s always special working with them.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

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About MVP

About ESPN

About Alycia Baumgardner

MVP’s reigning undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner is one of the most electrifying superstars in boxing today and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport. Born in Fremont, Ohio, and of German, Korean, and African-American descent, she has built a career defined by power, precision, and resilience. Her success is fueled not only by her relentless work ethic but also by her deep faith, which guides her journey both in and out of the ring. Baumgardner turned pro in 2017, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory. In November 2021, she shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper in Sheffield, England, to claim the WBC and IBO World Titles. She continued her rise, securing wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer in October 2022, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she became undisputed, defeating Elhem Mekhaled in New York to claim the WBA title. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant win over Christina Linardatou in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed crown. She returned in September 2024 against Delfine Persoon, scoring an early knockdown before an accidental clash of heads led to a no-contest ruling. Most recently, she successfully defended her undisputed title against Spain’s Jennifer Miranda in the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, live on Netflix. Outside the ring, Baumgardner is breaking barriers for women, proving that skill, strength, and marketability can coexist at the highest level. Her faith remains at the center of everything she does, keeping her grounded and focused on the bigger picture. With an unshakable mindset and a purpose greater than herself, she continues to push the sport forward, building a legacy that extends far beyond the championship belts.

About Bo Mi Re Shin

Bo Mi Re Shin turned professional in 2016 and began her career by going 12 fights without defeat. From suffering her first defeat she bounced back with a win in 2021 and since then hasn’t looked back as she has established herself as one of the leading talents in female boxing. Since 2022, Bo Mi Re Shin has had 12 professional boxing bouts, seven of which have been title fights. She has won the WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title, the ?WBC International super featherweight title, and the WBA Asia lightweight title. She also challenged for the WBC lightweight world title against Caroline Dubois in March 2025 at the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London, England. With 10 wins from her last 12 fights–and her only defeats coming from narrow points decisions against champions Delfine Persoon (split decision), and Caroline Dubois (majority decision) in London–Bo has proven she deserves her place at the top table alongside the champions. In 2025, Bo was ranked in the top 5 by the four governing bodies, and is currently the WBC #3, WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender.

About Shadasia Green

MVP’s super middleweight powerhouse Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, the former standout college basketball star and Team USA boxing silver medalist, joined MVP in January 2023 after a trailblazing start to her professional career. Shortly after, Green defeated the former unified world champion Elin Cederroos with a vicious sixth-round TKO, marking the first and only time Cederroos was ever stopped in her career. Green’s bout against Olivia Curry in August 2023 led to a resounding unanimous decision victory as part of the Paul-Diaz undercard. Green rose to #1 ranking in the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF ahead of her women’s championship fight against former undisputed and now-WBC super middleweight champion Franchon-Crews Dezurn for the WBC world and WBA Interim titles. The bout resulted in a disappointing decision loss for Green, who returned to the ring in July 2024 to prove her status as a title contender, earning a unanimous decision win over Canada’s Natasha Spence. Following her win, the Patterson, NJ native Green once again rose to the WBO’s #1 contender at super middleweight. Headlining the preliminary card of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in November 2024, Green earned her second shot at a world title, this time for the WBO super middleweight championship against Melinda Watpool. Green earned a decision win in the bout, becoming MVP’s first homegrown champion and the new WBO world champion at 168 lbs. She then entered the biggest fight of her career, unification vs. then-IBF and Ring titlist Savannah Marshall on the main card of MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 historic record-setting all-women’s card. Green had a career-best performance against Marshall, defying the odds to win by decision and earning MVP’s $250,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

About Stephanie Han

MVP’s undefeated WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han is a proud Korean-American and El Paso, Texas native. She has elevated her boxing career to new heights while juggling the roles of devoted mother of two, including her special needs daughter with Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome, serving as an eight-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department, and beauty pageant competitor for Miss Sun City and Miss Texas. She launched her amateur boxing journey in July 2006, compiling a winning record before stepping away from the sport in April 2011. A decade later, she returned to boxing after helping her sister, former IBF featherweight world champion Jennifer Han, train to take on Katie Taylor. She made a powerful return to the ring in October 2021 with a unanimous decision win over Isabel Garcia. Remaining undefeated, Han quickly rose through the ranks, most recently delivering a dominant knockout victory over Hannah Terlep to claim the vacant WBA lightweight world title. In her MVP debut in August 2025, Han successfully defended her title against Colombia’s Paulina Angel. As she continues her career under the MVP banner, Han plans to continue establishing herself as one of the premier forces in women’s lightweight boxing.

About Holly Holm

MVP’s Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm s widely regarded as the most dominant two-sport athlete in combat sports history. A pioneer in women’s boxing and a trailblazer in MMA, Holm is the only fighter to hold world titles in both disciplines, cementing her legacy as a generational talent and global icon. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holm won the IKF national amateur championship title in 2001 before making her pro boxing debut in January 2002, winning by TKO. Holm won her first title, the IBA super lightweight crown, in December 2004. After three successful title defenses, she moved up to 147 lbs and secured the WBA welterweight title in June 2006. In June 2008, Holm stepped up to 154lbs in the super welterweight division to win the IBA and WBAN super welterweight titles. In December 2011, Holm was defeated by Anne Sophie Mathis for the vacant IBA female and WBAN welterweight titles. Holm faced Mathis in a rematch in June 2012, avenging the loss with a UD victory to add the WBF, IBA, and WBAN titles to her collection. Holm then moved back down to the super lightweight division to win the vacant WBF and IBA titles. In May 2013, Holm cemented her legacy as she defended the WBF and IBA super lightweight titles against Mary McGee. Holm pivoted into MMA in 2014, signing a multifight deal with the UFC. Her MMA career culminated in her headlining megafight against then-undefeated bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in November 2015, the most highly attended UFC event in history at the time. Rousey was the overwhelming favorite going into the bout, but Holm leveraged her southpaw stance and boxing skill to control the opening round before landing a sensational knockout in the second round—and handing Rousey her first loss. As she earned the title, Holm became the first person to win championships in both boxing and MMA. She is currently ranked Boxrec’s #2 greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time and remains the most dominant two-sport athlete of all time. After signing with MVP in May 2025, she faced then-undefeated Yolanda Vega on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. card in June 2025, winning by unanimous decision. She will now make her 24th world title fight appearance, almost thirteen years after her last title reign, as she contends for the WBA lightweight title against Stephanie Han.

Joshua Stops Paul in 6

It took Anthony Joshua longer then most expected, but once he caught up to Jake Paul, he bludgeoned the YouTube star and scored four knockdowns en-route to a sixth round stoppage at The Kaseya Center in Miami.

Paul started the fight by circling the exterior of the ring like he was trying out for the Olympic track team, not really looking to engage and looking to land a pot shot from time to time. Joshua loaded up on several occasions and swung at air.

Finally in round five, Paul started to look fatigued and Joshua landed some body shots that started to slow Paul down Later In the round, Joshua landed a big right hand that put Paul on the canvas. Joshua started to smell blood and dropped Paul with another right. Paul tried to fight back and was able to get out of the round. With Paul hurt, Joshua scored two knockdowns in round six with the latter being a crushing right to jaw and the Paul did not beat the count at 1:31.

Joshua, 243.4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 29-4 with 26 knockouts. Paul.216.6 lbs of Puerto Rico via Cleveland is 12-2.

Baumgardner Decisions Beaudoin; Retains Unified 130-Pound titles

Alycia Baumgardner retained her IBF/WBA/WBO 130-pound titles with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Leila Beaudoin

In round four, Beaudoin began to swell under left eye.

At the end of round seven, Baumgardner landed a short right to the side of the chin that sent Beaudoin down.

Baumgardner, 129.2 ls of Dallas won by scores of 117-110 twice and 118-109 and is now 17-1. Beaudoin, 130 lbs of Quebec is now13-2.

Anderson Silva Knocks Out Tyron Woodley in 2

50-year-old Anderson Silva stopped Tyron Woodley in round two of a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout featuring former UFC champions.

In round two, Silva landed a perfect right uppercut that dropped Woodley hard. Woodley got up but was unable to continue at 1:33.

Silva, 101.4 lbs of Brazil is now 4-2 with three knockouts. Woodleym 194 lbs of Saint Louis is 0-3.

Harvey Decisions Cervantes

Jahmal Harvey scored a six-round unanimous decision over Kevin Cervantes in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Harvey dropped Cervantes with a left hand.

Harvey landed 185 of 460 punches. Cervantes landed 37 of 196.

Harvey, 129.6 lbs of Oxon Hill, MD won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 2-0. Cervantes, 130 lbs is now 5-1.

In round six, DuBois dropped Panatta with a right hook to the jaw,

Yokasta Valle retained the WBC Strawweight title with a 10-round umajority decision over Yadira Bustillos.

Valle was cut over her right hairline in round three due to accidental headbutt. In round four, Bustillos was cut over her right eye.

Valle landed 154 of 504 punches. Bustillos was 136 of 541.

Valle, 104.8 lbs of San Jose, CR won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 34-3. Bustillos, 104.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-2..

Avious Griffin rebounded from a a knockout defeat to stop Justin Cardona in the opening round of their eight-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Griffin landed a huge left hook that staggered Cardona to the ropes and to the canvas and he did not beat the count at 2:59.

Griffin, 146.4 lbs of Chattanooga, TN is 18-1 with 17 knockouts. Cardona, 145.6 lbs

Olympic Silver medal winner Keno Marley won his pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Diarra Davis Jr. in a cruiserweight bout.

Early in round one, Marley landed a perfect right on the whiskers that sent Davis down.

Marley landed 103 of 222 punches. Davis was 25 of 150.

Marley, 198.6 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won by scores of 40-35 in all cards and is now 1-0. Davis, 188.4 lbs of Canyon County, CA is 2-2.

BRAZIL’S MMA LEGEND, CHAMPION, AND BOXER ANDERSON SILVA RETURNS TO FACE AMERICAN MMA CHAMPION AND COMBAT SPORTS ICON TYRON WOODLEY IN PROFESSIONAL CRUISERWEIGHT BOUT ON MAIN CARD OF MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS ‘JAKE VS. JOSHUA: JUDGMENT DAY’ ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 FROM KASEYA CENTER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, LIVE GLOBALLY ONLY ON NETFLIX

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that the greatest MMA fighter of all time and Brazilian legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva (3-2, 2 KOs boxing, 34-11, 22 KOs MMA) makes his return to combat sports to face American MMA champion and combat sports icon Tyron Woodley (0-2 boxing, 19-7-1, 7 KOs MMA) on the main card of Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day on Friday, December 19 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will air live globally, only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. The clash between the two MMA icons will be a professional 6-round cruiserweight bout contested at 195lbs as Woodley steps in to replace Silva’s initial opponent, Chris Weidman, who withdrew due to injury.

In the co-main MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) making a unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin will be contested over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men’s championship standard.

In the preliminary card headliner, MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (18-2, 8 KOs) will make an undisputed WBO, WBA, WBC, and IBF world title defense at 118lbs against MVP’s and Canada’s #4 IBF and #5 WBA contender Amanda “Bambola” Galle (12-0-1, 1 KO). Remaining on the preliminary card will be MVP’s Costa Rican star Yokasta Valle (33-3, 10 KOs) set to defend her WBC strawweight world title vs. Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s championship bout at 105lbs, and MVP’s top contender Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-1, 16 KOs) vs. Justin “Stallion” Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout at 147lbs in the welterweight division. Newly joining the card will be MVP’s two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley, making his hotly-anticipated pro debut over 4 rounds in the cruiserweight division at 200lbs against American Diarra Davis Jr. (2-1, 1 KO). Two additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day go on sale today, Friday, November 21 at 12pm ET at Ticketmaster.com.

São Paulo, Brazil’s Anderson “The Spider” Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Silva became the longest-reigning UFC middleweight champion in history, holding the title for nearly seven years from 2006 to 2013 while recording an astonishing 17-fight winning streak and 10 consecutive title defenses. Silva transitioned to boxing in 2021, defeating former world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., knocking out fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz, and facing Jake Paul in 2022.

“I believe that change always happens for a reason,” said Anderson Silva. “I am focused on doing a good job. Always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”

Tyron Woodley is an American professional fighter, actor, and media personality best known for holding the UFC Welterweight Championship from 2016 to 2019. A native of Ferguson, Missouri, Woodley’s MMA career launched with a dominant 10-0 start, leading to the fastest knockouts in welterweight title history and four successful title defenses in less than one year. Post-UFC, Woodley made waves in boxing, including blockbuster bouts with Jake Paul.

“Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born,” said Tyron Woodley.

“Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley is an iconic matchup, continuing to elevate Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day into one of the most scintillating combat sports events of the decade,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “This is the gladiatorial sport spectacle of the 21st century. A main event that has engaged the entire world. Bringing back two of the MMA GOATS into the spotlight on a global stage, live on Netflix, reflects the magnitude of this card. Alycia Baumgardner making a 12×3:00 unified title defense in the co-main event and stepping up beside Amanda Serrano in the history books with this statement for equality, and a championship-stacked undercard featuring Cherneka Johnson, Yokasta Valle, and more, Friday, December 19 is poised to become one of the most unforgettable nights in boxing history.”

MVP’s Keno Marley began boxing at age 11 before moving to São Paulo alone to pursue his boxing training at age 13. After taking home gold at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, he took silver at the 2019 Pan American championships, then competed for Team Brazil at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing as a quarter-finalist. He earned silver at the 2021 world championships, became the 2022 Brazilian national amateur champion, won the 2023 Strandja Tournament, and won silver at the 2023 Pan American Games before finishing as a quarterfinalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I was supposed to debut in June, but the injury set me back for a reason,” said Keno Marley. “It gave me time to recover, refocus, and come back stronger. I’ve already represented my country on the Olympic stage, and now I get to step into the pro ranks on the Jake vs Joshua card. The spotlight is huge, and I’m ready to make a statement.”

Diarra Davis Jr. is a 35-year-old southpaw from Baltimore, Maryland. Standing at 6?2?, Davis has demonstrated determination and composure early in his professional career, continuing to progress as one of the promising fighters emerging from the Baltimore boxing scene.

“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to fight on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card,” said Diarra Davis Jr. “Being on a stage like that is a dream come true for me. I’m stepping into the ring fully prepared and ready to go get that win.”

Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day represents the most dangerous test of Jake Paul’s nascent career. The matchup unites Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined modern boxing and shattered records at every turn, with Joshua, one of boxing’s most accomplished, respected, and feared punchers, a global icon who twice unified the heavyweight division, and has headlined sold-out stadiums across the UK and beyond. This will be Paul’s second live event on Netflix in just over a year following his record-breaking victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024. Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day go on sale today, Friday, November 21 at 12pm ET at Ticketmaster.com. The event will also feature MVP’s exclusive VIP experiences, including the MVP Owner’s Experience.

Additional information, including two additional undercards bouts, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About Anderson Silva

Anderson “The Spider” Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, celebrated for his unprecedented dominance and creativity inside the Octagon. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Silva became the longest-reigning UFC middleweight champion in history, holding the title for nearly seven years from 2006 to 2013 while recording an astonishing 17-fight winning streak and 10 consecutive title defenses. Often compared to Muhammad Ali and Pelé for his artistry and global influence, Silva redefined combat sports with iconic victories over Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin, and Vitor Belfort, and his 2015 bout against Nick Diaz generated one of the highest pay-per-view audiences in UFC history. Known for his superb striking ability and fluid style, Silva transitioned to boxing in 2021, defeating former world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., knocking out fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz, and facing Jake Paul in 2022. Beyond the ring, Silva launched his athletic brand SPIDER KICK, starred in films such as The Invincible Dragon and Murder City, hosted Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster, and was the subject of the award-winning Lionsgate documentary Like Water. Listed by Forbes among the world’s richest athletes, Silva maintains a global following of more than 18 million fans across social media and continues to give back through martial arts academies for at-risk youth in California and Brazil. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, Silva remains a cultural icon, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential figures in combat sports history.

