ORLANDO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 7, 2026 – Today at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Australia’s first-ever undisputed world champion in the four-belt era Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) and MVP and Denmark’s former unified champion and Boxrec’s #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world  Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) stepped on the scales ahead of their highly anticipated undisputed bantamweight title clash, airing live on ESPN and the ESPN App on Saturday, August 8.

Fighters on the main and preliminary cards participated in the weigh-in, including co-main event fighters MVP and Australia’s unified IBF and WBO middleweight world champion Desley Robinson (12-3, 4 KOs) and MVP’s #1 WBA, IBF, WBO and #2 WBC contender, 2x Canadian Olympian, and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs). Additional fighters included MVP’s Shurretta Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs), MVP’s Amanda Galle (12-1-1, 1 KO), MVP’s Krystal Rosado (9-1, 2 KOs), Alondra Hernandez (10-2, 2 KOs), MVP’s Jan Paul Rivera (15-0, 7 KOs), Ruben Garcia (25-7-2, 11 KOs), Dainier Pero (13-0, 10 KOs), Aleem Whitfield (10-1, 6 KOs), MVP’s Sa’Rai Brown-El (1-0), Sheyla Moreno (5-0-1, 1 KO), Angelo Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), Jose Fernandez (2-1, 1 KO), Sebastian Juarez (11-0, 8 KOs), Rance Ward (9-6-1, 2 KOs), Jadden Addison (2-0, 1 KO), and Dionne Ruvalcaba (2-2, 1 KO). 

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

MAIN CARD – 10:00 PM ET

Undisputed Bantamweight Championship (118 lbs)

Cherneka Johnson vs. Dina Thorslund

117.0 | 117.6

Gold Coast, Australia via Tauranga, New Zealand | Struer, Denmark

WBO/IBF Middleweight World Titles & Vacant Ring Magazine Middleweight Championship (160 lbs)

Desley Robinson vs. Tamm Thibeault 

159.0 | 159.4 

Logan City, Australia | Shawinigan, Quebec

Junior Bantamweight Bout (115 lbs)

Shurretta Metcalf vs. Amanda Galle

114.8 | 114.8

Dallas, Texas | Mississauga, Ontario

Bantamweight Bout (118 lbs)

Krystal Rosado vs. Alondra Hernandez

117.6 | 117.4

Carolina, Puerto Rico | Mexico City, Mexico

PRELIMINARY CARD – 6:30 PM ET

Junior Lightweight Bout (132 lbs)

Jan Paul Rivera vs. Ruben Garcia

131.6 | 132.2

Salinas, Puerto Rico | Mexico City, Mexico

Heavyweight Bout

Dainier Pero vs. Aleem Whitfield

232.8 | 233.8

Orlando, Florida via Camagüey, Cuba | Geneva, New York

Junior Flyweight Bout (108 lbs)

Sa’Rai Brown-El vs. Sheyla Moreno

107.8 | 106.8

Marietta, Georgia | Hermosillo, Mexico

Featherweight Bout (126 lbs)

Angelo Hernandez vs. Jose Fernandez

125.4 | 125.2

Brandon, Florida | Caracas, Venezuela

Middleweight Bout (160 lbs)

Sebastian Juarez vs. Rance Ward

157.6 | 157.4

Brownsville, Texas | Houma, Louisiana

Lightweight Bout (135 lbs)

Jadden Addison vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba

136.0 | 133.8

Tampa, Florida | Brownsville, Texas

On Saturday, August 8, MVPW-05 will stream live from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, with the preliminary card beginning at 6:30pm ET followed by the main card at 10:00pm ET. Tickets for MVPW-05 are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com. 

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

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.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 9, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) MVPW-05 took place on Saturday, August 8, at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, delivering a historic night of championship boxing live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Headlined by MVP and Denmark’s undefeated Dina Thorslund (25-0, 9 KOs), who claimed undisputed bantamweight champion status with a dominant unanimous decision victory (100-90 x3) over MVP and Australia’s Cherneka Johnson (19-3, 8 KOs), the event also saw MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault (5-0, 3 KOs) make history with a unanimous decision victory (100-90 x3) over MVP’s Desley Robinson (12-4, 4 KOs) to become the unified WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion in just her fifth professional fight. With the victory, Thibeault became the fastest professional boxer in history to win a Ring Magazine world title, surpassing Lauren Price’s previous record of seven professional fights. Thorslund and Thibeault were each recognized for their dominant championship performances, splitting MVP’s $20,000 Performance of the Night bonus presented by Caribe Royale Resort. The card also featured MVP’s Amanda Galle (13-1-1, 1 KO), who earned a commanding unanimous decision victory (78-74, 80-72 x2) over fellow MVP fighter and former IBF bantamweight world champion Shurretta Metcalf (15-6-1, 2 KOs) in Galle’s first outing at 115 lbs.

At the press conference following the fights, Thorslund, Thibeault, Galle, and MVP’s Head of Boxing Mike Leanardi reflected on a legendary night of victories and performances at MVPW-05. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

MIKE LEANARDI QUOTES

On Thibeault becoming unified WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion in her fifth professional fight:

It’s not a surprise to me that she was able to do this in her [fifth] fight. Honestly, I think Tamm [Thibeault] probably could have won a world title in her first or second fight depending on the opponent. Obviously there’s a maturation process getting there. 

On Thibeault’s road to becoming unified:

She [Tamm Thibeault] was supposed to fight in April, as you know. Her opponent had a visa issue. So, it would have been one more fight than this, but still, she’s the real deal. She’s a special fighter.

DINA THORSLUND QUOTES

On her journey to becoming undisputed:

I had a miscarriage. I had to give up my titles. Now I have a friend in the hospital. I have a son who didn’t want to be with me because I’m hangry. So, it’s been a lot. It really has. But when you’re standing here, it’s all coming together and has been worth it. 

On collecting belts:

I have been collecting belts for many years. I’m undefeated as well and have been world champion for seven years, but everyone has been avoiding me. So it’s been difficult to collect them all.

On accomplishing her dream:

I love the sport. I’ve been here for so many years, and I worked my ass off to get here. This has been the dream all the way. 

On what her win means to her:

Every belt has been satisfying, and when I was unified as well, but because of this whole year, this has just been the greatest satisfaction. It’s the past year looking back that’s made it so much bigger than the other things. Especially with Raven [Chapman], it’s more than boxing. It’s honoring a friend and honoring the connection we have and the work we did together. 

On showing her improvement since her last fight vs. Almudena Alvarez in January 2026:

I really wanted to show I’m back at the top level because my last fight, my comeback fight in January, wasn’t good. Like it wasn’t me, and I felt that something was wrong. 

On thanking her supporters:

Thank you, and it’s been an amazing evening. I just hope everyone enjoyed the fight because Cherneka [Johnson] brought the fire and I brought the fireworks, as I said. It was just amazing being up there.

On feeling relieved:

It was just overwhelming relief that everything has been worth it. The work I did, the energy I put into it, and the sacrifices I made,

On being signed to MVP:

MVP has been good to me all the way and treated me well. It’s been an amazing journey, even just seeing from the outside when I was not fighting. 

TAMM THIBEAULT QUOTES

On if she thought she’d become unified champion after five professional fights:

Most people don’t know this, but as women when we box, we’re told to get an education. We’re told to think of plan B. We’re told to think very quickly about a life after boxing, and this is just as an amateur because the opportunities aren’t there. But now that’s significantly different. So I didn’t think I’d be here this fast, but I’m very grateful. 

On her experience going into the bout:

I have a significant amount of boxing experience, and that counts for something. Also, me being the type of person I am, I don’t go into things unprepared.

On MVP’s impact on her career trajectory:

Do you know what’s crazy is that before MVP, women’s boxing was different. The opportunities and the visibility weren’t the same. So for me, Olympic boxing was it because that’s where I thought the prestige was. Since I’ve been on the platform with MVP, it’s kind of allowed me to have new dreams. So to answer your question, no, I didn’t think it would happen this quick. I didn’t think that this was possible. It’s only possible because we have MVP here putting us on a platform and allowing us to dream big.

On being headbutted during the bout:

I’ve been headbutted before, but this one kind of sucked. It was a lot of blood, and I was like, “Oh, well, suck it up, girl.” 

On if Claressa Shield might be next for her:

What’s next for me is to go home, be with my animals, be with my other half. I think I’m going to get some rest, and I’m going to evaluate and see what’s next for me.

On inspiring the youth:

I hope that I can continue to inspire people and young women. I am very aware of the impact that I can have on little girls or little boys. That’s why I carry myself the way that I do. I want to make people proud, and I want people to see boxing as something that they could get into and something that’s attainable.

On her courageous nature:

I’m someone who is brave. I don’t do things and think, “Oh, yeah, it’s going to be easy.” I do things I’m thinking, “Oh my god, this is going to be so hard, but I’m going to do it anyway.” I think that’s what courage is. Just to step up to the plate and step up to the challenges even though it might seem a bit big and crazy sometimes.

On thanking her supporters:

First and foremost, I want to say thank you to everybody who’s helped me on this journey so far. For the people who are here, the people who weren’t here today, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did today without that support, and I am forever grateful.

AMANDA GALLE QUOTES

On her thoughts on her performance vs. Metcalf:

As soon as we got out of the ring, I said to my corner that it was my worst pro performance. 

On her thoughts on Metcalf’s fighting style:

She was an awkward dancing partner, and I was awkward as well. 

On advice from her corner:

My corner told me from the beginning that it doesn’t need to be pretty. Just get the job done. 

On why she decided to fight at 115 lbs:

I wanted to open up more doorways for myself to go after world title matches. By

kind of steering towards 115, I just hope that this is going to give me the opportunity to see whatever doorway opens and I’ll walk through it. This was a stepping stone, and I’m ready for whatever is next.

On her thoughts after fighting at 115 lbs: 

Watching every single thing that went into my system brought out the absolute best in me, and I really, really like this weight class.

On how she feels at 115 lbs:

I felt amazing. I definitely felt like the bigger, stronger fighter. You guys saw tonight the undisputed world champion. They’re big girls. I don’t hulk up and fuel up to get to that size. There’s strategy involved in boxing. One of them is sacrificing with the nutrition plan and staying away from pizza and pasta and all kinds of good stuff for weeks at a time.

On what’s next for her:

I’m going to do whatever MVP asks of me to achieve world title fights. I hope that is next and in the works. 

On if she’d do MMA:

I have been doing karate since I was 6 years old. I do have my fourth-degree black belt. I do have a blue belt in jiu-jitsu. I can kick. I can punch. I can work the ground game. I would need to put a little bit more time in that. I’m open if the money was right, but it’s something I could foresee in the future, not at this moment, because my calling and my road right now is undisputed in the boxing world.

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.

Dina Thorslund won the Undisputed Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson at The Caribe Royale Resorr in Orlando, Florida.

In round nine, Johnson was bleeding from her nose.

Thorslund laned 150 of 558 punches. Johnson was 89 of 404.

Thorslund, 117.6 lbs of Denmaek won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 25-0. Johnson, 117 lbs of Australia is 19-3.