About Tyron Woodley

Tyron Woodley is an American professional fighter, actor, and media personality best known for holding the UFC Welterweight Championship from 2016 to 2019. A native of Ferguson, Missouri, Woodley grew up in a challenging environment but avoided the cycle of crime by committing himself to academics and athletics. He became a two-time High School All-American and Honor Roll student before making history at the University of Missouri as the school’s first Big 12 Champion and a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler. Tyron’s MMA career launched with a dominant 10-0 start, leading to the fastest knockouts in welterweight title history and four successful title defenses in less than one year. Post-UFC, Woodley made waves in boxing, including blockbuster bouts with Jake Paul, and built a second career in production, film, television, and music. As an actor and TV personality, he has appeared in Straight Outta Compton, Sons of Anarchy, Cobra Kai, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and hosted The Hollywood Beatdown on TMZ. His insightful sports commentary has been featured on PFL, MVP, DAZN, and ESPN, among others. Beyond the spotlight, Woodley is deeply committed to mentoring youth and uplifting his community. Whether in the cage, on camera, or in the community, Tyron continues to inspire through excellence, resilience, and authenticity.

About Alycia Baumgardner

About Leila Beaudoin

A natural-born athlete with unstoppable drive, Leila Beaudoin laced up her gloves for the first time at 18 and never looked back. After just five years in the amateur ranks, she stormed to national championship gold and turned pro in 2019. Fast forward to today: with a near-flawless record of 13 wins in 14 fights—her lone loss avenged in dominant fashion—she now holds the WBO International Super Featherweight title. In her first title defense this past June, she made a statement loud and clear, dropping and dismantling former world champion Elhem Mekhaled in just six rounds, proving that she’s not only ready for the top—She’s here to take it.

About Cherneka Johnson

MVP’s reigning undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson was born in Tauranga, New Zealand. Fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia, Johnson is a two-weight world champion, currently the undisputed bantamweight world champion at 118lbs and the former IBF super bantamweight world champion. In March 2025, Johnson defeated then-champion Nina Hughes to claim the WBA bantamweight world title. In July 2025, Johnson, newly signed with MVP, made her promotional debut on the undercard of MVP’s historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy card, stepping into the ring against former IBF world champion Shurretta Metcalf in a 10-round undisputed world title showdown as part of the first-ever all-women’s professional boxing card at Madison Square Garden. Following a heated battle, Johnson won via 9th round TKO, becoming the first-ever undisputed Australian champion in the four belt era. The 30-year-old now will defend her undisputed title for the first time.

About Amanda Galle

MVP’s Amanda Galle was raised in a proud Italian family in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She began her combat sports journey at six, earning a black belt in karate by 11 before beginning boxing and kickboxing. At 16, she scored a 28-second knockout in her boxing debut and went on to capture three Canadian national titles between 2009 and 2018, persevering through her mother’s battle with breast cancer and her own struggles with depression. Turning professional in 2019, Galle built an undefeated record while balancing her career with family, ultimately delivering the Canadian super bantamweight title to her mother’s hospital bed before her passing in 2022. Galle rebounded with a string of victories, overcoming a broken hand and capturing the IBO bantamweight world championship in December 2023, which she defended successfully in 2024. She signed with MVP in June 2025, and most recently earned a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15 in September 2025.

About Yokasta Valle

Yokasta Valle is a three-division world champion boxer born in Nicaragua and raised in Costa Rica. Growing up with limited resources and countless challenges in San Jose, Yokasta learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. In a sport historically dominated by men, she carved her own path and fought to open doors for women in boxing. She won her first world title in 2016 and has gone on to conquer six world titles across three weight divisions, establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She currently has held the WBC minimumweight title at 105lbs since November 2024. Valle has also championed equal pay in women’s boxing, fighting for and achieving the same purse conditions as male boxers. Outside the ring, the 32-year-old is an entrepreneur, boxing promoter, and social role model. In 2023, she was recognized by the United Nations as their Costa Rica Champion for the example she set in the fight for women’s and migrants’ rights. Valle is currently BoxRec’s #5, Ring Magazine’s #8, and ESPN’s #9-ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

About Yadira Bustillos

Yadira Bustillos, from Las Vegas, Nevada, is of Mexican descent with roots in Durango. She was introduced to boxing through her uncle and brother before beginning training under coach Gil Martinez. What started as curiosity quickly became passion, as Bustillos pushed herself to keep up with male sparring partners and prove her toughness in the gym. Her amateur career was highlighted by accolades including back-to-back Roy Jones Jr. National Invitational titles, Nevada Golden Gloves gold, and a third-place finish at the 2019 Olympic qualifiers, where she was ranked #6 nationally. She made her pro debut in 2021 and contended for the WBC 105lb interim world title in just her eighth pro fight. Competing across the 105, 108, and 112lb divisions, Bustillos aims to become undisputed champion across multiple weight classes.

About Avious Griffin

MVP’s Avious Griffin has quickly emerged as a force in the 147lb division. With a staggering 94% stoppage rate, the Las Vegas-based fighter originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, continues to prove why he’s one of the most dangerous and exciting welterweights in the sport today. Since early 2024, Griffin has trained under the esteemed Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, widely recognized for guiding Terence Crawford’s rise to championship status. He also works closely with Esau Diéguez and renowned strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade, who joined his team in October 2023. Together, this elite team has helped transform Griffin into one of the sport’s most dangerous and disciplined rising contenders. On February 20, 2025, Griffin captured the vacant WBC USA Welterweight Title by stopping Jose Luis Sanchez in the eighth round at Sony Hall in New York City. Griffin’s rise has been shaped by extraordinary personal resilience. Introduced to boxing at age eight by his father, Alvin, the sport quickly became both a passion and a powerful bond between them. In 2016, just weeks before Griffin’s professional debut, Alvin passed away unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage as Avious frantically rushed his dad to the hospital—a devastating loss that Griffin continues to honor through his career. The following year brought another life-altering setback: a wrongful murder conviction that led to 11 months of incarceration before his exoneration. These hardships forged Griffin’s “TTD” (To The Death) mentality—an ethos that powers his performance in the ring and his commitment to breaking generational cycles of poverty, while advocating for mental health and addiction recovery. With a compelling personal story and elite performance inside the ropes, Avious Griffin represents one of the most promising new faces in professional boxing.

About Justin Cardona

Born and raised in East Salinas, California, Justin “Stallion” Cardona is one of the state’s most promising young welterweights, known for his discipline, humility, and relentless work ethic. Introduced to boxing at age seven by his mother, a former boxer herself, Cardona quickly found purpose in the sport and turned professional at just 18. Now training under veteran coach Ruben Guerrero Sr. and mentored by former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Cardona has built a reputation for his technical precision, toughness, and resilience—a mindset that mirrors his idols Arturo Gatti and Dmitry Bivol. Standing 5’8” with an orthodox style and a sharp straight right hand, Cardona balances grit and intelligence in the ring. Outside of boxing, the 25-year-old lives a disciplined lifestyle as a CrossFit gym owner, marathon runner, and mentor, driven by faith and a desire to give back to his East Salinas community. With eyes on a world title and a mission to inspire the next generation, Cardona continues to embody perseverance both inside and outside the ropes.

Keno Marley is a 25-year-old 6’3” boxer born in Sapeaçu, Bahia, Brazil. He first began boxing at age 11 before moving to São Paulo alone to pursue his boxing training at age 13, joining the Brazilian national team to launch a standout amateur career. He first made a name for himself at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, taking home the gold medal and becoming the first Brazilian boxer to achieve this feat. The next year, Marley earned silver at the 2019 Pan American championships. He earned a place on Brazil’s Olympic team, qualifying to compete in the men’s light heavyweight event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and finishing as a quarter-finalist in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Britain’s Benjamin Whittaker, the eventual silver medalist. At the 2021 amateur world championships, Marley fought in the IBA cruiserweight division and earned the silver medal, before becoming the 2022 Brazilian national amateur champion. In 2023, Marley won the prestigious Strandja Tournament, the biggest championship on the European circuit, becoming the first Brazilian man to reach the final and win the title before winning silver at the 2023 Pan American Games. He continued his amateur sprint as he returned to represent Brazil again at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the men’s heavyweight division, once again reaching the quarter finals. Outside boxing, Marley faced two difficult losses in 2021, losing his older brother to murder and his cousin to suicide. He now actively serves as a third sergeant in the Brazilian Army, holds a university degree in physical education, and is currently completing a law degree. He trains out of the Brazilian Olympic Training Center and is co-managed by Brazil’s biggest influencer, multi-talented superstar Whindersson Nunes. He resides in São Paulo, Brazil.

About Diarra Davis Jr.

Diarra Davis Jr. is a 35-year-old southpaw professional light heavyweight boxer from Baltimore, Maryland. Standing at 6?2? and competing in the 175-lb division, Davis has demonstrated determination and composure early in his professional career, holding a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. In May 2025, he stepped onto the international stage in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, where he went the distance against local prospect Bradley Olmeda in a competitive four-round bout. Though he came up short on the scorecards, the performance showcased his resilience and willingness to take on challenges beyond his home turf. With his size, skill, and drive, Davis continues to progress as one of the promising fighters emerging from the Baltimore boxing scene.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Joshua will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Joshua fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

About Kaseya Center

Located in the center of booming downtown Miami and the Entertainment District, Kaseya Center—home of the NBA Champion Miami HEAT—hosts 80+ non-basketball events each year including A-list concerts, family shows, sporting events, national conferences and more. Built with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and HD and electronic media signage inside and out, the impressive 19,600-seat Kaseya Center is currently ranked the #1 arena in Florida for the 10th consecutive year—and the 13th time during the past 14 years—according to Billboard’s 2024 year-end rankings. Kaseya Center is also among the leading facilities in the country for hosting Latin entertainment. The Center has led the renaissance of downtown Miami over the past two decades, helping to transform the area into a thriving arts and entertainment district. The facility has hosted more than 1,200 events including diverse musical superstars such as Marc Anthony, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Killers, Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Dua Lipa, Tool, Imagine Dragons, Kane Brown, Karol G, Drake, Andrea Bocelli and Paul McCartney, just to name a few. In 2009, Kaseya Center became among the first existing buildings in the country to have achieved LEED certification by the United States Green Building Council for its commitment to sustainability practices. More recently, in 2021, the Arena achieved its second LEED gold recertification. For more information about Kaseya Center, visit kaseyacenter.com.

Postponement of the Unified World Championship Fight Between Leïla Beaudoin and Alycia Baumgardner

MONTREAL, November 4, 2025 — Domestic violence charges filed against Gervonta “Tank” Davis have led to the cancellation of his upcoming fight scheduled for November 14 against Jake Paul in Miami. As a result, the unified world championship bout set as the co-main event between Quebec’s Leïla Beaudoin and champion Alycia Baumgardner has also been postponed.

“Everything happens for a reason. My preparation was going according to plan, but now I’ll have even more time to train, to be even more prepared, stronger, and better. The date changes, but not the goal. I plan to seize my opportunity, no matter when it comes,” said Leïla Beaudoin, WBO international super featherweight champion.

For now, the event’s organizer, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has not confirmed the new date or venue for the fight. The American promoter did indicate, however, that the card will still take place in 2025, will be broadcast on Netflix, and will still feature Jake Paul, now facing a new opponent yet to be announced.

Aside from the date, venue, and main event still pending confirmation, the rest of the card — including Témiscouata’s pride, Leïla Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs), facing the unified super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round, 3-minute-per-round fight for the WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles — remains unchanged.

Boxing fans who purchased tickets for the #JakeTank event, previously set for November 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, will be automatically refunded by Ticketmaster within 14 to 21 days. Photos from the recent fights of EOTTM’s protégé Leïla Beaudoin are also available (HERE).

MVP’S UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER MAKES 12 X 3:00 UNIFIED WORLD TITLE DEFENSE VS. LEILA BEAUDOIN IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS ‘JAKE VS. TANK’ ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FROM KASEYA CENTER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, LIVE GLOBALLY ONLY ON NETFLIX

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) will make a unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin will be contested over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men’s championship standard, in the co-main event of Jake vs. Tank on Friday, November 14 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will air live globally, only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. Baumgardner has chosen to vacate her WBC belt as the sanctioning body does not recognize women’s choice to compete under equal rules to men’s champions at 12×3:00. Joining the main card is PBC’s WBA super lightweight world champion Gary “The Last” Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) vs. WBA #1 contender, Japan’s undefeated Andy “Da Blade” Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round men’s championship bout at 140lbs.

In a historic preliminary card headliner, MVP and England’s unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (11-0) will become the youngest UK boxer ever to fight for an undisputed world title—male or female—in a 10-round women’s championship bout vs. Mexico’s WBA world champion Mayelli Flores (13-1-1, 4 KOs) contested at 122lbs. Joining Scotney vs. Flores will be MVP’s Costa Rican star Yokasta Valle (33-3, 10 KOs) set to defend her WBC strawweight world title vs. Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s championship bout at 105lbs. Also on the card, MVP’s top contender Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-1, 16 KOs) will face Cesar “Rainman” Francis (14-2, 9 KOs) over 8 rounds at 147lbs in the welterweight division.

MVP’s reigning undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner was born in Fremont, Ohio. The German, Korean, and African-American fighter turned pro in 2017, and in November 2021, shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper to claim the WBC and IBO World Titles. She secured wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer in 2022, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she defeated Elhem Mekhaled to claim the WBA title and become undisputed champion. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant undisputed title defense against Christina Linardatou. Most recently, she successfully defended her undisputed title against Spain’s Jennifer Miranda in the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, live on Netflix. Baumgardner is currently ranked ESPN’s #7 and BoxRec’s #10 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

“I am very thankful to be getting back in the ring on Friday, November 14, fighting in front of the world on Netflix,” said Alycia Baumgardner. “Consistency is what keeps me sharp and makes me dangerous. Fighting 12×3:00 represents equality. Equality in boxing means giving champions a platform to show their greatness. I am here to show the world that I am built for any and everything. AND STILL!”

On vacating her WBC belt, Baumgardner added, “I have and will always believe that my responsibility as a champion is to push the sport forward. Women in boxing deserve equal opportunities, respect, and rules as men.

“Like Amanda Serrano and many other great champions before me, I believe women should have the choice to compete under the same rules as men, 12 rounds, three minutes per round. I have chosen to move forward in my career under those terms. My next championship fight will take place under those rules, and since the WBC does not currently allow women to fight under those terms, I’ve made the difficult decision to vacate my WBC title.

“I respect the WBC and want to thank the WBC for all the support they’ve given me throughout my career. Becoming their champion was a career defining honor, and I look forward to and plan to one day fight for a WBC belt again.

“For now, I am focused on continuing to break barriers for women’s boxing and showing the world that we are every bit as capable as the men when we step through those ropes.”

A natural-born athlete with unstoppable drive, Leila Beaudoin laced up her gloves for the first time at 18 and never looked back. After just five years in the amateur ranks, she stormed to national championship gold and turned pro in 2019. Fast forward to today: with a near-flawless record of 13 wins in 14 fights—her lone loss avenged in dominant fashion—she now holds the WBO International Super Featherweight title. In her first title defense this past June, she made a statement loud and clear, dropping and dismantling former world champion Elhem Mekhaled in just six rounds, proving that she’s not only ready for the top—She’s here to take it.

“She had a good run, but Alycia Baumgardner’s reign ends Friday, November 14,” said Leila Beaudoin. “Every great story needs a turning point—this is mine.”

Gary Antuanne Russell, the youngest of the fighting Russell brothers from Capitol Heights, Maryland, has carved his own path in boxing while drawing from the legacy of his family. Nicknamed “The Last,” the 29-year-old reigning WBA super lightweight world champion grew up under the tutelage of his father, Gary Sr. and alongside his brothers, including former WBC champion Gary Russell Jr. As an amateur, he won National Golden Gloves titles before representing the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Russell then transitioned to the pro ranks, building his reputation with an aggressive southpaw style and a string of first-round stoppages. Russell has earned notable wins over Viktor Postol, Rances Barthelemy, and Kent Cruz, while rebounding from a narrow split-decision loss to Alberto Puello in 2024. In March 2025, he dominated Jose Valenzuela to capture the WBA 140lb world title with a performance that underlined his potential to become the most accomplished of the Russell dynasty.