Thibeault Decisions Robinson to win Unified Middleweight Titles

Tamm Thibeault won the IBF/WBO Middleweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Desley Robinson

In round five, Thibeault was bleeding from the nose.

Thibeault landed 117 of 287 punches. Robinson was 37 of 332.

Thibeault, 159.4 lbs of Shawingan, QUE, CAN won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 5-0. Robinson, 159 lbs of Logan City, AUS is 12-4.

Galle Decisions Metcalf

Amanda Galle won an eight-round unanimous decision over former world champion Shurretta Metcalf in a super flyweight bout.

Galle landed 126 of 385 punches. Metcalf was 64 of 357.

Galle, 114.8 lbs of Mississauga, ONT, CAN won by scores of 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 13-1-1. Metcalf, 114.8 lbs of Dallas is

Rosado Decisions Hernandez

Krystal Rosado won an eight-round unanimous decision over Alondra Hernandez in a bantamweight bout.

Rosado landed landed 120 of 420 punches. Hernandez was 79 of 382,

Rosado, 117.6 lbs of Carolina, PR won an all cards by an 80-72 tally and is now 10-1. Hernandez, 117.4 lbs of Mexico City is 11-3.

Jan Paul Rivera won a eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Garcia in junior welterweight bout.

Rivera landed 141 of 517 pinches. Garcia was 80 of 432.

Rivera was by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 16-0. Garcia is 25-8-2.

Danier Pero remained undefeated with a third round stoppage of Aleem Whitfield in a 10-Garround heavyweight bout.

Pero battered Whitfield for the whole fight and the fight was stopped at 2:20,

Pero, 232.8 lbs of Orlando is now 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Whitfield, 233.8 lbs of Geneva, NY is 10-2.

Sa’Rai Brown-El won a six-round unanimous decision over Sheyla Moreno in a light flyweight bout.

In round five, Moreno was deducted a point for leading with her head.

Brown-El landed 52 of 239 punches. Moreno was 36 of 209.

Brown-El, 107.8 lbs of Marietta, GA won by scores of 60-53, 59-54 and 58-55 and is now 2-0. Moreno, 106.8 lbs of Hemosillo, MEX is 5-1-1.

Angelo Hernandez won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Fernandez in a featherweight bout.

Hernandez landed 28 of 165 punches. Fernandez was 18 of 106.

Hernandez, 125.4 lbs of Brandon, FL won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 2-0. Fernandez, 125.2 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 2-2.

Sebastian Juarez won a six-round unanimous decision over Rance Ward in a middleweight bout.

Juarez, 157.6 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 60-54 on a all cards and is now 12-0. Ward, 157.4 lbs of Houma, LA is 9-7-1.

Jadden Addison stopped Dionne Ruvalcaba in round one of their four-round lightweight bout

Seconds into round one, Addison dropped Ruvalcaba with a left hand. Addison continued the assault until the fight was stopped at 2:27.

Addison, 136 lbs of Tampa is 3-0 with two knockouts. Ruvalcaba, 133.8 lbs of Brownsville, TX is 2-3.

NEW YORK, NY – June 18, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that MVP’s and Australia’s unified IBF and WBO middleweight world champion Desley Robinson (12-3, 4 KOs) will make her next 10-round title defense against MVP’s #1 WBA, IBF, WBC and #2 WBO contender, 2x Canadian Olympian, and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) in the co-main event of MVPW-05 on Saturday, August 8 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Robinson joins fellow Australian champion Cherneka Johnson as co-headliner, as Thibeault, one of the fastest-rising boxers in history from pro debut to #1 contender, now readies for her first world title challenge in just her fifth professional fight. Also joining the main card, MVP and Dallas, Texas’s former world champion and current WBO, IBF, and WBA #4 contender Shurretta Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs) will face off with MVP and Ontario, Canada’s #7 IBF and #8 WBA contender Amanda Galle (12-1-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight battle at 115lbs. Metcalf and Galle each look to prove themselves as top contender in the new weight division following their recent challenges against Cherneka Johnson for the undisputed bantamweight title. The fifth installment of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing is headlined by MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) vs. MVP’s and Denmark’s former unified champion and Boxrec’s #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) in a potential Fight of the Year contender. MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female 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. Tickets for MVPW-05 are on sale today at 11am ET on Ticketmaster. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-05 must apply HERE.

Unified middleweight world champion Desley “Destroyer” Robinson has emerged as one of Australia’s top boxing talents. Originally stepping into the ring to improve her fitness, Robinson quickly proved she belonged at the elite level. Following over 50 amateur fights that saw her capture multiple Queensland and Australian titles, Robinson turned pro and earned her first title shot in just her seventh pro fight, resulting in a narrow majority decision loss against Lani Daniels in December 2023. Just one year later, Robinson rebounded in heroic fashion, fighting through a fractured foot to capture the vacant IBF female middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Kaye Scott in December 2024. She returned to the ring in April 2025 to unify the division, successfully defending her IBF belt and winning the vacant WBO title with a dominant performance against Chloe Chaos. Robinson, who fights out of Logan City, Queensland by way of Maranbah, Queensland, Australia, defeated challenger Logan Holler by second round TKO in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025, before returning with an emphatic win over Canada’s Mary Spencer on the main card of MVPW-03 live on ESPN in May 2026, earning the $20,000 Performance of the Night bonus for her outstanding victory. She is also a single mother of three children. 

“This is the best fight that can be made in the middleweight division right now,” said Desley Robinson. “Tamm Thibeault is a two-time Olympian, an amateur world champion, and the number one contender for a reason. I’ve been waiting for a challenge like this. The best should fight the best, and on Saturday August 8 I’ll be ready to defend my unified world titles live on ESPN.”