“I’m excited to be on an event of this magnitude and put the Russell family legacy on display live on Netflix,” said Gary Russell. “Hiraoka is my mandatory challenger and a strong fighter. We will prepare as we always do and handle business. I will be king of division for a long time and defending my title will be the first step towards it!”

Andy Hiraoka is an undefeated super lightweight contender from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The 29-year-old Hiraoka began boxing as a teenager under the guidance of his father, an American military veteran, and turned professional in December 2013 at just 17 years old. He quickly climbed Japan’s ranks, winning the Japanese national and WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight titles. Hiraoka gained international recognition with his U.S. debut in 2019, where he secured a TKO win over Rogelio Casarez. Since then, he has retained his unblemished record with a nearly 80% stoppage rate, establishing himself as one of Japan’s brightest hopes for world championship glory and a serious force in the global super lightweight division. He is currently the #1 WBA contender at 140lbs.

“Becoming world champion has been my mission since day one, and on Friday, November 14, live on Netflix, I will make that dream a reality,” said Andy Hiraoka. “Gary Russell is a great champion, but I am coming to Miami to win his belt and become Japan’s next world champion.”

MVP’s unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney will become the youngest UK boxer in history, male or female, to fight for the undisputed crown on Friday, November 14. The Catford, England native made her pro debut in 2020. In her seventh pro fight, Scotney dethroned former 122lb champion Cherneka Johnson by UD to become the new IBF world champion. Scotney successfully defended her IBF belt against Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a UD win over then-undefeated 18-0 champion Segolene Lefebvre. The 27-year-old most recently faced the longest-standing division champion, former WBC titlist Yamileth Mercado on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card live on Netflix, winning by UD and adding the WBC belt to her unified collection. Scotney is ranked Boxrec’s #9, ESPN’s #10, and Ring Magazine’s #10 pound-for-pound boxer, as well as ESPN’s #1 super bantamweight in the world.

“Belt by belt, I’ve earned this the hard way,” said Ellie Scotney. “Undisputed has always been the goal, and now thanks to MVP we’re on the final and most important step. On Friday November 14th I’ll make history as Britain’s next Undisputed World Champion.”

Mayelli Flores is the reigning WBA super bantamweight world champion from Mexico City, Mexico. Standing at 4’11”, Flores turned professional in 2014 and has built a reputation for high pressure and punch volume inside the ring. After an early career highlighted a narrow world title challenge against Yulihan Luna, Flores defeated Nazarena Romero by split decision in Kissimmee, Florida, to capture the WBA 122lb crown in May 2025. Known for her toughness, stamina, and willingness to trade in the pocket, the 33-year-old Flores represents Mexico with pride as she continues her rise among the sport’s elite.

“I would like to thank God, MVP and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I was offered the fight against Ellie Scotney, without hesitation I said yes,” said Mayelli Flores. “I will be ready for a war. Ellie Scotney is a great and tough fighter, but I am up for the challenge. I know the importance of this fight—a win over Scotney will put me in the history books as Mexico’s first undisputed female fighter, and I am ready to make history. I dedicate this fight to my family and all the boxing fans that will be watching on Netflix.”

Yokasta Valle is a three-division world champion boxer born in Nicaragua and raised in Costa Rica. Growing up with limited resources and countless challenges in San Jose, Yokasta learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. In a sport historically dominated by men, she carved her own path and fought to open doors for women in boxing. She won her first world title in 2016 and has gone on to conquer six world titles across three weight divisions, establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She currently has held the WBC minimumweight title at 105lbs since November 2024. Valle has also championed equal pay in women’s boxing, fighting for and achieving the same purse conditions as male boxers. Outside the ring, the 32-year-old is an entrepreneur, boxing promoter, and social role model. In 2023, she was recognized by the United Nations as their Costa Rica Champion for the example she set in the fight for women’s and migrants’ rights. Valle is currently BoxRec’s #5, Ring Magazine’s #8, and ESPN’s #9-ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

“This will be my first WBC world title defense, and doing it on MVP’s debut card with Jake Paul makes it even more special,” said Yokasta Valle. “I’ve worked my whole life for these moments, and I know what it takes to stay at the top. My opponent Yadira Bustillos is tough and hungry, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge. I fight with discipline, with heart, and with the pride of Costa Rica on my shoulders. The landscape of women’s boxing is opening up, and there are many great possible opponents ahead, but before any of that, I need to win this fight convincingly. On fight night, the world will see why I’m not just a champion—I’m here to inspire and to keep breaking barriers for women in boxing.”

Yadira Bustillos, from Las Vegas, Nevada, is of Mexican descent with roots in Durango. She was introduced to boxing through her uncle and brother before beginning training under coach Gil Martinez. What started as curiosity quickly became passion, as Bustillos pushed herself to keep up with male sparring partners and prove her toughness in the gym. Her amateur career was highlighted by accolades including back-to-back Roy Jones Jr. National Invitational titles, Nevada Golden Gloves gold, and a third-place finish at the 2019 Olympic qualifiers, where she was ranked #6 nationally. She made her pro debut in 2021 and contended for the WBC 105lb interim world title in just her eighth pro fight. Competing across the 105, 108, and 112lb divisions, Bustillos aims to become undisputed champion across multiple weight classes.

“It’s an honor and a dream come true to fight for this title,” said Yadira Bustillos. “The WBC belt represents the peak of the sport, and I respect my opponent, but I’m ready for this. I’m not here to compete. I’m here to conquer!”

MVP’s Avious Griffin has quickly emerged as a force in the 147lb division. With a staggering 94% stoppage rate, the Las Vegas-based fighter from Chattanooga, Tennessee was introduced to boxing at age eight by his father, Alvin and the sport became both powerful passion and bond between them. Just weeks before Griffin’s pro debut in 2016, Alvin passed away unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage as Griffin frantically rushed his dad to the hospital—a devastating loss that he continues to honor through his career. The following year brought another life-altering setback: a wrongful murder conviction that led to 11 months of incarceration before his exoneration. These hardships forged Griffin’s “TTD” (To The Death) mentality—an ethos that powers his ring performances and his commitment to breaking generational cycles of poverty, while advocating for mental health and addiction recovery. He trains under Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, widely recognized for guiding Terence Crawford’s championship rise, Esau Diéguez, and renowned S&C coach Larry Wade. The elite team has helped transform Griffin into one of the sport’s most dangerous and disciplined rising contenders.

“Thanks to MVP, the best promotional company in the business, we’re back on stage Friday, November 14, said Avious Griffin. “See y’all soon.. it’s the kid that did.”

Rising contender Cesar Francis fights out of West New York, New Jersey. Born in Panama City, Panama, the 35-year-old rising contender made his pro debut in 2017 and has contested for multiple regional titles to date, including the vacant WBO NABO super lightweight title in 2022 and the vacant WBO Latino super lightweight title in 2023. Francis most recently continued his rise in the division with a second round TKO of Wayne Boudreaux in September 2025.

“This is a fight I’m excited to win,” said Cesar Francis. “I know I’m levels above this guy, and I’m going to show it and show why I can fight for a welterweight title in the next 12 months.”

“Jake vs. Tank marks a historic night for boxing on a card stacked with champions,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “MVP’s undisputed champ Alycia Baumgardner joins Amanda Serrano as the only champions to defend their unified titles under the same rules as men’s champions with 12, three-minute rounds in a massive statement for equality in women’s boxing. Equality live globally on Netflix! Ellie Scotney is making history at just 27 years old as the youngest UK boxer ever to fight for undisputed, after an unstoppable rise that’s already established her as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elites. Add in title defenses from Gary Antuanne Russell and Yokasta Valle against hungry challengers, and Avious Griffin fighting to reclaim his place among the top contenders at 147, and you have boxing at its best with fighters taking risks, chasing greatness, and making history together on one card. On Friday, November 14 at the Kesaya Center, live only on Netflix, we’re delivering a night fans will be talking about for years to come.”

Jake vs. Tank is the culmination of four years of callouts and a brewing rivalry between Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined boxing promotion, and Davis, one of the most feared punchers in the world and widely regarded as the Mike Tyson of his generation. Paul and Davis, the favorite boxers of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, respectively, have both battled to claim the title of modern boxing’s biggest star, setting the stage for this monumental showdown. Paul enters the bout almost exactly one year after headlining the largest boxing or MMA event in over four decades, while Davis holds the record for the highest pay-per-view buys and revenue event of the past four years. Jake vs. Tank, an MVP event, marks MVP’s third live event on Netflix in 12 months, following Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2025, the first all-women’s professional sporting event on the service. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank will go on sale next month at Ticketmaster.com. Fans can sign up for pre-sale at JakevsTank.com. The bout will also feature an array of high-end VIP packages, including the return of the one-of-a-kind MVP Owner’s Experience.

Additional information, including additional undercards bouts, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About Alycia Baumgardner

About Ellie Scotney

MVP’s unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney will become the youngest UK boxer in history, male or female, to fight for undisputed world title honors on Friday, November 14. Scotney’s shining amateur stint saw the London prospect win the 2017 Elite national amateur title and the English Youth title – having entered after only four amateur bouts. Scotney was in serious contention for a Great Britain Olympic qualifying place for Tokyo 2020 before deciding to leave the program to pursue her pro career. The Catford, England native made her pro debut in 2020 with a decision win over Bec Connolly before winning her first fight out of Shane McGuigan’s gym in October 2021, beating Eva Cantos 79-73 at the O2 Arena. Continuing her rise, she went on to defeat the defending European super bantamweight champion Mary Romero in just her sixth pro fight on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Helen Carabajal a year later. In her next fight, Scotney earned her first shot at world title honors, contesting Cherneka Johnson for the IBF world super bantamweight title at Wembley Arena. The bout was initially planned for the Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron undercard in early 2023, but was postponed until June 2023. Scotney displayed a career-best performance that night, dethroning Johnson by unanimous decision to become the new IBF world champion at 122lbs. Scotney successfully defended her IBF world title against Spain’s Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a UD win over then-undefeated 18-0 WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre. Scotney then eased to a UD victory over then 20-0 Mea Motu in January 2025 to add the New Zealand fighter’s IBO hardware to her WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. The 27-year-old most recently faced the longest-standing champion, then-WBC titlist Yamileth Mercado on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card live on Netflix, again handily defeating Mercado and adding the WBC belt to her unified collection. Scotney is currently Boxrec’s #9 pound-for-pound fighter, ESPN’s #10 pound-for-pound fighter, and ESPN’s #1 super bantamweight in the world.

About Yokasta Valle

Yokasta Valle is a three-division world champion boxer born in Nicaragua and raised in Costa Rica. At a young age, her family made the life changing decision to move to Costa Rica in search of a better future. In the heart of San José, Yokasta developed both as a person and as an athlete, forging the values that would define her: discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable will. Growing up with limited resources and countless challenges, Yokasta learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. In a sport historically dominated by men, she carved her own path and fought not only for her own dreams, but to open doors for women in boxing. Before turning professional, Yokasta had a decorated amateur career, earning two Central American championship titles. As a professional, she won her first world title in 2016 and has gone on to conquer six world titles across three weight divisions (102, 105, and 108 lbs), establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, currently holding the WBC minimumweight title at 105lbs since November 2024. Her reign has been marked by consistency, dominance, and fearlessness, often defeating world champions in their own countries that mark her resume with international fights and global exposure. Throughout this time, Valle has also championed equal pay in women’s boxing, fighting for and achieving the same purse conditions as male boxers in similar positions. Outside the ring, the 32-year-old is an entrepreneur, boxing promoter, and social role model. She is the first world champion in Central America to run her own promotional company, Yoka Sports & Boxing Promotions, where she creates opportunities for the next generation of fighters, especially women. She is also the face of leading brands like Vaseline, Kolbi, Grupo Mutual, Dexketo, and Chery, and is celebrated as a national sports ambassador in Costa Rica not only for her achievements, but for living a life that exemplifies hard work, consistency, and humility. In 2023, she was recognized by the United Nations as their Costa Rica Champion for the example she set in the fight for women’s rights and migrants’ rights, continuing to prove her relentless spirit both inside and beyond the ropes. On a personal level, she remains grounded and deeply connected to her family, especially her younger sister Naomy Valle, a rising professional boxer and fellow signee to MVP.

About Avious Griffin

About MVP

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

About Kaseya Center

Taylor Wins Close Decision (Again) over Serrano in Trilogy bout

NEW YORK--Katie Taylor retained the Undisputed Super Lightweight title with her third consecutive razor thin, this time majority over Amanda Serrano in front of a sold out crowd of over 19,700 at Madison Square Garden.

The fight lacked the action of the first two classic bouts between the two. This was more of a thinking boxing match that saw Serrano try tp press the action and Taylor going back to her stellar amateur roots by moving side to side to create angles and darting in and out. Serrano thew more, but The fighters landed the same amount.

In round eight, Taylor started to swell under her right eye.

Taylor, 135.8 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95 and is now 25-1. Serrano, 136 lbs of Carolina, PR is 47-4-1.

Katie Taylor

On Amanda Serrano

I’m just so grateful for Amanda Serrano. What an amazing champion. And we created history together three times. My name will always be embedded with hers forever. I’m very very happy about that. What we’ve been able to create over these last few years has been unbelievable. It’s amazing to have a rival like that in the sport. And this has brought [the world to] an event like this tonight, an all-female card, because of what myself and Amanda have been able to do to produce over the last few years. Both myself and Amanda are just sitting back very very proud right now.

The whole game plan tonight was to not let her feet set. I knew I was capable of a performance like that in the other two fights as well, but I just got caught up in a bit of a war [in our first] two fights. I’m so happy that I was able to stay disciplined tonight and just outbox her.

On headlining an all female card:

“Absolutely unbelievable to be part of a show like this and to be headlining an all female card. It was an absolute privilege. These are the sort of opportunities that people didn’t think were even possible a few years ago.”

On her performance

“I thought I showed a very smart performance, a very clever performance. This performance I knew I was capable of against Amanda. The two fights previously ended up as complete wars and I came out of the ring battered and bruised and I’m thinking, what? Why am I just standing there fighting with our newest cable and moving my legs like that? I’m just outboxing her and I’m just happy I was able to produce that tonight and execute the game plan that Ross has been telling me to do all along. So yeah, I’m very very satisfied right now.”

“I think just my movement was causing her a bit of trouble. My footwork was causing her trouble and she wasn’t able to set her feet. I’m not sure what was going through her mind. But I think I just made the fight a bit easier for myself. […] I used the ring a lot better tonight. My feet were very good tonight. I felt fresh in there. I felt sharp in there. I [could see] that the punch was coming. So yeah, I definitely felt like it was my kind of fight.”

On retirement:

“I don’t know. I’m just going to enjoy this victory right now and um sit back, reflect, and then I’ll make a decision and that’s it. But very very happy with tonight’s performance and just the amount of work that we put in over the last few months, myself and Ross. It was uh a grueling few months in preparation for these kind of fights and I’m so glad I was able to showcase what I could do tonight.”

On future Croke Park match:

“Maybe in Croke Park. That would be unbelievable.”

On the support from fans:

“These people are spending their hard earned money to go over and support me. It just means the world honestly. I can’t believe that this is my life. I’m headlining the show at Madison Square Garden. I’m looking back on the whole journey. What an absolute what an amazing life. These are nights that I dreamed of as a kid and sitting here again as a winner. I’m so happy, so grateful.”

On if a trilogy with Chantelle Cameron is possible

I think Chantelle has to see if she can sell out 10,000 seat arena first. I don’t think she can sell out any stadium at all. I think I made her more money than she really deserves.

Baumgardner Decisions Miranda; Remains Undisputed

Alycia Baumgardner retained her undisputed super featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Jennifer Miranda.

Baumgardner, 130 lbs of Dallas via Fremont, OH won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 16-1. Miranda. 129.8 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 12-1.

Alycia Baumgardner

On being co-main to Taylor-Serrano 3

“I first want to say I am so thankful to be here as a part of a historic event. I’m so thankful that MVP has taken the time and given the women the opportunity to showcase their skills and just be under the lights tonight was an awesome experience.”

On getting back in the ring

“Yeah, I was happy to be back in there. You guys have to understand it’s been two years since I’ve done a 10 round fight. So, just to be back in there to get those rounds meant everything to me. So, I was just enjoying every round that I could when I was in there.”

On if she’d challenge Amanda Serrano or Katie Taylor

“I definitely would love the challenge with either fighter.”

On what drove her successful undisputed title defense

“It was the grit. It was the bite down. [My trainer] said, you know, go forward. I knew that I couldn’t get my jab off the way I typically do to find that range and so we just kept the fight to go forward and just, you know, dig deep.”

On the main event Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano

“I thought the main event was perfect. A lot of fans were probably expecting a fight like the second fight, but these are two smart fighters. You know, they know how to box. They know how to use the ring. They have experience and I think they made the fight very clear on who the winner was. And again, they box smart. You guys have to understand, I know y’all like a blood bath, but you know, we got brains at the end of the day that we got to take care of. So, they did a great job in there boxing and showing the skill set that women do have.

On Jennifer Miranda

She had a smarter game plan in terms of what to engage in and what not to engage in. You know what I mean? So, you know, she definitely kept her distance on not wanting to come in. And just like anything, you make adjustments as you go. We have an idea on what somebody’s going to fight like, but we also make the adjustments each round. And so that’s what I was doing [My corner] was saying, you know, boxing, pressing, and making it ugly.

On working with Derrick James

Yeah, it’s been a great experience. When you start with a new trainer, you have to get a feel of everything. You have to understand how that’s going to feel in the fight. It’s one thing to be in training camp. It’s another thing to be in a fight. And I liked what I had in the corner this time. At the end of the day, it is up to Alycia Baumgardner to do what she has to do. I can have you in my corner, but it is up to me to to decide what I got to do. So, at this stage in my life, I need a team that’s going to encourage me in there and let me know what I need to do. But ultimately, it’s up to me. So, I enjoyed my corner tonight.

On what’s next for her

“Listen, the sky is the limit, y’all. I’m so excited to be with MVP and I know they have something exciting for me coming up and for the future. So many options to move up to 135, make these big super fights. These are the challenges that I need. I want to fight, and I want to fight an experienced fighter who’s going to bring just as much challenge as I am. That’s what’s going to make me great and that’s what’s going to make me be set apart from the rest of the women in boxing.

“My inspiration just comes from the growth that I want for myself as a woman, as an athlete and what I’m able to possess in the ring. You know, I’ve been boxing for 23 years and I’m still growing. I don’t even think I’ve hit my prime yet. So, there’s just so much more to tap into and I have a great team who’s allowing that to come out.”

On the evolution of women’s boxing and what’s next for the sport

“The next evolution is just women knowing who they are each and every day. I think we’ve seen through the fight week with the looks and being a beauty, being a beast, being in our femininity, but also being the warriors that we are when it comes to fight night. So, it’s just like showing two

different sides, but also knowing that we have a job to do and to clock in.

Green Decisions Marshall; Unifies Super Middleweight Titles

Shadasia Green unified her WBO and won the IBF Super Middleweight World Title with a split decision over Savannah Marshall.

In round four, Green was deducted a point for holding.

Green, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 while Marshall took a card 96-93.

Green is now 16-1. Marshall, 167 lbs of Hartepol, UK is 13-2.

Shadasia Green

On what Savannah Marshall told her post-fight–and if Marshall thinks Green can beat Claressa Shields

“Savannah told me something today. I don’t know if I should share it, but she said she said to me today—which I didn’t even realize that she might have had noticed—-but she said “You need to have more belief in yourself. I’ve never been in the ring with somebody like you, that hits as hard as you do.” She said, “I’ve been in the ring with [Claressa Shields] and you could take her out.” And I’m like damn, you know hearing that from Savannah? And Savannah can punch too. I’m not sitting up here saying making it seem like that wasn’t a tough fight. So I would love to fight Clarissa Shields and when the time comes and it’s big, let’s do it.”

On receiving the $250k Performance of the Night bonus, and if she’ll buy anything

“I don’t live like that. […] I’m going to relocate my wife and my family to a better neighborhood so we can be safe before I get kidnapped. Maybe take my nieces and nephews to the water park, do something for my mom and pop. I got you, coach. I hear y’all. I see y’all looking.”

On training to face Savannah Marshall

“I’m just blessed and honored, man. Going into tonight, I meant everything I said this week, you know, and camp’s really been different, these last couple of camps dealing with my coaches being sick, in and out, and we showed up together as a unit today and we displayed greatness.”

On facing Savannah Marshall

“Shout out to Savannah Marshall. She was a tough cookie, man. She caught me with a good shot, too. Buckled my left leg. I ain’t never been hit like that before, but I’m just honored to be here today and be victorious. Thanks to the man upstairs, and thanks to these two fellas [Nakisa and Jake] for making this happen, Katie and Amanda, for real.”

On coming back from Franchon Crews-Dezurn loss to come out victorious tonight

“I had to go back to the drawing board and get my mental together. This game is definitely 90, 95% mental. If your mental ain’t intact, then you know… […] So that’s what I did. I went back to the drawing board, got myself together, reunited with my coaches and just tried to show up and be a better person. And self-belief. It’s funny. I was watching Jake fight Chavez Jr. last week and he said it in the ring and I shook my head. I was sitting in front of the TV and he just kept saying ‘self-belief, self-belief, self-belief.’ I think that’s what’s been missing from my career for a long time. Sometimes I’m hard on myself and I don’t always believe, but today I believe, and I’ve been believing all camp. I kept saying I’mma beat this girl. I kept saying that.”

On facing Claressa Shields

“I would love to fight Clarissa Shields. Of course, I want to go and rest or whatever, but I think that’s the fight to be made.”

On playing up or down to her competition:

“I just think it’s a lot of my ability you guys haven’t been able to see. I’ve always had this thing about me. Even when I play basketball, I always either play down to my competition or played up. It’s been a bad habit all my life. My mother has told me this my whole life. So, when you throw some names out there like I know I’ve got to be on my A game, and I find myself not slacking and my coaches don’t let me slack either. The best competition is always going to bring the best out of me.”

On what she learned from herself tonight

“I learned that that dog is still in me no matter what. I’m up for every challenge. I got that mean streak back—I thought I lost it. […] The mean streak is still alive and I’m glad to know that.”

Scotney Decisions Mercado to Become Unified Super Bantamweight Title

Ellie Scotney became the IBF/WBC/WBO super bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Yamileth Mercado.

Scotmey, 121.6 lbs of London won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice and is now 11-0. Mercado, 119.6 lbs of Mexico is 24-4.

Ellie Scotney

On adding the WBC title to her unified collection

“My nan—I always mention her because she was my biggest fan—and we always said ‘complete the collection’. So, I’m one step away from Undisputed and that’s what I want next.”

On being on Netflix and getting her name in front of the world

“Thanks to Netflix and MVP, they gave me a platform where I can really announce myself and I felt like I did that tonight. This is such a big journey with them and I feel like this is just the start.”

On 3-min rounds for women’s boxing

“’I’m 11-0 and I ain’t got a stoppage. I think I’d get a stoppage over 3 minutes and my brother would be a lot richer. He’s lost a fortune betting on it. So, yeah, if we had three minutes I’d get a stoppage. That’s my excuse.”

On preparing for facing Yamileth Mercado

“I’ll be honest with you, it’s been a hard camp. So, I felt like this camp showed me more who I am than anything else. I went in that ring and I felt like I [had been holding] a lot in, and it was let out tonight. So, it just showed me that I’m number one in the division. I believed that before, but I feel like this has cemented it—and it’s just the start.”

On when she’ll be back

“Definitely by the end of the year. I want to enjoy my Christmas this year.”

On losing friend Georgia O’Connor and having Georgia’s dad join her during her walk out

“Georgia was a a soul of the earth. Like if you ever met her or even if you heard her story, you’d realize what she was. And you know, we made a promise just before she passed. It was a blessing to see her get married. And you know, she battled cancer like it was nothing. I just felt like having her dad with me tonight was something that will live forever. I felt her there [in the ring with me]. So yeah, tonight was so much bigger than me. It was all for her. And I just yeah I felt like she was watching over me and that would be the biggest takeaway from tonight.”

Cherneka Johnson Stops Metcalf in 9 To Win Undisputed Bantamweight Title

Cherneka Johnson won the undisputed bantamweight stoppage with a ninth round stoppage over Shuretta Metcalf.

In round four, Johnson scored a knockdown when she landed a right hand and both fighters fell to the canvas.

Jonson continued to beat down Metcalf and the fight was stopped by referee Charlie Fitch on the advice of the ringside doctor at two seconds.

Johnson, 116.6 lbs of Gold Coast, AUS is 18-2 with eight knockouts. Metcalf, 117 lbs of Dallas is 14-5-1.

Cherneka Johnson

On being part of history on Taylor vs. Serrano 3

“When I was out there and Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano were walking out, that stadium was absolutely electric. I had goosebumps and it was like ‘wow this is truly happening.’ To see that moment and to experience that feeling? It’s special.

“It’s absolutely awesome what everyone is doing. Everyone has their own, I guess, agendas and they obviously want to win the fights. But we all put in the hard work to get here and it’s not easy, but we show up anyway and we get the job done.”

On becoming the first Australian undisputed champion, male or female, in the 4 belt era

“It hasn’t hit me yet, I don’t think. It still sort of feels surreal to even be here and to be in this position.”

Cameron Retains Interim Title with Decision over Camara

Chantelle Cameron retained the WBC Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jessica Camara.

Cameron, 139 lbs of Nothhampton, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-1. Camara., 139.4 lbs of Montreal is 14-5-1.

Ramla Ali won a eight-round unanimous over Lila Furtado in a super bantamweight bout.

In round eight, Ali began to bleed around the right eye,

Ali of London won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 10-2. Furtado of Sao Paulo, BRA is 11-3.

Ramla Ali

On the future of women’s boxing

“I think the future of women’s boxing is only growing. Look at the outcome tonight. Look how many people showed out to support women’s boxing. It’s exciting to be a part of and to see the growth and you know that those numbers are definitely growing and being more active with fights.”

On which fight was most special

“You have to give credit to every woman who stepped into the ring tonight, who showed out, who put in the 10, 12 weeks of hard work, who put everything on the line. You can’t fault that. So, I think every fight uh deserves its flowers.”

On her next fight

“I’ve been out of the ring for like 13 months now and I’ve also changed coaches. I was living in LA for 3 years. My father got sick so I moved back to London. I’ve got a new coach now. And when I started training with him, he asked me, “What is it you want to do?” And I just said to him, “I just want to take one fight at a time.” Cuz a couple years ago, I was like, “This is what I want. This is what I want. This is what I want.” And it never quite worked out. So I just became a bit superstitious. And now I’m just like, I just want to take whatever fight comes and just take it one by one.”

Tamm Thibeault stopped previously undefeated Mary Casamassa in round five of their eight-round middleweight bout.

Thibeault scored a knockdown in round one,

Thibeault of Montreal got the stoppage at 2:18 and is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Casamassa of Pittsburgh is 6-1.

amm Thibeault

On what Taylor vs. Serrano 3 meant to her

“To be honest, I just feel really grateful like we were in a card stacked with women just as talented as each other. And, you know, [we] created new dreams tonight. I truly believe that what’s going to make women’s boxing grow is to get more people into it, start at the grassroots, and we’ve got to create dreams for that. We’ve got to create dreams for little girls who want to come up and be just like us, right?

I’ve said that from such a long time ago. The only way women’s boxing grows is if other women come out and support us. And they did today. Every woman in the crowd was cheering and it was just such a phenomenal movement to be a part of.

On fighting 3 min rounds

I fought three minute rounds for like eight years. Like we talk about this in the professionals, but we don’t talk about this in Olympic style boxing. The gap between men and women has been erased essentially. There’s equal value in both. And like we’re doing all right. Olympic champion as a female, Olympic champion as a male is the same. I’m not saying three minutes or two minutes is what’s best. Look, I’m not a doctor. It’s not my expertise. I’ve done three minutes

forever for most of my amateur career. I want to keep doing it. And if people want to do it, then so be it. But that’s on them.

On which fight she liked most

I think every fight was special in itself. That’s what makes this card so historic. You can’t really choose because you have people like Shadasia who are coming up as the underdog surpass themselves and you have two legends like Katie and Amanda fighting each other for a third time and you have Neeks [Johnson] over here who just became undisputed. [Every fight was] so big in itself, and they all deserve to be honored equally.

NOTES…Metcalf became the first Australian Undisputed Champion.

Alycia Baumgardner vs. Jennifer Miranda: High-Stakes Showdown for WBA World Title

On July 11th, the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City will host a women’s boxing clash that promises to leave its mark in the history books. Undisputed super featherweight queen Alycia Baumgardner will put her crown on the line against Spain’s rising star Jennifer Miranda — a challenger aiming to become the first undisputed champion in her country’s history.

Baumgardner, boasting a 15-1 record with 7 knockouts, has firmly established herself as one of the most dominant forces in the division. With explosive power and an aggressive style, she’s collected every major belt at 130 pounds — including the coveted WBA world title — solidifying her reign as the division’s top dog.

Standing across the ring will be the undefeated Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), the current WBA interim champion. The fighter from Cádiz, Spain, brings technical skill, grit, and a nation’s hopes on her shoulders. A win over Baumgardner wouldn’t just be the upset of the year — it would etch her name in Spanish boxing history.

Expect fireworks. Baumgardner will rely on her punching power and big-fight experience, while Miranda looks to outbox and outlast the champ. With every belt on the line and legacy at stake, the bright lights of MSG are set for a truly historic night in women’s boxing.

MVP’S UNIFIED SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ELLIE SCOTNEY TO FACE WBC WORLD CHAMPION YAMILETH MERCADO IN MAIN CARD TITLE UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN ON MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS HISTORIC TAYLOR VS. SERRANO 3, LIVE ON NETFLIX ON FRIDAY, JULY 11 FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK CITY

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that MVP’s newest signee, England’s unified super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) will face Mexico’s WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) on the main card of the highly anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy mega-event. This historic MVP event will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million subscribers on Friday, July 11 from Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City. Scotney vs. Mercado, a matchup between ESPN’s #1 and #2 super bantamweights in the world and Boxrec’s #12 and #15 pound-for-pound fighters, will be a 10-round unified super bantamweight championship fight contested at 122 lbs. They join the first-ever all women’s professional boxing card at the iconic Madison Square Garden, streaming live globally on Netflix. The main event will feature Ireland’s pound-for-pound great, undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Puerto Rican boxing trailblazer, unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs). In the co-main event, MVP’s reigning undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) will face undefeated WBA Interim world champion, Spain’s Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), a 10-round undisputed super featherweight championship fight contested at 130 lbs.

Headlining the preliminary card will be MVP’s Danish two-weight world champion, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) vs. MVP’s IBF bantamweight world champion Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s world title unification bout contested at 118 lbs. Also joining the preliminary card will be MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and standout middleweight Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO), continuing to fight every bout in her pro career under equal rules to men, three-minute rounds, in an 8 round bout against the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF’s #1 contender Mary Casamassa (6-0, 2 KOs), contested at 160 lbs. Six of the top 15 pound-for-pound female fighters in the world on Boxrec, including four of the top 10, are currently represented as part of MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 all-women’s card.

Scotney, Mercado, Thorslund, Metcalf, Thibeault, and Casamassa will each participate in MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Baumgardner vs. Miranda kickoff press conference on Wednesday, April 9 at 6pm at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Media can apply for credentials HERE. Tickets for Taylor vs. Serrano 3 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

MVP’s newest signee, unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) is one of the fastest-rising stars in women’s boxing, having turned pro after a decorated amateur career and quickly racking up dominant wins en route to unifying the 122 lb division. The 27-year-old undefeated London native, now ranked #1 at super bantamweight by ESPN and #15 pound-for-pound by Boxrec, holds the IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring Magazine titles.

“What MVP is doing for women’s boxing is changing the game, and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Ellie Scotney. “Fighting on the main card of Taylor vs. Serrano 3 at Madison Square Garden, live on Netflix—in another unification fight —is a massive moment in my career but it is one I know I am ready for. Yamileth Mercado might be the longest reigning champion in our division right now, but on July the 11th I’ll be showing why I’m the number one at 122lbs and moving one step closer to becoming the undisputed champion. Sharing this card with inspirations like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano makes this even more meaningful and I want to leave my own mark on a special night. My whole career has been based in the UK, but I’m ready to make a statement on the biggest of stages and show the world what I can do.”

WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) is the longest-reigning titleholder in the division, having defended her belt eight times since winning it in 2019 on home soil in Chihuahua, Mexico. Ranked #2 at 122 lbs by ESPN and #12 pound-for-pound by Boxrec, the 27-year-old will now face undefeated unified champion Ellie Scotney in a high-stakes unification bout on Friday, July 11.

“I am very excited to unify titles with Ellie Scotney and raise my WBC belt for my country, Mexico, and my home in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua on MVP’s card at Madison Square Garden and in front of the world on Netflix,” said Yamileth Mercado. “This fight will be a war, and we will continue to demonstrate that women’s boxing brings a guarantee of both spectacle and boxing quality on Friday, July 11. Viva Mexico!”

MVP’s undefeated Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) is a two-division world champion, unified bantamweight world champion and Denmark’s most accomplished boxer, with a national record 12 straight world title fights. Thorslund holds the unified WBC and WBO bantamweight titles and looks to extend her dominance in what will be her 14th world championship bout. She is currently ranked the #1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world by Boxrec—ahead of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gabriela Fundora, Claressa Shields, and others—and also holds the #5 spot on Ring Magazine’s list and #10 on ESPN’s.

“I am thrilled to be making my MVP debut on the Taylor-Serrano 3 card. Just as this historic night will celebrate the close of Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano’s once-in-a-lifetime rivalry, so too will it be a celebration of some of the most decorated women’s champions in boxing on this all-women’s card,” said Dina Thorslund. “I know my opponent will bring her very best competition to the ring on Friday, July 11, but I look forward to making Denmark proud as I successfully defend my WBC and WBO titles and become the new IBF world champion. Thank you to Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul for this opportunity to show my talent to the world from Madison Square Garden.”

IBF bantamweight world champion and new MVP signee Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) is a single mother and former underground fighter from Dallas who turned pro in 2016 and captured her first world title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2024. A relentless force both inside and outside the ring, Metcalf juggles boxing with raising two sons, running a boutique and salon, bartending, personal training, and launching her own activewear line, Elite Essence.

“I’m excited to be fighting Dina Thorslund for the unified title on MVP’s all-women’s card on Friday, July 11,” said Shurretta Metcalf. “She is a very worthy opponent and I have nothing but respect for her. I’m going to bring my A-game to MSG in July!”

MVP’s rising Canadian star Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO) is a two-time Olympian, and current #5-ranked WBA and WBO middleweight contender who has competed under equal rules to men with three-minute rounds across her pro career. The 6-foot southpaw from Quebec also holds gold medals from the IBA World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Pan Am Games, speaks French, English, and Spanish, and continues her pro ascent while earning a Master’s degree in urban planning and training at Sheffield’s Steel City Gym.

“I’m incredibly honored to be part of MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3, surrounded by inspirations and champions, with the opportunity to showcase women’s boxing and make history on such a massive stage,” said Tamm Thibeault. “Facing a tough competitor like Mary Casamassa is a challenge I’m ready for, and I’m going to prove that women can thrive under the same rules as men. Competing in three-minute rounds is an important step for equality in the sport, and I’m excited to fight for it on Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden.”

Undefeated middleweight and super middleweight contender Mary Casamassa (6-0, 1 KO) is currently the #1 WBC and IBF contender at 160 lbs and the #1 WBA and WBO contender at 168 lbs, as well as Ring Magazine’s #4 contender at 168 lbs. The Puerto Rican-American southpaw from Pittsburgh is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves standout and earned her engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh while launching her pro career. Casamassa trains out of Jack’s Boxing Gym under retired police officer Jack Mook.

“Thank you to my team, Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and the MVP team for the wonderful opportunity to showcase my abilities at this great venue in one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Mary Casamassa. “I’m a quiet person, but I love to compete and let my hands do the talking. I can’t wait to show everyone and especially the beloved Puerto Rican community in New York what I can do!”

“Taylor vs. Serrano 3 headlines an unprecedented lineup of world title fights, with every fight on our main card to be an undisputed or unified women’s world championship fight. This is the most stacked women’s boxing card in history, bringing together six of the top fifteen pound-for-pound female fighters—including four of the top ten—on Boxrec,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We are also committed to bringing another global event to fans, with stars from the US, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Spain, England, Mexico, and Canada so far represented on this card. MVP’s Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado represent the best in the world at 122 lbs, alongside another clash of champions between MVP signees Dina Thorslund and Shuretta Metcalf and our very own Tamm Thibeault continuing to fight for equality in the sport. Friday, July 11 will be the most valuable night in women’s boxing history at Madison Square Garden, live globally on Netflix.”

Taylor vs. Serrano 3 is produced, marketed, and promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and distributed by Netflix.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About Ellie Scotney

MVP’s newest signee, unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) first broke into the boxing scene at the amateur level. Her shining amateur stint saw the London prospect win the 2017 Elite national amateur title at 57kg and the English Title at Youth level – having entered after only four amateur bouts. Scotney was in serious contention for a Great Britain Olympic qualifying place for Tokyo 2020 before deciding to leave the program to pursue her pro career. She moved 1-0 with a spiteful and impressive six round decision win over Bec Connolly on her debut before winning by decision over Mailys Gangloff in her second pro outing. Scotney then won her first fight out of Shane McGuigan’s gym in October 2021, beating Eva Cantos 79-73 at the O2 Arena. Continuing her rise, she went on to defeat the defending European super bantamweight champion Mary Romero in just her sixth pro fight on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Helen Carabajal a year later. In her next fight, Scotney earned her first shot at world title honors, contesting Cherneka Johnson for the IBF world super bantamweight title at Wembley Arena. The bout was initially planned for the Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron undercard in early 2023, but was postponed until June 2023. Scotney displayed a career-best performance that night, dethroning Johnson by unanimous decision to become the new IBF world champion at super bantamweight. Scotney successfully defended her IBF world title against Spain’s Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the 122lb division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a unanimous decision over then-undefeated 18-0 WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre. Scotney most recently continued to consolidate the super bantamweight world titles in her January 2025 bout against former IBO World Champion Mea Motu. Scotney again eased to a UD victory over the 20-0 Motu, adding the New Zealand fighter’s IBO hardware to her WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. The 27-year-old is currently Boxrec’s #15 pound-for-pound fighter and is ranked the #1 super bantamweight in the world by ESPN.

About Yamileth Mercado

Mexican WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) is currently the longest-reigning titleholder with the most defenses in the women’s super bantamweight division. Born in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, the 27-year-old has been a world champion since age 21 and has successfully defended her title eight times. Mercado made her professional debut in July 2014 at the age of 16 and won her first seven consecutive fights. She lost her undefeated record in her eighth bout while competing for the WBC Fecombox super bantamweight title against the more experienced Jessica Arreguín. Mercado then secured five consecutive victories before earning her first shot at the WBC super bantamweight world championship against Fatuma Zarika in Kenya in September 2018, which Zarika won by split decision. Despite the setback, the determined Mercado became the WBC International Champion in her next bout, defeating former world champion Alys Sánchez. She successfully defended the title one time before earning her next shot at world honors with a rematch against Zarika in November 2019, this time on Mercado’s home soil in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, where she claimed the world title with a unanimous decision victory in front of her home fans. Since earning the WBC belt, Mercado has successfully defended her super bantamweight world title against Alejandra Julissa Guzmán, Angélica Rascón, Isis Vargas, Mariana “Barbie” Juárez, Kudakwashe Chiwandire, Paulette Valenzuela, Linda Laura Lecca, and Ramla Ali. Her only defeat during this period came in August 2021 when she challenged seven-division champion Amanda Serrano for the WBO and WBC featherweight world titles, losing by decision. Mercado, ESPN’s #2 super bantamweight and Boxrec’s #12 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has spent a total of 199 rounds in the ring to date and will now aim to unify her WBC title against the undefeated WBF, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine title holder Ellie Scotney over 10 rounds on the main card of Taylor vs. Serrano 3.

About Dina Thorslund

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, MVP’s unified bantamweight world champion and two-division champion Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) started her boxing journey at the age of 14. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the Danish national team before turning professional in 2015 and winning her debut bout vs. Petra Podráská with a commanding technical knockout. In January 2017, she captured her first honors at super bantamweight, winning the vacant WBC Youth title with a unanimous decision victory over Xenia Jorneac, before capturing the WBC Interim title with a win over Hall of Famer Alicia Ashley in early 2018. Later that year, Thorslund got her first shot at a world title, handily defeating Jessica Arreguin Munoz to become the WBO super bantamweight world champion. Thorslund successfully defended her title three times at super bantamweight before moving down to the bantamweight division to contest for the then-vacant WBO title. In June 2021, Thorslund became a two-division world champion and the new WBO bantamweight world champion with a decisive victory over Jasseth Noriega. In September 2023, Thorslund unified the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles with a dominant win over Yulihan Luna Avila and has successfully defended her bantamweight hardware three times since. With a flawless professional record, the undefeated Thorslund has fought in 13 world title bouts to date, setting a Danish record with 12 consecutive world championship fights. She is currently ranked the #1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world by Boxrec ahead of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gabriela Fundora, Claressa Shields, and others, and is Ring Magazine’s #5 and ESPN’s #10 pound-for-pound talent. The 31-year-old Thorslund resides in Struer, Denmark, trains under Thomas Madsen, and is managed by Lee Eaton.

About Shurretta Metcalf

MVP’s new signee Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), the current IBF bantamweight champion, has had to fight—both inside and outside the ring—all of her life. Born in Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, Shurretta grew up in a low-income area with her two younger siblings. Her mother worked hard for the Dallas School District and Shurretta never knew her father. A talented student, she was a standout basketball player and also excelled at track and field. She had her first son at 20 years old and her second son two years later. The single mom did a variety of jobs to survive and raise her two boys, the oldest of whom is autistic. To make money, Shurretta turned to underground boxing in 2012 and fought over 100 fights, sometimes fighting as often as twice a week. In 2016 she turned pro and hasn’t stopped moving forward since—winning her first world title in October 2024 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden with a unanimous decision against then-IBF champion Miyo Yoshida. Outside her boxing career, the industrious Metcalf owns and runs a boutique and salon, works as a personal trainer, and has a mobile bartending business. She is also launching her own line of workout clothes called Elite Essence.

About Tamm Thibeault

MVP’s standout Canadian signee Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO) is currently the #5-ranked WBA and WBO middleweight contender. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Thibeault began her boxing journey at the age of nine, inspired by seeing her father, a former CFL player, knock out an opponent during a Provincial boxing tournament. Following in his footsteps, she took up boxing at age 12 and was inspired to compete for Canada while watching the first women’s Olympic boxing competition during the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old middleweight, a southpaw standing 6 feet tall, forged an outstanding career in the amateur ranks. A two-time Olympian, Thibeault made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg (165lb) event, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in any women’s boxing event. She went undefeated until she returned to the Paris Olympics in 2024, earning gold medals at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Thibeault, who speaks French, English, and Spanish, recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Concordia University in 2023, which she earned over seven years while competing. She currently lives in Sheffield, England, where she is earning a one-year Master’s degree in urban design and urban planning while training at the renowned Steel City Gym. Thibeault made her pro debut while competing under men’s rules, three-minute rounds, on the main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 in December 2024, defeating Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence. She returned to the ring in March 2025 as part of MVP’s first ever event in Canada, Most Valuable Prospects 11, where she again competed under men’s rules with three-minute rounds against former US National Golden Gloves champion Sonya Dreiling. Thibeault won by knockout in the final second of the first round, proving again the impact of women competing with equal rules to men. Thibeault now will enter her third pro fight continuing to compete under equal rules over 8, three-minute rounds on Friday, July 11 against #1 contender Mary Casamassa.

About Mary Casamassa

Puerto Rican-American Mary Casamassa (6-0, 1 KO) grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With multiple brothers in the military who having boxed as amateurs, Mary grew up tough, excelling in sports and academics. Prior to becoming a boxer, she was a standout basketball player, playing through her senior year of high school at Aquinas Academy in Pittsburgh. She began boxing at the age of 15 competing in the 2018 Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves championship before deciding to turn pro while finishing her engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh. The southpaw made her professional debut in May 2022 defeating her opponent by clear-cut unanimous decision. Two months later, she earned her first stoppage finish, shutting down LeAnn O’Malley by third round TKO. Casamassa then stepped up to face Scotland’s then-undefeated Christianne Fahey, winning by split decision. Initially fighting four and six-round bouts, Casamassa stepped up in March 2024 to her first 10-round championship fight, earning a unanimous decision over Canadian veteran and former World Champion Olivia Gerula for the W.I.B.A 168-lb world title, as well as a unanimous decision over Brazil’s Olympic bronze medalist and IBF #5 and Ring Magazine #4 middleweight Adriana Dos Santos Araujo for the W.I.B.A. 160-lb world title. Casamassa’s performances raised her to the #1 contender by each of the four major sanctioning bodies, with the WBC and IBF ranking her #1 at 160 lbs and the WBA and WBO ranking her at #1 at 168 lbs, as well as rising to Ring Magazine’s #4 contender at 168 lbs. Casamassa trains under retired police officer Jack Mook out of Jack’s Boxing Gym in Pittsburgh.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix, which became the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., the 8th most-bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix

UNDISPUTED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER TO FACE SPAIN’S WBA INTERIM WORLD CHAMPION JENNIFER MIRANDA IN MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS HISTORIC TAYLOR VS. SERRANO 3 CO-MAIN EVENT LIVE ON NETFLIX FRIDAY, JULY 11 FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK CITY

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that MVP’s reigning undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring to face undefeated WBA Interim world champion, Spain’s Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO) in the co-main event of the highly anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 trilogy bout. Baumgardner vs. Miranda, a 10-round undisputed super featherweight championship fight contested at 130 lbs, will co-headline the first-ever all women’s professional boxing card at the iconic venue, airing live on Netflix as MVP continues its commitment to elevating women in the sport. This historic MVP event will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million subscribers on Friday, July 11 from Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City.

Alycia Baumgardner and Jennifer Miranda will be in attendance at MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 kickoff press conference on Wednesday, April 9 at 6pm at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. All media wishing to attend the press conference must apply for media credentials HERE. Presale begins on Tuesday, April 8 at 12pm ET. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 9 at 12pm ET. Pre-sale ticket signups are available here.

MVP’s new signee, reigning undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) is one of the most electrifying superstars in boxing today and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport. Born in Fremont, Ohio, and of German, Korean, and African-American descent, she has built a career defined by power, precision, and resilience. Her success is fueled not only by her relentless work ethic but also by her deep faith, which guides her journey both in and out of the ring. Baumgardner turned professional in 2017, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory. In November 2021, she shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper in Sheffield, England, to claim the WBC and IBO World Titles. She continued her rise, securing wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer in October 2022, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she became undisputed, defeating Elhem Mekhaled in New York to claim the WBA title. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant win over Christina Linardatou in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed crown. She returned in September 2024 against Delfine Persoon, scoring an early knockdown before an accidental clash of heads led to a no-contest ruling. Outside the ring, Baumgardner is breaking barriers for women, proving that skill, strength, and marketability can coexist at the highest level. Her faith remains at the center of everything she does, keeping her grounded and focused on the bigger picture. With an unshakable mindset and a purpose greater than herself, she continues to push the sport forward, building a legacy that extends far beyond the championship belts. Known for her explosive power, technical skill, and relentless determination, Baumgardner has been calling for big fights against the sport’s elite, and her upcoming 10-round undisputed title defense against Miranda on Friday, July 11 now promises to deliver just that.

“I came to MVP for moments like this—high stakes, global stage, and the chance to show the world who I really am,” said Alycia Baumgardner. “Amanda and Katie have done incredible things for women’s boxing, and it’s an honor to share the card with them. But I didn’t come to stand beside greatness—I came to be it. This night, this spotlight—it’s mine. Jennifer Miranda, I hope you’re ready—because I’m the one they warn you about. The pretty face with bad intentions. When that bell rings, it’s not personal, but it is going to hurt. My belts are staying with me. And still.”