MVP’s standout Tamm Thibeault is currently the #1-ranked WBA, #1 IBF, #1 WBO, and #4 WBC 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 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. She currently lives in 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 both the IBF and WBA following the bout—one of the fastest-rising world title contenders in history. She most recently defeated Italy’s Christina Mazzotta by first-round TKO in September 2025.

“Saturday, August 8th can’t come soon enough. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, but more than anything, I feel ready. I’m so grateful to MVP for giving me this opportunity on my fifth fight to show what I’m truly capable of, and to become a unified world champion,” said Tamm Thibeault. “I’m preparing mentally and physically for a tough, experienced opponent, someone who knows what championship boxing looks like. I’m ready to go to war if that’s what it takes. This is not an opportunity I will let slip away.”

MVP’s Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs). Metcalf 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 and hard-working single mom. 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 Madison Square Garden with a unanimous decision against then-IBF champion Miyo Yoshida. Metcalf returned to MSG to compete for the undisputed bantamweight world title against Cherneka Johnson in the preliminary card headliner of MVP and Netflix’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s mega-event in July 2025 and most recently defeated fellow top 118lb contender Krystal Rosado on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025. 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.

“Champions don’t get built by taking easy fights. They get built by beating the best,” said Shurretta Metcalf. “Amanda Galle is a former world champion coming off the biggest fight of her career, and I respect what she brings to the ring. But I’ve already beaten undefeated fighters, world champions, and former world champions throughout my career, and after I beat her live on ESPN, the road to my second world title gets even clearer.”

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 earned a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15 in September 2025. Galle most recently contended for the undisputed bantamweight world title against Cherneka Johnson on Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day in December 2025 in a bloody war that went to the scorecards. 

“They say you’re only as good as your last fight,” said Amanda Galle. “Well, the last time I stepped into the ring on Jake vs. Joshua, I won Performance of the Night! I’m back, live on ESPN, to remind everyone why and ready to put the 115lb division on notice to watch out for Amanda Galle.”

“Desley Robinson vs. Tamm Thibeault is one of the most compelling championship fights that can be made anywhere in the sport today, matching a unified world champion with a two-time Olympian and amateur world champion who has accomplished something almost unheard of by rising to become the number one contender across multiple sanctioning bodies from just four professional fights,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “This is a true best-versus-best matchup between two world-class athletes in their prime. Shurretta Metcalf and Amanda Galle are both coming off challenges for the undisputed bantamweight championship and looking to prove they deserve another shot at a title, this time at 115lbs, adding another high-stakes matchup to the card. Combined with Cherneka Johnson vs. Dina Thorslund in the main event, MVPW-05 delivers three elite fights with major championship stakes and implications. MVP is continuing to build the premier home for the biggest fights in women’s boxing, live on ESPN on Saturday, August 8.”

MVPW-05 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.

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

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.

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. 

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.

NEW YORK, NY – May 28, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced MVPW-05, taking place live on ESPN and the ESPN App on Saturday, August 8 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The fifth installment of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing, will be headlined by MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) vs. MVP’s and Denmark’s former unified champion and Boxrec’s #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) in a potential Fight of the Year contender. Then-WBA champion Johnson stepped in after Thorslund vacated her former unified WBC and WBO belts and withdrew from MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 in July 2025 due to pregnancy. She now has the opportunity to dethrone Johnson as undisputed world champion, and they will meet in the ring to settle the score in a 10-round championship bout at 118lbs. MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female 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. Tickets for MVPW-05 go on sale Saturday, June 13 at 11am ET on Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-05 must apply HERE.

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 defended her undisputed title for the first time on Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day in December 2025 in a bloody war against Canadian Amanda Galle.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and for this fight to come together the way it has makes it even more exciting! Now is my time to show what I am truly capable of,” said Cherneka Johnson. “This is the fight I always knew would bring out the best version of me, and I plan to do exactly that — take my belts home, take her pound-for-pound ranking, and claim the bantamweight queen title.” 

MVP’s undefeated Dina Thorslund (24-0, 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 held the unified WBC and WBO bantamweight titles until June 2025, when she became pregnant. Due to her pregnancy, Thorslund voluntarily relinquished her WBO Championship which was approved by the WBO and she requested and received the approval of the WBC to be designated as Champion in Recess. The then-vacant unified belts were won by Cherneka Johnson. Upon her return to the ring, Thorslund stepped up to 126lbs to defeat Almudena Alvarez, becoming the WBC Interim featherweight champion, however, she felt there was still unfinished business at bantamweight. She now looks to extend her dominance in what will be her 12th world championship bout. She is currently ranked the #2 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world by Boxrec—ahead of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, and others—and also holds the #7 spot on Ring Magazine’s list.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight since I had to give up my two world titles due to an unexpected pregnancy. Sadly, I lost the baby, and with that I not only lost the family I had dreamed of, but also the titles I gave up for it. That experience has given me an even stronger hunger to come back and reclaim everything that was once mine,” said Dina Thorslund. “Cherneka Johnson needs to be at her absolute best against me, because I’m returning with a level of motivation I’ve never had before. And let’s not forget one important thing — I’m the only undefeated fighter between the two of us, and I still will be after this fight.”

“MVPW-05 features the latest superfight from MVP, uniting two of the best women’s boxers in the world, both of whom feel the 118lbs world titles are rightfully theirs,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Dina Thorslund is the #2 P4P in the world and has been waiting patiently for this opportunity since vacating her titles, and after just one fight back is an interim world champion again as she continues to define excellence in European boxing. Neekz delivered back-to-back statement performances in 2025 to become the first-ever undisputed champion in Australian boxing history in the four-belt era, male or female, and then reinforced her dominance with a commanding first successful title defense. Johnson vs. Thorslund is unequivocally a Fight of the Year contender from Caribe Royale Resort on Saturday, August 8, live on ESPN.”