WBA Interim world champion Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO) is undefeated so far in her pro career, currently ranked by Boxrec as the #3 featherweight in the world. She started boxing at age 23 while at university, quickly proving herself worthy of a spot on the Spanish national team. In her amateur career, she became a nine-time consecutive Spanish national champion, won multiple international titles, and represented Spain at high-level competitions, ranking among the top nine in the world, establishing herself as a pioneer of women’s boxing in Spain. Miranda then made her professional debut in 2018, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with, competing for the then-vacant Spanish featherweight title in just her second pro fight. She defeated Jessica Sanchez by unanimous decision and successfully defended the title against Vanesa Caballero in 2019, becoming the first woman in history to defend the Spanish national title. Miranda became the WBA’s Gold champion before stepping up to face Panamanian Teresa Almengor in her most recent professional October 2024, coming away victorious with a unanimous decision and becoming the new WBA interim world champion in her sixth title fight out of her twelve pro fights to date. Alongside boxing, Miranda has completed two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees including an MBA, and is currently pursuing another degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Miranda is also an accomplished actress who is best known for her role as ‘Arteche’ in Netflix’s global smash-hit series Money Heist. The 38-year old trains out of The Boxer Club in Madrid, Spain with coach Javier Pardo, and is managed by Sergio Pérez.

“MVP is leading the charge in elevating women’s boxing, and I am grateful to be a part of this historic all-women’s event in one of the most iconic arenas in the world—Madison Square Garden,” said Jennifer Miranda. “Alycia Baumgardner is an incredible champion, but this is my opportunity to become the first ever undisputed champion from Spain and I will do so. It’s time to write my name in the history books of boxing. Undisputed.”

“Alycia Baumgardner now has the stage to show the world why she is The Most Valuable fighter in the sport,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “But Jennifer Miranda is another world-class athlete who has been waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate why she is one of the best in boxing. This is a world-class matchup between two elite athletes, and we’re thrilled to showcase it as the co-main event of this historic night. The future of women’s boxing is now, and MVP is proud to lead the charge in taking the sport to unprecedented heights. A huge thank you to Netflix and Madison Square Garden for sharing our vision and helping make this moment possible.”

Taylor vs. Serrano 3 marks the third chapter in one of boxing’s fiercest rivalries, pitting the sport’s two biggest female stars against each other once more in a women’s super lightweight undisputed championship fight contested over 10, two-minute rounds. Their first clash in April 2022 made history as the first women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden, earning global acclaim and winning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022. Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event. Their rematch at AT&T Stadium in November 2024, streamed on Netflix, shattered records with 74 million average viewers globally, becoming the most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history and was named the 2024 Women’s Fight of the Year by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Boxing Scene. Now, ESPN’s pound-for-pound #2 Taylor and #3 Serrano return to The Garden where their rivalry began, with all of Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight belts on the line again. This event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, underscores a groundbreaking commitment to women’s boxing following Women’s History Month, not only featuring the first-ever all-women’s card in MSG history but also setting a new financial standard for female fighters with Taylor and Serrano set to receive record-breaking purses, continuing to raise the benchmark as the highest-paid female fighters of all time.

Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix redefined sports history in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. That event shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 averaged 74 million viewers, 56 million peak concurrent views, and claimed the title of the most-watched women’s sporting event in US history with an average minute audience (AMA) of 47 million in the US. Now, MVP and Netflix bring boxing back to The Garden with Taylor vs. Serrano 3, headlining an all-women’s card that reinforces their commitment to elevating women in sports. Additional details, including the undercard, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Netflix is the premier home for great sports entertainment. From fan-favorite hits like Formula 1: Drive to Survive, UNTOLD, Quarterback, Starting 5, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Tour de France to inspiring stories such as Beckham, Simone Biles Rising and Court of Gold, Netflix delivers unmatched sports storytelling. Later this year Netflix is set to debut America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys along with follow-docs covering SEC college football, MLB’s Boston Red Sox, and Rafael Nadal’s farewell tennis season. Netflix became the new home of WWE Raw in 2025, the global home of the NFL’s two Christmas Day games in 2024 (through 2026), and secured the exclusive US rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for 2027 and 2031.

Taylor vs. Serrano 3 is produced, marketed, and promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and distributed by Netflix. Fans can sign up for ticket presale HERE, which will begin on Tuesday, April 8 at 12pm ET. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, April 9 at 12pm ET.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix, which became the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., the 8th most-bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SIGNS UNDISPUTED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER

NEW YORK, NY – March 18, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of reigning undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs), one of the most electrifying superstars in boxing today. Baumgardner’s signing marks another major milestone for MVP, during Women’s History Month, as it continues to build the strongest roster of elite female fighters in boxing, reinforcing co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian’s mission to elevate and expand the platform for women’s boxing.

MVP’s signing of Baumgardner continues the company’s groundbreaking investments in women’s boxing, including the recent signing of boxing legend and seven-division champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano to a lifetime contract with MVP that will see Serrano become chairwoman of MVP’s women’s boxing initiatives following her in-ring retirement.

Alycia Baumgardner is the Undisputed Super-Featherweight Champion of the World and one of the most dominant athletes in boxing. Born in Fremont, Ohio, and of German, Korean, and African-American descent, she has built a career defined by power, precision, and resilience. Her success is fueled not only by her relentless work ethic but also by her deep faith, which guides her journey both in and out of the ring.

Baumgardner turned professional in 2017, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory. In November 2021, she shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper in Sheffield, England, to claim the WBC and IBO World Titles. She continued her rise, securing wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer in October 2022, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she became undisputed, defeating Elhem Mekhaled in New York to claim the WBA title. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant win over Christina Linardatou in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed crown. She returned in September 2024 against Delfine Persoon, scoring an early knockdown before an accidental clash of heads led to a no-contest ruling.

Outside the ring, Baumgardner is breaking barriers for women, proving that skill, strength, and marketability can coexist at the highest level. Her faith remains at the center of everything she does, keeping her grounded and focused on the bigger picture. With an unshakable mindset and a purpose greater than herself, she continues to push the sport forward, building a legacy that extends far beyond the championship belts.

“I’ve always believed in betting on myself, and signing with MVP is the next big move in that journey,” said Alycia Baumgardner. “MVP has proven they’re leaders in women’s boxing, creating the biggest opportunities for fighters like me to shine. This partnership is a natural fit—not just for my career but for the impact we’re making on the sport. The future just got even bigger.”

“MVP is strategically building a roster of fighters who deliver the W both inside and outside the ring, and we are thrilled to welcome Alycia to the family as our newest women’s world champion,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Alycia is a one of the premier athletes in combat sports and signing her is a meaningful accomplishment for our promotion as we now have exclusive relationships with 2 of the top 5 boxers in the world. We look forward to Alyicia’s MVP debut and are actively evaluating the right timing and event for her return to the ring.”

Baumgardner joins MVP’s elite roster of superstar athletes and up-and-coming stars including international superstar Jake “El Gallo” Paul, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, prolific top boxing prospect H2O Sylve, MVP’s first homegrown champion, the new WBO Super Middleweight Champion, Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, multi-talented megastar Javon “Wanna” Walton, India’s most successful professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado, three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro, Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, top-ranked lightweight “Prince” Lucas Bahdi, two-time Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and #8-ranked WBA middleweight contender, Tamm Thibeault, and undefeated bantamweight prospect Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche.

Founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, MVP aims to give athletes creative control, and aims to identify, grow, and maximize return for its talent partners and events. Together, Paul and Bidarian have architected Jake Paul’s meteoric rise in combat sports. In 2021, MVP signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, who has since achieved historic milestones, including becoming Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed champion and competing in the first unified women’s championship fight contested over 12 three-minute rounds—the men’s championship standard—held in October 2023. Her historic clash against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in 2022 earned recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year, The Ring’s Event of the Year, and was further nominated for Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal. The event marked a pivotal point in women’s sports history as the first time women have headlined a main event at the world-renowned venue in New York City.

MVP’s recent collaboration with Netflix broke records with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson mega-event, which is now the most-streamed sporting event ever, peaking at 65 million concurrent streams globally, with 38 million in the U.S. The event drew an average minute audience (AMA) of 108 million live viewers globally, which grew to 125 million (Live+1) over the weekend. Co-headlining the historic card, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in U.S. history, with an AMA of 47 million viewers domestically and 74 million globally. The event also ranked as the #1 title on Netflix in 78 countries, including the U.S., UK, Brazil, and India, and trended as the #1 topic worldwide on X during the event. Joe Hand Promotions reported that over 1 million viewers watched from 6,000 bars and restaurants in the U.S., breaking commercial distribution records.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, and @alyciambaum, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, and @alyciabaumgardner.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

Alycia Baumgardner Gets Even; Retains Undisputed 130 lb. Title with Decision over Linardatou

Alycia Baumgardner avenged her only professional blemish and retained the Undisputed Super Featherweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple in Detroit.

It was a fight that had solid action as Baumgardner landed some hard shots. Linardatou tried to punch with Baumgardner, but the reigning champion was faster and landed the more impactful blows.

Baumgardner, 129.4 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1. Linardatou, 129.8 lbs of Athens, GRE is 14-3.

Andy Cruz Decisions Former World Title Challenger Burgos in Pro Debut

Andy Cruz made a successful pro debut with a 10-rond unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Cruz, 134.6 lbs of Matanzas, CUB won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92 and is 1-0. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 35-8-3,

Jermaine Franklin Decisions Isaac Munoz

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Isaac Munoz in a heavyweight bout.

Franklin, 241.2 lbs of Saginaw, MI won by scores of 100-90 twice and is 99-91 and is now 22-2. Munoz, 257.4 lbs of Mexico City is 17-1-1.

Jar’Rico O’Quinn Decisions Carlos Mujica

Ja’Rico O’Quinn won a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Mujica in a super-bantamweight contest.

In round five, Mujica was cut around his left eye.

It was a close fight yet a judge did not think so by giving O’Quinn a 100-90 victory. Two other judges saw the fight 97-93 and 96-94.

O’Quinn of Detroit is 16-1-1. Mujica, 122.6 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 8-3.

Christina Linardatou Looks to make it Two-for-Two as she Challenges Alycia Baumgardner in Detroit

NEW YORK (July 15, 2023) – TONIGHT at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Christina Linardatou will attempt to become undisputed junior lightweight champion when she tries to defeat reigning champion Alycia Baumgardner for a second time.

Linardatou, who is managed by Brian Cohen, handed Baumgardner her only loss when they squared off on July 28, 2018.

Linardatou of Athens, Greece is 14-2 with six knockouts. The 35 year-old is a former two-time super lightweight world champion who won the title on March 24, 2019 with a sixth round stoppage over Kandi Wyatt in Athens. She made one defense over undefeated Deanha Hobbs (8-0). Linardatou won the WBO title for a second time with a 10-round unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot on February 8, 2020 in Gary, Indiana. Linardatou also has wins over Sam Smith (5-0) and Lela Terashvili (5-0-1).

Baumgardner of Detroit is 14-1 with seven knockouts. Baumgardner won the WBC title with a fourth round stoppage over Terry Harper on November 13, 2021 in Sheffield, England. The 29 year-old added the WBO and IBF titles on October 15, 2022 with a 10-round split decision over Mikaela Mayer in London. Baumgardner became undisputed with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled on February 4th in New York.

Linardatou, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, weighed 129.8 lbs. Baumgardner was 129.4 lbs.

The bout will be streamed Live on DAZN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Earlier on the card, Split-T Management fighter Joseph Hicks Jr. will take on Ramses Agaton in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 7-0 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old has a win over undefeated Bilal Quintyne (4-0) and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd on June 3rd in Detroit.

Agaton of Mexico is 22-14-3 with 12 knockouts. The 33 year-old is a 13 year professional. Agaton has wins over Hector Mercado (1-0), Oscar leonard Ventura (4-0-1), Alvaro Roble (17-2), Alejandro Barrera (23-1) and Ronald Montes (16-0).

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 167.4 lbs. Agaton was 169.8.

Photos By Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing.

VIDEO: Alycia Baumgardner vs Christina Linardatou 2 Weigh In

WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR BAUMGARDNER VS. LINARDATOU

First bell at 5.30pm ET

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
Joshua James Pagan (146.2lbs) vs.    Gabriel Smith (147.4lbs)
Grand Rapids, Michigan                       Houston, Texas

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
Joseph Hicks (167.6lbs) vs.         Ramses Agaton (169.8lbs)
Grand Rapids, Michigan              Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
Cameron Pankey (123.6lbs)       vs.    Misael Reyes (123.6lbs)
Pontiac, Michigan                                  Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Jemarco Holloway (141.8lbs)    vs.    Angelo Snow (143.6lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                                   Toledo, Ohio

Live on DAZN from 8pm ET

10 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
Ja’Rico O’Quinn (121.2lbs)         vs.    Carlos Mujica (122.6lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                         Caracas, Venezuela

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
Jermaine Franklin (241.2lbs)     vs.    Issac Munoz (257.4lbs)
Saginaw, Michigan                                 Mexico City, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF International Lightweight title
Andy Cruz (134.6lbs) vs.    Juan Carlos Burgos (134.2lbs)
Matanzas, Cuba                            Tijuana, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Super-Featherweight title
Alycia Baumgardner (129.4lbs) vs. Christina Linardatou (129.8lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                         Athens, Greece

VIDEO: Alycia Baumgardner vs Christina Linardatou 2 Press Conference

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM BAUMGARDNER VS. LINARDATOU

Alycia Baumgardner (14-1 7 KOs) defends her undisputed Super-Featherweight title against Christina Linardatou: This is a full-circle moment for me. I am looking at her and picturing myself at our first fight, and knowing who I am now, the growth that was necessary to get to this moment, I’m a completely different fight now and she will see that on Saturday.

That fight was, at the time, me stepping up and looking for the challenge. I was 5-0, she was 9-1. I wanted a challenge and that was the one for me, it was a close fight, a split-decision, and I got the loss. But I just thought ‘what’s next?’ I had to be real with myself, change my team and my environment, location, everything, and it was all necessary to be here.

If you know anything about being a hunter, you must kill your pray. I’m going to make sure that arrow goes through her heart so she can’t get up. Even though I am undisputed I still have that dog in me, the hunger I had when I was eight years old, and she’s the perfect fighter to bring that out of me.

I am embracing all of this. It’s time to feel the love, another time to make history in Detroit and do that as a woman, show the world who I am. I am coming for destruction. I have my grown woman strength and I am ready to put these hands on her and get that lick back that I have been waiting to do.

Christina Linardatou (14-2 6 KOs) challenges undisputed Super-Featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner: it’s such a great opportunity for me, it’s something any boxer dreams of – the biggest thing a boxer can achieve. She’s already done it, but I have beaten her once and I will do it again.

She is very strong, I remember she was always hugging in the last round, she worked in the early rounds but then hugging – I was always hunting, never hugging, like I do in every fight.

I always fight hard from first to last bell, because I am the underdog and I know I must go and get it. I have many skills, but I need to be dog and go and get it.

I am not afraid of the power, I’m used to it, I spar with men, and I have been preparing for it, and I have a great defense too.

To win means a lot – I am looking for the big fights she is talking about. I want to do it; I’ve been through hell to get here. I feel unstoppable.

Andy Cruz makes his professional debut at Lightweight against Juan Carlos Burgos for the IBF International title: I want to thank everyone for the support I’ve had leading up to this. It’s all very new, but I am completely ready for this new challenge in boxing. I am going to take it on like I always have. I know it’s completely different even though it’s the same sport, but I have made all the changes necessary to be ready for it, and I think it’s going to be a great fight.

It’s important to have the positive energy in the gym and I am delighted to have made the step to Philadelphia with Team Ennis, and I feel I am learning every day being in that gym.

There are no easy fights in boxing, and if you do think you have one, there’s no creditability in taking on that task. So, I have prepared well for a hard fight, and I am going to put on a show for all those that have been waiting to watch me.