“Caribe Royale is pleased to welcome back MVP and MVPW to Central Florida. We are proud to bring MVPW and ESPN to Caribe Royale as they lead a new revolution in women’s boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions and Managing Director of the Caribe Royale Resort. “Both our guests and locals alike are in store for a night of fireworks with multiple titles on the line. This event is just another example of our commitment to bringing world class entertainment and events to both our local residents and out of town visitors as well and who better to do it with than Jake, Nakisa, and the MVP team.”

MVPW-05 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

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 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.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that 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). The 10-round undisputed bout will headline the preliminary card 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. The undisputed 122lb super bantamweight world championship between MVP’s unified world champion Ellie Scotney and WBA champion Mayelli Flores has been postponed due to an injury sustained by Scotney during training. Both fighters and their teams remain committed to delivering this historic fight, and a new date will be confirmed shortly. Also on the preliminary card, MVP’s top contender Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-1, 16 KOs) will now face Justin “Stallion” Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs) over 8 rounds at 147lbs in the welterweight division. Griffin was formerly slated to face Cesar Francis, who also sustained an injury. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank on sale now on Ticketmaster.com

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 against Amanda Galle on Friday, November 14.

“I’m pumped to be back in the ring again before the end of the year! It’s been a while since I’ve been this active, and I’m loving it,” said Cherneka Johnson. “I can’t wait to be part of the massive Jake Paul vs Tank Davis card, show the improvements we’ve been working on, and bring my belts back home. Amanda Galle came up after my fight vs. Shurretta Metcalf in NYC, showed respect, and said she wants what I’ve got — can’t blame her, I’d be chasing all the belts too.”

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.

“I’ve put my time in! I’ve been hanging out in the coattails of these big names, working in silence, and I’ve earned a spot at the table,” said Amanda Galle. “The best promotion in the world has put me on their roster and I want a shot at the best out there. I’m the undisputed bantamweight champion. Canada knows it, the world’s about to!”

“Sugar Neekz Johnson is set to become Australia’s first-ever defending undisputed champion in the four-belt era, while Canada’s top 118lb contender Amanda Galle has the opportunity to make a global name for herself and become the first Canadian-born undisputed champion,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Even with the short notice, this will be a non-stop all action fight with both fighters ready to make a statement and go to war on Friday, November 14. We wish Ellie Scotney a speedy recovery and look forward to fully supporting her return soon as she continues her mission toward undisputed. Jake vs. Tank is a testament to fighters who are redefining limits and chasing greatness, and we look forward to making history together at the Kaseya Center, live only on Netflix.”

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,” said Avious Griffin. “New opponent, same outcome. See ya Friday, November 14.”

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.

“This is the kind of fight I’ve been working toward since day one,” said Justin Cardona. “Avious Griffin is a dangerous opponent with power, no doubt—but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve put in the work, I’ve got a world-class team behind me, and come November 14 in Miami, I’m going to show the world what ‘Stallion’ pressure looks like. I respect the challenge, but I didn’t come this far to stop now. I’m coming to win and win impressively.” 

Jake vs. Tank is the culmination of four years of callouts and a brewing rivalry between Jake Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined boxing promotion, and Gervonta “Tank” 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 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.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. 

The co-main event of Jake vs. Tank will feature MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs), who will make a unified WBO, WBA, 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. Baumgardner chose 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. Also on the main card will be 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 WBA world championship bout at 140lbs. 

Joining Johnson vs. Galle 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. 

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 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. 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

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.

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.

NEW YORK, NY– Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced today that unified bantamweight world champion and BoxRec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer, Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs), has officially withdrawn from her highly anticipated title unification bout against MVP’s IBF bantamweight world champion Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) to welcome her second child. MVP’s 30-year-old Danish star was scheduled to make her global debut on the undercard of Taylor vs. Serrano 3 on Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden. The mega-event will feature the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 21 world title belts contested across five fights on the card.

Replacing Thorslund in the world title bout will be MVP’s newest signee, reigning WBA bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs).  MVP and DiBella Entertainment, Inc., agreed to an arrangement, which allowed Johnson to enter into a multi-year promotional agreement with MVP. Born in Tauranga, New Zealand and fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia, Johnson is a two-weight world champion, currently the WBA bantamweight world champion and the former IBF super bantamweight world champion. She will face Metcalf in a 10-round world title showdown on the first-ever all-women’s professional boxing card at Madison Square Garden. This will be Johnson’s first bout in the United States and with a win on Friday, July 11th, she would become the first ever undisputed Australian champion in the four belt era.

Due to her pregnancy,Thorslund voluntarily relinquished her WBO Championship which was approved by the WBO and she requested and received the approval of the WBC to be designated as Champion in Recess. The now-vacant unified belts will remain on the line in addition to Johnson’s WBA and Metcalf’s IBF bantamweight titles, providing Johnson vs. Metcalf the opportunity to now battle for the undisputed crown at 118 lbs. on Friday, July 11. Upon her return to the ring Thorslund may request to be designated mandatory challenger to ensure she has the opportunity to challenge for the belts once she is ready.