Juan Carlos Burgos (35-7-3 21 KOs) faces Andy Cruz for the IBF International Lightweight title: I want to thank Eddie Hearn for the opportunity to fight a great prospect like Andy Cruz. There is no doubt he has had a fantastic amateur career, but he is moving into the pro game, and it is very different. We will both be ready to put on a great fight on Saturday and the fans will be the true winners.

He will be desperate to show that he can live up to the hype and show his skills, but he will find this is very different, it is about giving pleasure to the fans in the pro game, but I am sure he will do that too.

Jermaine Franklin (21-2 14 KOs) faces Issac Munoz over ten rounds at Heavyweight: I feel like I have paid my dues, learned some new stuff and I’ve been back to the drawing board and ready to go again.

One thing I learned was part of the mental game; every fight is not the same. Fighters have a lot of built-up aggression, and any little thing can set us off. Those fights with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, I remember getting into it a bit with the referees, taking my focus off what I should be dialed into. So that’s been my focus now, staying concentrated on what is important, and letting nothing get in the way, just tunnel vision.

We are coming for all the big fights and soon I am going to be a top five Heavyweight, not top 15. I am still learning and still building, but I feel that the sky is the limit.

Issac Munoz (17-0-1 14 KOs) faces Jermaine Franklin over ten rounds at Heavyweight: It’s an honor for me to step in the ring with Jermaine. I have a lot of experience with 203 amateur fights, so I think I belong in this place, and I am happy to be here.

It is very difficult to find a Heavyweight in Mexico, but I am very happy to be in Detroit and I think it’s going to be a great fight.

Ja’Rico O’Quinn (15-1-1 8 KOs) facing Carlos Mujica over ten rounds at Featherweight: I’m ready to go out there and have fun. It’s nothing personal with Carlos, it’s personal with myself/ I know what I can do, and on this platform it’s my time. I’ve been working hard and waiting for this opportunity, it has come out of nowhere, but I am prepared and ready.

I wanted something like this, someone to make me train hard, he’s coming off a good win and he has momentum, so he’ll come out blazing, but I am ready for that. You’re going to get firework from me, high-level boxing, and bombs – it could end early, at any moment.

Carlos Mujica (8-2 2 KOs) facing JaRico O’Quinn over ten rounds at Featherweight: We often get these opportunities at late notice but that’s fine, we’re always in the gym and have great sparring right there. I’m 100 per cent prepared, there will be no excuses, I’m here to win and show what I am made of.

BAUMGARDNER: I’M WANT ALL THE SMOKE

Alycia Baumgardner is hunting the biggest names in the sport – but only when she completes a revenge mission in style as she defends her undisputed Super-Featherweight title against old foe Christina Linardatou at the Masonic Temple in Detroit on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

Baumgardner (14-1 7 KOs) headlines in her hometown for the first time as she makes the second defense of her undisputed crown and can right the only loss of her career in the process as she meets Linardatou (14-2 6 KOs), the Greek who defeated her over eight rounds in July 2018.

‘The Bomb’ became undisputed with a huge win over Mikaela Mayer in London in October and now headlining at home, the 29 year old is getting a taste of the big time and wants more, providing she can exact her revenge on Saturday night.

“I’m writing a book, on who I am,” said Baumgardner. “Winning on Saturday closes a chapter. People are saying, ‘well Christina was her only loss’. There are only clips of the fight on YouTube, I’ve never seen the whole fight. I remember when I was in the ring that night and her hand was raised, I was like ‘damn, I’ve got my first loss’. But then I was like, ‘I’m not done, who cares?’

“It was needed for growth, and I want people to recognize what growth looks like; it’s ugly, and it hurts. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel and it tells a story.

“I wanted to show people that a loss doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I got to see at that given time, what it would have looked like had I won because I saw her career; she became a World champion after that. And I thought ‘wow, that could have been me’ but everything comes back full circle, and I am happy everything played out the way it was supposed to as now I’m undisputed and fighting her in my backyard. I keep thinking how the fight is going to play out, it will be spectacular, it will give me the feeling that this is what I have been waiting for and I am going to punish her.

“I want her to know that she is in with someone that isn’t the same fighter that she fought five years ago. I chose her. I could have fought anyone, but I chose her. She’s hungry and she should be. She has fought some great fighters, and she’s pumped that she’s beaten me before, that drives her, but she has no idea. After the first fight she came up to me and said you are the hardest fighter I’ve ever fought. If she thinks I hit hard then, just wait until she gets this work. You are in there with a dog, and I am going to punish you.

“To be in this era now as a woman fighter is everything I imagined when I turned pro. I can say I am part of history and we have been able to showcase to the world what a woman athlete looks like.

“I would love a fight with Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Chantelle Cameron; those are huge fights. We have undisputed champions at every weight class and it builds to big fights, whatever way you look at it. A rematch with Mikaela, even at 135lbs, would be great, to beat her in the States in front of a sold-out crowd would be amazing. I want the Katie fight, I was there in Dublin, and I saw something different. I want all the girls, I’m hungry, I’m a fighter and I like a challenge.

“This is going to show everything, the full package, people have seen glimpses and in my last performance I gave myself a B, there’s an A+ out there and on Saturday it’s going to be that.”

Baumgardner’s defense is part of a big night of action in Detroit as Cuban amateur sensation Any Cruz makes his professional debut against former World title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos.

Michigan Heavyweight Jermaine Franklin returns to action after back-to-back fights in London, England against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, and he faces unbeaten Mexican Issac Munoz, while the night is kicked-off live on DAZN by Detroit’s Ja’Rico O’Quinn taking on Carlos Mujica over ten rounds at Featherweight.

BAUMGARDNER DEFENDS UNDISPUTED CROWN AGAINST LINARDATOU IN DETROIT ON JULY 15

Alycia Baumgardner will defend her undisputed World Super-Featherweight title against Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple Detroit in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday July 15, live worldwide on DAZN – as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash, and Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz makes his pro debut.

Baumgardner (14-1 7 KOs) puts all the belts at 130lbs on the line for the second time after a dominant performance over Elhem Mekhaled in New York in February, a first defense in the Big Apple coming after a massive win to claim all the belts in London against fierce rival Mikaela Mayer in October. The big nights just keep coming for ‘The Bomb’ and now it’s home time as she fights in Detroit for the first time in the paid ranks – and has a score to settle against Linardatou, who handed Baumgardner her sole defeat in July 2018.

Linardatou (14-2 6 KOs) is aiming to become a three-time World ruler and break Baumgardner’s heart once again, five years after a split decision win over eight rounds in Louisville. That win for the Greek preceded her claiming her first World title at Super-Lightweight against Kandi Wyatt in March 2019, having previously challenged Delfine Persoon for the World Lightweight title in June 2016. The 35 year old defended the crown against Deanha Hobbs in June 2019 in Athens, before Katie Taylor took the title in Manchester, England in November 2019. Linardatou reclaimed the vacant title three months later against Prisca Vicot in Indiana and returned to action in July with a six round win in Greece.

“It was a blessing to be able to fight overseas in front of an international audience to unify titles; and then to finally become undisputed in my home country at MSG, was so amazing!” said Baumgardner. “But to come back home to the Midwest, where I grew up, where I learned how to work, where my life was shaped, where my faith was forged, and then to headline in my adopted home of Detroit for my first undisputed title defense; I am truly realizing a dream come true.

“In one of the world’s most storied cities for boxing, I get to put on show and show out in front of the people who’ve supported me and know me best. I get to thank the region that helped make me who I am. I get to show the world that a little girl from Fremont, came back home as the Undisputed Champion of the World, and let all those other midwestern little girls like me know that they can reach any dream they can imagine.”

“I think it’s going to be a great fight with me and Alycia,” said Linardatou. “It’s going to be much better than the first one. She has shown signs of improvement, but I have a new purpose to fight for – my son.

“And as much as she improved with her skills, her ego and head has grown with it. She does a lot of things for social media and to get attention. I’m doing this for the legacy of my son. See you July 15, chump – I mean champ.”

A stacked undercard in support of Baumgardner’s homecoming sees fireworks guaranteed as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash for Hitchin’s IBF North American and USWBC Super-Lightweight titles.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is rising up the rankings at 140lbs and boxes for the third time in eight months since joining forces with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. The Brooklyn man was punch-perfect in his last outing, dominating John Bauza over ten rounds in New York in February, following a eighth round stoppage win over Yomar Alamo in Cleveland in November.

Love (18-1-1 9 KOs) headlined on that night in his Cleveland hometown against Steve Spark in a fight that ended in controversial circumstances, as a tangle on the rope appeared to end in Love lifting Spark over the ropes, leading to a disqualification. Love now seeks to get back into contention to meet the contenders and champions at 140lbs, and while no greater incentive is needed, Hitchins and Love clashed at the press conference in Cleveland and there’s no love lost between the pair leading up to this high-stakes battle.

“It’s done – finally,” said Hitchins. “This is the fight I have been wanting since I signed with Matchroom and finally we’ve got him.

“To say there is bad blood between us is an understatement. This is personal for me. I genuinely cannot stand the guy and come July 15; he’s going to feel all that anger come out. This is my time. This is going to be a showcase performance for me and put me in line for a World title.

“He isn’t on my level. He doesn’t belong in the ring with me. I’m giving him this opportunity for no other reason than that I want to smash him to pieces.”

“I’m gonna give you this ass whoopin’ you been asking for,” said Love. “This is just the fight I need to get back into the mix, and when I deal with him, I’ll be back on track for World titles.”

Fresh from signing a promotional deal with Hearn and Matchroom, Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz will make his pro debut on the bill over ten rounds at Lightweight against Juan Carlos Burgos.

Cruz struck gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in the Lightweight division against Keyshawn Davis in the delayed games in August 2021 and added an incredible third straight AIBA World Championship gold at Light-Welterweight in Serbia three months later, putting that medal next to those he landed at the World Championships in Germany and Russia in 2017 and 2019.

The 27 year old is wasting no time in getting into the groove in the paid ranks, and does so against the experienced Burgos (35-7-3 21 KOs) who took Davis the eight round distance in his last outing in December and drew over ten rounds with highly ranked Lightweight Angel Fierro last March.

“I’m pumped and ready,” said Cruz. “Everything I wanted is about to become a reality. Now, it is time for me to show the world what I am made of. I want to give my fans the best of me, and I’m ready to do in pro boxing the same I did in the amateurs, be the best in the World!”

“What a night this is going to be – and I am so thrilled for Alycia,” said Hearn. “It’s poetic that we have announced this card just before Katie Taylor finally gets her homecoming in Dublin tonight, as great champions deserve to fight in front of their hometown fans and that’s exactly what Alycia gets on July 15 – with the added spice of being able to right the only loss on her record, I’ve no doubt ‘The Bomb’ is going to produce something special in Detroit.

“To say Richardson and Montana do not like each other is an understatement, and they finally get the chance to get their hands on each other in the ring. The build-up will be ferocious, and will come to the boil on fight night, but cool heads will be needed when they step through the ropes as this is a vital clash in the 140lbs division.

“And last but by no means least, welcome to the paid ranks, Andy Cruz. Fans who get their hands on a ticket for this brilliant night of action will witness the first steps of a fighter I believe will win World titles at multiple weights and walk into the hall of fame – but every journey starts with a single step, and Juan Carlos is a tough Mexican that’s never been stopped and has mixed in great company, it’s a great test on what will be the first of many epic nights for Andy in the pro game.”

An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.

VIDEO: Alycia Baumgardner Post Fight Press Conference after Defeated Elem Mekhaled for Undisputed Title

AUDIO: Tony Harrison Emotional After Alycia Baumgardner Undisputed Title win

VIDEO: Tony Harrison Emotional After Alycia Baumgardner Undisputed Title win

Serrano Decisions Cruz to Become Undisputed Featherweight champion; Katie Taylor Rematch on May 20th

NEW YORK–In a war, Amanda Serrano became the undisputed featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at The Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden

The two fighters stood toe to toe with Cruz having early success as she dug her feet in and came forward throwing and landing punches in bunches from all angles. That seemed to befuddle Serrano, who was getting hit cleanly by oncoming shots from Cruz. In round three, Cruz was cut on her forehead from an accidental headbutt. That coincided with Serrano’s foray back inro the fight as she seemed to have a better grasp on how to handle the unorthodox style of Cruz.

In round six, Serrano her Cruz badly with an left and right hook on the inside. There were instances that looked like Cruz was done, but she kept coming forward throwing punches in bunches. Serrano was able to stem the tide and fough through a cut around her right eye in a furious 10th and final round.

The two fighters threw a staggering amount of punches for the 20 minute war as Serrano was 257 of 949. Cruz 202 of 968.

Serrano, 125.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 44-2-1. Cruz, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City fought valiantly in defeat and is now 15-2.

With the win, it paves the way for a much anticipated rematch between Serrano and Katie Taylor that was announced for May 20th.

Amanda Serrano

I’m just so emotional underneath. I finally did it for my island.
She’s a Mexican champion and we knew that from the start. I knew it was going to be a bout and this what what I’ve trained for. We didn’t expect anything less than that.
I’m glad it went past the fourth!
Jordan kept screaming 1-2-1-2’s from the corner – go back to the basics. My left hand was catching her pretty clear with the jabs. So I just listen to my corner.
I have successfully completed all of my dreams, becoming the undisputed champion. So now I am one of THE undisputed champions but I am still the ONLY 7 weigh class world champions in the world.
It’s going to be a bigger and better fight over there (Ireland)

Katie Taylor

I was cheering her on. I wanted this fight. Undisputed vs. undisputed champion. The last fight was an epic fight and I think the next one is going to be exactly the same.
It’s going to be great in Ireland fighting the real deal, Amanda Serrano. This is incredible and the last fight was epic so I expect nothing less from the next one.
This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing and I only want to do the biggest fights. This is exactly what I want.

Baumgardner Decisions Mekhaled to Win Undisputed Junior Lightweight Champion

Alycia Baumgardner became to Undisputed Junior Lightweight champion with an emphatic 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled.

In round three, Baumgardner landed a big chopping right that put Mekhaled on the canvas. With Mekhaled hurt, Baumgardner jumped on Mekhaled and sent her to the canvas for a second time in the round from a huge flurry of punches.

Mekhaled was hurt several times down the stretch, but she showed tremendous resolve as she was able to land some flush punches. In the 10th round, both boxers had moments and also there were several furious exchanges.

Baumgardner landed 141 of 542 punches; Mekhaled was 96 of 404.

Baumgardner, 129 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-89 twice and 98-90 and is now 14-1. Mekhaled, 129 lbs of Paris, FRA is 15-2.

Hitchins Decisions Bauza

Richardson Hitchins settled his grudge with John Bauza y winning a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision on their junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Hitchins landed a inside left that had Bauza hit the canvas, which was ruled a knockdown. In round four, Hitchins landed a hard straight right that put Bauza down for a clean knockdown. In round five, the right eye of Bauza began to swell up.

With his face a mess and getting beat up, Bauza landed a hard left that briefly stopped Hitchins in his tracks, but Hitchins rebounded to landed three flush shots to face of Bauza.

Hitchins, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bauza, 139 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 17-1.

Yankiel Rivera Decisions Fernando Diaz

Yankiel Rivera remained undefeated by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Diaz in a flyweight fight.

Rivera, 112.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 3-0. Diaz, 111.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is 11-3-1.

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tania Alvarez in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 126.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 124.8 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 7-1.

In a battle of previously undefeated super bantamweights, Ramla Ali took a 10-round unanimous decision from Avril Mathie.

Ali, 121.4 lbs of London won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 8-0. Mathie, 121.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 8-1-1.

Shadasia Green was impressive in stopping former world champion Elin Cederroos in round six of their scheduled 10[round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Green dropped Cederroos with a perfect overhand right to the jaw.

In round six, Green landed three more booming right hands to the head that had Cederroos wobbling across the ring. Green landed three more flush shots in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:08.

Green, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 12-0 with 11 knockoouts. Cederroos,167.4 lbs of Sweden is 8-2.

In a bloody battle, Harley Maderos stopped Julio Madera in the sixth and final round of their lightweight bout.