“Life can be such a roller coaster, especially as a female boxer. I was really looking forward to this fight—the biggest moment of my career,” said Dina Thorslund. “Recently I found out I was pregnant, a curve I hadn’t expected, but a joyous one. Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad, as I SO wanted to stand in that ring and make history on Friday, July 11. But I’ll be back! The fire that MVP has lit in me only burns even stronger, and when I do step back in the ring, there will be another little person that I can fight for and be a role model for. I plan to show my child that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for it. Thank you to MVP, my sponsors, friends, family – your support and encouragement touches me deeply and only motivates me more. I hope all the boxers have a fantastic evening. I will be cheering from the sidelines, and I can only encourage the rest of the world to either take the trip to Madison Square Garden and experience the magic, or to tune in to watch history being made, live on Netflix.”

“It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden!” said Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson. “This feels like a true ‘pinch me’ moment, being part of an all-women’s card headlined by the incredible Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor. Not only will I be defending my title, but I’ll also become the undisputed champion! I’m truly looking forward to this next chapter—being part of Most Valuable Promotions, who are paving the way and shaping the future of women’s boxing. The magnitude of this moment isn’t lost on me, and I’m ready to rise to it.”

“I’m about to make history as the first undisputed bantamweight champion — and I’m doing it from Dallas, Texas,” said Shurretta Metcalf. “Nothing in my career has come easy, but every fight, every sacrifice led to this moment. I was built for this. My time is now, and I will rise and conquer. MVP is the best promoter in the game, and together, we’re making legacy happen. This isn’t just a fight — this is a statement.”

“We are thrilled for Dina on the new addition to her family and send her our heartfelt congratulations,” said MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul. “She’s a champion inside and outside the ring, and we fully support her decision to step away at this time. At MVP, our athletes are family, and there will always be a place for Dina on our roster whenever she’s ready to return. In the meantime, we’re excited to welcome Australia’s own Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson to MVP as she steps in to face Shurretta Metcalf for the title of Undisputed with every belt in the 118 lbs. division on the line. All of Australia should be tuning in to see if Neekz can become the first Aussie Undisputed champion, male or female, in the four-belt era of boxing. Thank you to the WBO and WBC for their stewardship in this process. Taylor vs. Serrano 3 represents fighters from Ireland, Puerto Rico, US, UK, Australia, Canada, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, and will see the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, with 9 current world champions competing for a combined 21 belts, making history in boxing and as the first all-women’s card at MSG, live globally on Netflix.”

Johnson vs. Metcalf join a massively decorated card of women’s stars, topped by the trilogy megafight rematch of 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 MVP’s 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 MVP’s undefeated WBA Interim world champion, Spain’s Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), in a 10-round undisputed super featherweight championship fight contested at 130 lbs. Also on the main card, MVP and 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) in a women’s unified championship fight at 122 lbs. Rounding out the main card is a highly anticipated super middleweight world title unification bout between MVP’s IBF champion Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall  (13-1, 10 KOs) and MVP’s WBO champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (14-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round fight at 168 lbs.

On the preliminary card, MVP’s newly signed former undisputed champion and current WBC interim super lightweight champion Chantelle “Il Capo” Cameron (20-1, 8 KOs) will face Canada’s Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (14-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round WBC interim title bout at 140 lbs, while MVP’s Somali-British boxer and activist Ramla Ali (9-2, 2 KOs) meets Brazil’s Lila Furtado (11-2, 2 KOs) in an 8-round super bantamweight fight at 122 lbs. Also featured will be MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian and standout middleweight Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO), fighting under equal rules to men with three-minute rounds in an 8-round bout against top contender Mary Casamassa (6-0, 2 KOs) at 160 lbs.

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 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 

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.

New York, NY (April 10, 2025) — Two-division world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs) has signed a new multi-fight promotional agreement with Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment, extending the partnership. The signing comes on the heels of Johnson’s spectacular knockout victory in a rematch against Nina Hughes on March 22, in Sydney, Australia—a statement-making performance in the first defense of her WBA Women’s Bantamweight World Championship on the undercard of the George Kambosos Jr. vs. Jake Wyllie event.

The 30-year-old Melbourne-based fighter, originally from Tauranga, New Zealand, has become a rising force in women’s boxing. A decorated amateur, Johnson represented Australia in international competition, capturing three National titles, three Golden Gloves championships, and international gold before turning professional.

As a pro, Johnson climbed the ranks the hard way, capturing her first world title in April 2022, when she defeated Melissa Esquivel for the IBF Women’s Super Bantamweight Championship. Although she lost the belt in a brutal, closely-contested war against Ellie Scotney, Johnson bounced back by moving down in weight and conquering a second division, defeating Nina Hughes in May 2024 for the WBA Women’s Bantamweight Crown.

Now, with DiBella Entertainment continuing to guide her career, Johnson is poised to cement her legacy as one of the best and brightest stars in the sport.

“I am very happy to secure a convincing win to retain my title,” said Johnson. “Along with my team, I look forward to being a part of the biggest fights available, whether in Australia or the USA.”

“There are few champions in boxing who continue to improve their craft and build their star power simultaneously,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Cherneka Johnson is one of the emerging faces of women’s boxing worldwide and DiBella Entertainment is proud to continue to serve as her promoter.”

With the ink now dry on her multi-fight deal, Johnson’s focus shifts to her next challenge—taking on the biggest fights available and becoming the undisputed women’s bantamweight champion.

You can continue to follow Johnson’s journey on Instagram: @sugar_neekz and on X: @TheSugarNeekz

‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr headlines a blockbuster Australian Fight Night as he headlines his long-awaited homecoming in Sydney on Saturday, March 22 against Daud Yordan – live worldwide on DAZN, in partnership with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, and in association with Tasman Fighters and Goldstar.

The former undisputed World Lightweight Champion makes his introduction in the Super-Lightweight division on a huge card Down Under from Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena which features two unmissable Women’s World Title bouts with Skye Nicolson and Cherneka ‘Sugar’ Johnson looking to successfully defend their respective crowns on home soil.

And rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana will be out ensure that the Aussies rule when the Olympian bids for his seventh successive stoppage.

Kambosos Jr (21-3-0, 10 KOs) faces former two-weight IBO World Champion Yordan (43-4-0, 31 KOs) in the main event, looking to lay down a marker in one of the sport’s most exciting divisions. 

The 31-year-old – who captured the IBF and WBO Lightweight belts by beating Teofimo Lopez in 2021 – has shared the ring with the likes of Devin Haney, Maxi Hughes and Lee Selby and returns to the ring for the first time since his war last May with the legendary Vasyl Lomachenko.

Indonesian opponent Yordan promises another stern test for Kambosos and is no stranger to fight fans, having previously held IBO World Titles at Lightweight and Featherweight and succumbing to a points defeat by Anthony Crolla in Manchester back in 2018.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “This a brilliant card, headlined by the ferocious George Kambosos Jr in his hometown of Sydney. He’s a dangerous man and he will be in the mix of World Title conversations soon enough now he’s in the 140lbs division.

“There are two tremendous Women’s World Championship fights too, as Skye Nicolson defends her WBC Featherweight crown against a tough, mandatory in Tiara Brown – plus, Cherneka Johnson and Nina Hughes get the chance to go again for the WBA Bantamweight belt.

“Big, bruising Heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana will be out to put on another knockout performance in front of his home fans, and much more, in what promises to be an unbelievable night of boxing Down Under.”

George Kambosos Jr said: “Eight long years on the road, and finally I get to fight back in my hometown of Sydney, Australia. 

“Moving up and having my 140-pound debut in front of my fans at a sold-out Sydney arena is the return I have always wanted. This is not just a fight; it’s an opportunity to inspire and give back to my loyal fans and to the community that has stuck by me all these years, the wait is now over.

“I will be facing a veteran of the sport and a fierce competitor, former two-time IBO World Champion and WBA World Title challenger Duad Yordan, ‘The Boxing Senator’, from Indonesia.   

“The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney will set the stage for me to make a statement return in front of my vocal hometown fans. I see this is as a testament to resilience, a celebration of my homecoming, expect fireworks and see you all March 22.”

Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment added: “I am excited to team up with Matchroom Boxing and TEG Sport to bring ‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr. back to his hometown in Sydney where he will face former world champion Daud Yordan on March 22 at the Qudos Bank Arena.

“This is a tremendous style matchup between two come-forward pressure fighters. Yordan is no stranger Down Under with three wins on Australian soil, but George is ready to unleash his warrior spirit once again to put on a sensational performance in his junior welterweight debut.”

WBC World Featherweight queen Skye Nicolson (12-0, 1 KO), meanwhile, continues her quest to become ‘Future Undisputed’ – but must take care of undefeated, mandatory American rival, Overtime Boxing’s Tiara Brown (18-0, 11 KOs).

Defending her championship for the first time in her native Australia, Nicolson made history last October when she was the first female fighter to successfully retain her title in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the Riyadh Season curtain-raiser, when the Southpaw outclassed Raven Chapman to extend her flawless record.

 “This is my homecoming as World Champion – a moment I have dreamed of and manifested: Bringing big world title action Down Under,” said Nicolson.

“Australian boxing is entering a golden era, and this is the time to get excited and be part of the journey. I’m taking on an undefeated and dangerous challenger with the support of the nation behind me.

“My opponent has had a lot to say and doesn’t believe I’m worthy of my status as World Champion. On March 22, she is going to eat her words in Sydney as I silence the doubters and critics all over again.”

Another long-standing rivalry will be settled in Sydney as Cherneka Johnson defends her WBA World Bantamweight title in a rematch against Nina Hughes, after their first fight was marred in controversy last May.

Britain’s Hughes (6-1-0, 2 KOs) will be hungry for retribution after she was initially declared as the winner before the ring announcer corrected himself by revealing Johnson (16-2-0, 6 KOs) as the victor by majority decision to become a two-weight World Champion.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring on another awesome show here in Australia,” said WBA World Bantamweight Champion Cherneka Johnson.

“I have no doubt in my mind that it’s going to be a career-best dominating performance.”

World Title Challenger, Nina Hughes added: “First and foremost, I have a lot of respect for Cherneka Johnson as an athlete – she’s a tough competitor. But this time around, I’m not leaving anything to chance or in the judges’ hands. I’ve trained harder, I’m sharper, and I’m ready to leave no doubt when I step in that ring.” 

Rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana, meanwhile, is looking forward to adding more valuable experience as he plots his path to becoming a future World Champion in the sport.

 “I’m excited to be back in action and heading to Sydney for another huge night for Australian boxing,” said Teremoana Teremoana.

“It’s another step on the ladder for me to get to the very top and I won’t be happy until I get there. People keep asking me if I want to get more rounds in and of course I’m ready for that and looking forward to it when it comes but if I can get someone out of there in 10 seconds, I will do it. 

“I’m a chilled guy outside the ring but don’t get it twisted when that bell rings I’m in there to do damage and knock people out. That’s what people want to see from heavyweight boxing and it’s what I deliver.”

Vasiliy Lomacheno won the IBF Lightweigt title with an 11th round stoppage of former world champion George Kambosos Jr. in Perth, Australia

In round seven, Kambosos was cut around his right eye. Lomachenko beat down Kambosos and softened him up. In round 11, Lomachenko landed a hard left to the head while Kambosos was bending down that put Kambosos on the canvas. Kambosos was clearly done, and Lomachenko ended the fight by landed a crushing left to the body that put Kambosos down again and the fight was stopped just as the towel was being thrown in from Kambosos corner at 2:49.