Maderos battered Madera until his face got more swollen with each round. Maderos showed a bloody mouth in round five. In round six, Maderos landed a hard combination that forced referee Eric Dali to the contest at 25 seconds.

Maderos, 134.2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Madera,133.5 lbs of Mexico City is 4-3.

Aaron Aponte remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joshua David Rivera in a junior welterweight clash.

Aponte, 136.8 lbs of Hialeah Gardens, FL won by scores on all cards and is now 7-0-1. Rivera, 138.8 lbs of La Mesa, CA is 8-2.

WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND IMAGES FOR SERRANO VS. CRUZ/BAUMGARDNER VS. MEKHALED

First bell at 4.30pm ET

8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Aaron Aponte 138.6lbs vs. Joshua David Rivera 138.8lbs
(Hialeah Gardens, Florida)         (La Mesa, California)

Followed by

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
Harley Mederos 134.2lbs vs. Julio Madera 133.6lbs
(Brooklyn, New York)    (Mexico City, Mexico)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC Silver and WBA Continental Super-Middleweight titles
Shadasia Green 167.2lbs           vs.        Elin Cederroos 167.4lbs
(Paterson, New Jersey)                          (Vasteraas, Sweden)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight title
Ramla Ali 121.4lbs vs. Avril Mathie 121.4lbs
(London, United Kingdom) (Sydney, Australia)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC Silver Bantamweight title
Skye Nicolson 125.6lbs vs. Tania Alvarez 124.8lbs
(Yatala, Queensland, Australia)  (Barcelona, Spain)

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 8PM

8 x 3 mins Flyweight contest
Yankiel Rivera 112.4lbs vs.        Fernando Diaz 111.8lbs
(Bayamon, Puerto Rico) (Riverside, California)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF North American Super-Lightweight title
Richardson Hitchins 139.6lbs vs. John Bauza 139lbs
(Brooklyn, New York)    (North Bergen, New Jersey)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship
Alycia Baumgardner 129lbs vs. Elhem Mekhaled 129lbs
(Detroit, Michigan)        (Paris, France)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed World Featherweight championship
Amanda Serrano 125.4lbs vs. Erika Cruz 125.4lbs
(Brooklyn, New York)    (Mexico City, Mexico)

BAUMGARDNER: I’LL SHOW I’M ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Alycia Baumgardner is in the form of her life and knows one more win will cement her spot as one of the best fighters on the planet as she meets Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed Super-Featherweight crown on Saturday night at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, live worldwide on DAZN.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COMBaumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) has been on an incredible run of victories since landing one of the knockouts of the year in 2021 when she stunned IBF champion Terri Harper with a sledgehammer left hook to land the WBC and IBO titles in Sheffield, England in November.

The Detroit star defended her title in the UK in April with a shutout win over Melissa Esquivel in Manchester, to line-up her first unification bout against American rival Mikaela Mayer.

London was calling for that showdown and while a bitter build-up sizzled without boiling over, Baumgardner kept her cool on the October fight night, putting in a career-best performance to add Mayer’s WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts to her own straps.

Baumgardner’s rise gives her legitimate cause to claim to be a top pound-for-pound star in the sport alongside Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano, and she is proud of the hard work it’s taken to get to this spot.

“Undisputed is one of those things that’s easy to say but hard to achieve,” said Baumgardner. “With hard work and dedication, you can do it, but it’s tough. You are facing the best of the best back-to-back, and that’s the journey that I am on. I am making my mark, leaving my footprint on the sport.

“I don’t care how she got the opportunity, but she’s in with a dog and I hope she knows that. I am ready to knock this girl out. I’m going to really hurt her; I have a lot of pent-up aggression and she’s going to know what it’s like to fight the best. It’s not personal, it’s my mentality and she will feel the power in both hands, and she’ll think, ‘damn, I am in with a beast’.

“If you fight me, you think you can beat me and are better than me. You don’t know me. You might see a smile on a pretty girl, but don’t get it twisted, I got the dog in me and the same hunger I had when I was eight and you cannot take anything away from me. I hustled to get here, and you aren’t taking it away from me.

“Elhem is hungry. She’s wanted the World title fight for a long time, and that’s great. I know my assignment though and I will put her down. Nothing changes that it’s her, it’s a challenge, she wants it, I want it.

“We only have two minutes, don’t give anything away and make a statement every round. I believe Elhem will come forward and I will be the sharper fighter and showing my experience, setting her up. She’s wild, her defense is a bit sloppy, so she’s going to take a punch, but can she take my punch? I don’t know, I have a different type of power, but we’ll see. It’s a KO, for sure, I can feel it. I visualize a lot and I am in the ring, I KO her, and my hand is raised, and I’ve got all the belts.”

The Mayer fight was huge for both fighters, coming on an all-female bill in the English capital, alongside Shields taking on her Brit foe Savannah Marshall.

A spicy build-up whet the appetite for the fight with Mayer, but unlike some fights that have explosive lead-ins that fizzle out, Baumgarder and Mayer served up a fight of the year contender – and that made victory all the more sweeter.

“It was awesome,” said Baumgardner. “A great build-up, I loved the animosity we had, I was fighting someone that I had been watching for a long time in the amateurs, and now as a pro I was in a unification with her. I know I won that fight, you don’t like it? Argue with the judges, they got it right.

“She is delusional and so salty. When you have everything and you are the star, and you lose it all on one night, and lose it to little ol’ AB, it hurts, stings. I just believe she got beat by one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m the best in the world. No-one stops me but me. I took an early loss, brushed it off, learned from it and grew. I went to England as an underdog against Harper and Mayer and proved everyone wrong. I am here for a reason, I speak truth to power, and I know I will go down as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.

“The belts are cool but why am I really here? It’s because I like to fight. I like the battle. I like it when someone thinks that they can beat me. You can hit harder than me? OK take this. You hit me with a shot? Cool – boom, boom, here’s my shots. I like that. I love to prove to myself that ‘you can do anything AB, no-one can beat you but you’.

“I have a loss too – who cares? I picked myself up, moved forward and now look. I became World champion and beat ‘the best’ in Mayer and made it easy work. If we run it back again, I would really dog her, know that now. Now I know I have you, next time, your career might be finished, because you keep playing with me, and I don’t like that.”

Baumgardner’s clash with Mekhaled is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Amanda Serrano returns to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Erika Cruz.

Brooklyn ace Richardson Hitchins makes a long-awaited return to action in New York as he defends his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against New Jersey’s John Bauza.

There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.

Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

YANKIEL RIVERA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

Puerto Rican amateur star Yankiel Rivera has signed a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom – and will fight for the third time in the paid ranks on the undercard of the undisputed double-header with Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz and Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elhem Mekhaled on Saturday February 4 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.A

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) turned pro in Barranquilla, Colombia in September with a first round KO win and quickly made it two wins inside the distance with a third round KO in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico in November.

The 25 year old, campaigning at Flyweight, was Puerto Rico’s sole representative at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, just one stand out moment from an amateur career that boasted a record of 133-14, winning a host of medals and twice fighting at the World Championships.

‘El Doctorcito’ will be looking to make it three KOs in three on February 4 when he takes on Fernando Diaz(11-2-1 3 KOs) over eight rounds, and he’s looking to impress and show that his plans to move at pace are real.

“Today is a date I will never forget,” said Rivera. “Although this is not my ultimate goal in the sport, signing with Matchroom constitutes a landmark in my career and a dream come true. I am humbled and excited to now be part of this great team, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Matchroom.

“This is the best motivation to keep working hard and keep learning. I am ready to deliver. To my people in New York, I will see you on February 4 and I promise you a great performance.”

“I am delighted to welcome Yankiel to the team,” said Hearn. “The amateur pedigree speaks for itself, and he’s made a great start to life in the pro game. The brilliant Puerto Rico fight fans in New York will already be out in force to see Amanda Serrano, and Yankiel will become an instant hit with them.

“We have been tracking him for some time and he was set to fight in Puerto Rico on February 11, but the chance arose to land him on this blockbuster card in the Big Apple and I am thrilled to be able to give this huge talent such a great platform in his first fight with Matchroom.”

“Yankiel’s signing with Matchroom constitutes the culmination of a process that started months ago,” said Miguel Ortega, Rivera’s Legal Advisor. “It also marks the beginning of something special. We are confident that Yankiel’s talent and work ethic will take him all the way to the World championship. We are equally confident that Matchroom is the perfect promoter to take Yankiel to such heights.

“Matchroom has the big names in Yankiel’s current and potential divisions, and we are ready for all of them. We thank Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, as well as Mr. Peter Kahn from FGA, for this great opportunity. We look forward to February 4th at the MSG for a great show!”

“It is very exciting to see Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing getting behind Yankiel Rivera,” said Peter Kahn, Rivera’s manager and 2022 BWAA Manager of the Year. “Matchroom understands the rich boxing history of Puerto Rico and the importance of having an Olympian like Yankiel on the roster including fighting in one of the most exciting and competitive weight divisions in boxing right now.

“There is no better place for Yankiel to be making his Matchroom debut than Madison Square Garden where the fans will proudly be waiving the Puerto Rican flag.”

Rivera is the final star on display on February 4 and joins Shadasia Green in completing the card. Green (11-0 10 KOs) will defend her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos in an eliminator for the WBC World title held by undisputed champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who landed the titles at Madison Square Garden in April against former WBA and IBF champion Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs).

It’s another historic night of action from Matchroom in New York, as we follow the epic fight of the year clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in April with another double-header of undisputed action.

Serrano moves to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Cruz. Baumgardner recorded the best win of her career to date when she added the IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts held by bitter rival Mikaela Mayer in October in London via split decision to her WBC and IBO straps. The vacant WBA belt is the last piece of the puzzle, and French former interim WBC champion Mekhaled will look to spoil the Detroit star’s plans in her first fight in the States.

Richardson Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) takes on New Jersey’s John Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles, there’s two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

SERRANO-CRUZ AND BAUMGARDNER-MEKHALED STAR IN UNDISPUTED DOUBLE-HEADER ON FEB 4 IN NEW YORK

Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND GO ON PRESALE TOMORROW (JAN 4) AT 12NOON ET AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 12NOON ET ON THURSDAY (JAN 5) AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda’s focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It’s time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line!

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process.

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this.

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap.

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4.

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK – but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds.

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

Shields Decisions Marshall; Becomes Undisputed Middleweight champion

Claressa Shields became the undisputed middleweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision over amateur rival Savannah Marshall at The O2 Arena in London.

It was a fast paced fight that saw Shields land some fast combination. Marshall got into the fight and was able to pick up a few rounds and get the better of the action.

Shields landed 175 of 480 punches; Marshall landed 136 of 397.

Shields avenged her amateur defeat by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 13-0. Marshall is 12-1.

Baumgardner Decisions Mayer; Unifies 130 lb. Titles

Alycia Baumgardner added the IBF and WBO junior lightweight titles to her WBC belt with a 10-round split decision over Mikaela Mayer.

It was a tactical fight that had pockets of good action, Baumgardner controlled the early rounds by landing some good counter right hands. Mayer started to pick up the action in the middle rounds as she landed punches behind her pressure. In round seven, Mayer was cut over her right eye.

Baumgardner closed the show with solid punching in rounds nine and 10.

Baumgardner landed 116 of 335 punches; Mayer was 104 of 361.

Baumgardner of Detroit, MI won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 and is now 13-1. Mayer, who took a card 97-93, is now 17-1.

Caroline DuBois stopped Milena Koleva in round five of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, DuBois dropped Koleva with a right hand. In round five, DuBois hurt Koleva with a hard right and and a follow up flurry pounded a limp Koleva on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:53.

DuBois of London is 4-0 with three knockouts. Koleva is 10-15-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Marina Sakhorov in a featherweight bout.

Artingstall of England won by a 60-54 referee score and is now 2-0. Sakhorov is 5-17-2.

Press Conference Notes: Shields-Marshall & Mayer-Baumgardner Rivalries Come to a Head This Saturday

LONDON (October 13, 2022) – There’s unfinished business in the world of women’s boxing, and it will finally be settled in a historic doubleheader this Saturday at The O2 Arena.

In the main event, two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields, the WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion, will face longtime rival and WBO titleholder Savannah Marshall. In the co-feature, WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner will clash in a junior lightweight title unification fight.

Shields-Marshall and Mayer-Baumgardner will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on ESPN+.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

• Claressa Shields

“When you work hard and you put in extra work—that’s what builds confidence. People have fake confidence when they don’t work hard and just show up to sell the fight. But I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I’m going to do on Saturday night.”

“Of course, we’ve got to talk about her punching power. She’s going to try to come out there and land a big shot. She may want to fight on the inside or on the outside. But she just wants to be able to touch me and land. That’s really all I see. But it’s a boxing match. I may get hit in there, but if she thinks she won’t get hit, then she’s mistaken. If she thinks she is a better boxer than me, she’s mistaken. But we’re going to let her think whatever she wants to think and do whatever she wants to do because I’m going to adapt and do whatever I have to do to win and make the fight easy.”

“I’m not worried about Savannah Marshall. I came over here. I’m a star in America. Don’t get it twisted. I didn’t have to come over here. Nobody was ever running from her. Nobody was ever scared to come over here and fight her. We said, ‘Let’s do it.’ And you better punch as hard as you say you can. Because if you don’t have any punching power, it’s going to be a hard night for you.”

• Savannah Marshall

“I think she will come up short. I believe I’m a better boxer than Claressa. I believe I have always been. I cannot wait. Saturday couldn’t come quick enough. We had a 12-week camp and a five-week pushback. I’m just itching to get in there now.”

“She can try to knock me out. But if you’ve got it, then you’ve got it. If you haven’t got it, then you haven’t. It is what it is. Why is it hard for you to knock someone out? If you land on someone, then you hurt them. If you land on them and you’ve got pillow fists, then they’re not going to go anywhere.”

“There’s nothing left to say. I can’t wait for Saturday. Let’s get it on.”

• Mikaela Mayer

“This is huge for me. I’ve said that I wanted to become undisputed. There’s a reason why I’ve called out Alycia and why I’ve called out all the champions. I think that I have been pushing for the biggest fights possible. But honestly, I don’t think you could have put a card like this five years ago. It’s really shown how far women’s boxing has come.”

“Everything has been very strategic. That’s how I’ve been trained by Coach Al. We go in there with a cool head and execute what we’ve been working on in the gym. He hates all this. He’s sitting here shaking his head at this whole thing. He wants to get to the gym. We have to go to the gym after this, and that’s what he’s focused on. My team keeps me cool. The keep me calm and focused on the goal.”

“I’m expecting to deliver the performance of my life. Contrary to what she’s saying, I am constantly getting better. I still don’t even feel like I’ve hit my peak. I want to put it all together in this fight. I want to embarrass her. I want to make her sound stupid because she said a lot leading up to this fight.”

• Alycia Baumgardner

“This fight is amazing for women’s boxing. This is what we’ve been waiting to have. The entertainment is at an all-time high. This is what is building the sport. This is what is building the sport of women’s boxing. And now you have two women who don’t care for each other and who are ready to bang it out Saturday night.”

“My confidence is triggered by her. As I mentioned before, everyone who has fought her has come to fight her and go back home. She has a fighter in front of her who is willing to fight her, who is telling her what it is, that I will beat her, that I will break her jaw. Whatever it is, I am in her face. She does not like it. So, this is confidence that we are dealing with. It’s not really an anger standpoint. I’m a competitor at heart. I’ve been doing this since I was an eight-year-old girl. I’m excited to be at this stage and to be in a unification fight this Saturday night.”

“There’s no respect. At the end of the day, this is the fight game. This girl is trying to beat me. I’m trying to beat here. I have great sportsmanship, but I don’t respect her. She talks too much. And when somebody talks too much, you’ve got to shut them up, and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday night.”

• Todd duBoef

“The 2012 Olympics in London did something for women’s boxing here. It was amazing. It rose way above the rest of the world. To come back here and extend that, and then bring the U.S. stars here—that’s going to elevate the whole sport globally.”

“They’re both pros, and they want to get Saturday night on. They wanted to fight. And I think they are able to communicate really well that there’s bitterness. And it’s real. And that’s what this sport is. It’s real.”

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