Lomachenko is a champion again with a record of 18-3 with 12 knockouts. Kambosos falls to 21-3.

Lomachenko said, “It looked like a knockout today, not ‘No-Mas-Chenko.’ But, you know, we trained hard for this moment. I want to thank my opponent. He is a strong man and a true warrior.

“My plan was to adjust to my opponent. This is what I did during the fight. I knew I needed to finish strong. And in the last three rounds, I was trying to find his body.

I never ran around during my boxing career. I always take fights. Right now, I want to come back to my home, spend time with my family, and after I rest a little bit, we can talk about my future.”

Kambosos said, “He’s a true champion. He’s a legend of the sport. I give him the utmost respect. We knew what we are coming up against, and I tried my best. But it wasn’t enough today.

He’s one of the best fighters in history. So, I’m not ashamed. I wanted to finish the fight on my feet. I wanted to finish the rounds like I always do. But there’s no shame in losing to a man like Lomachenko.”

Johnson Decisions Hughes to Win Bantamweight Title

Cherneka Johnson won the WBA Bantamweight Title with a 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated Nina Hughes

Johnson landed 167 of 520. Hughes was 133 of 570.

Johnson of Australia won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95. and is now 16-2. Hughes of England is 6-1.

Guevara Decisions Andrew Moloney to Win Vacant Interim 115 lb. Title; Moloney Announces Retirement

Pedro Guevara won the vacant WBC Interim Bantamweight title with a split decision over Andrew Moloney.

In round 10, Moloney began to bleed from his hairline.

Guevara landed 177 of 661 punches. Moloney as 152 of 506.

The scorecards read 115-113 Guevara on two cards, 116-113 Moloney.

Guevara of Mexico is 42-4-1. Moloney of Australia is now 26-4. The bout capped a bad week for the Moloney twins as brother Jason lost his Bantamweight Title in Japan on Monday.

Right after the bout, Moloney announced his retirement by saying, “I am done with this sport, Fuck that.”

“I really want to come back here. It’s amazing here,” Guevara said. “I’d have no problem giving him a rematch.”

Moloney said, “I felt in total control. I did what I had to do in there tonight to get the win. I don’t want to make excuses, but I went into this fight with a torn biceps, so I couldn’t throw the left hook unless I needed to. I didn’t feel like I needed to throw it because I was in total control. “

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

New York, NY (November 15, 2022) – DiBella Entertainment has signed IBF super bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson to an exclusive promotional agreement.

Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, seized the IBF women’s world super bantamweight title by defeating Melissa Esquivel on April 20, in her hometown at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Born in Tauranga, New Zealand, Johnson is the second Maori ever to win a world boxing title.

In her last fight, Johnson made the first defense of her IBF belt against former world champion Susie Ramadan on the undercard of the Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. rematch, on October 16, at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. A clash of heads in the second round left a huge gash above Johnson’s left eye, which bled profusely throughout the remainder of the bout. In a dramatic and bloody affair, Johnson went on to win a unanimous decision victory.

Johnson previously captured the WBA Oceania bantamweight title in December 2017 and made one defense of that belt. Her only loss came to Shannon O’Connell via close, split decision last year, challenging for the WBA Gold bantamweight title. As an amateur, Johnson was a five-time Queensland State champion, three-time Australian National champion and three-time Golden Gloves champion. Outside of boxing, Johnson will soon appear in the popular Aussie reality television series, The Challenge.

“I’m excited to sign with Hall-of-Fame promoter Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment,” said Johnson. “I want to continue to fight around the globe and build my brand within the boxing world. I am determined to defend my IBF world title and my goal is to unify the belts at super bantamweight. I know that, with DiBella Entertainment, these opportunities will come my way and I promise to make the most of them.”

“Cherneka Johnson has the whole package: looks, talent, and charisma,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “You can’t tell by looking at her that she’s a blood-and-guts warrior; you can tell by watching her last fight, in which she successfully defended her IBF world title over 10 bloody rounds, despite being cut to the bone. Sugar Neekz makes great fights and can be a major boxing star.”

Devin Haney retained the Undisputed Lightweight world title with his second consecutive unanimous decision over George Kambosos Jr. in Melbourne, Australia.

In round eight, Kambosos left eye began to swell. Late in the round, Haney was cut on his right eyelid. In round nine, Kambosos was cut on his left eyelid.

Haney, 134.81 lbs of Las Vegas via San Francisco won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice and is now 29-0. Kambosos, 131.4 lbs of Australia is now 20-2.

Jason Moloney scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Nawaphan Sor Rungvisai Kaikanha in a bantamweight bout.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of New South Wales, AUS won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice and is now 25-2. Sor Rungvisai, 117.4 lbs of Bankok, THI is 56-2-1.

Andrew Moloney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Norbelto Jimenez in a super flyweight bout.

In round one, Jimenez was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Moloney dropped Jimenez at the end of the round with a right hand. In round two, Moloney landed a little right hand that put Jimenez down again

Moloney, 114.8 lbs of Victoria, AUS won by scores of 97-90, 98-88 and 98-89 and is now 25-2. Jimenez, 114.7 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 31-10-6.

Cherneka Johnson defended the IBF Super Bantamweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Susie Ramadan.

In round two, Johnson was cut over her left eye from a clash of heads. It was a bad cut that had the blood streaming down her face. In round four, Johnson dropped Ramadan with a right hand.

In round seven, Ramadan was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. Ramadan was deducted in round eight for not obeying the referee’s commands.

Johnson, 121.03 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 97-90, 96-92 and 96-91 and is now 15-1. Ramadan, 119.38 lbs of Preston, AUS is 29-4.