BROOKLYN, NY (January 5, 2026) — Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (16-0, 12 KOs), the undefeated power-punching boxer-puncher from La Romana, Dominican Republic, now proudly representing Reading, PA, is set to take the biggest step of his career. He’ll step into the ring against fellow Dominican talent Alfredo Santiago (17-2, 8 KOs), who now fights out of Puerto Rico, in a highly anticipated 10-round super lightweight bout. The action takes place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will stream live on PPV.com.

Promoted by Fresh Productions, this exciting bout will feature the NABO Super Lightweight title on the line, bringing the winner one step closer to a shot at the world championship.

Cedeno, currently ranked WBO #10, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Kings Promotions, enters this bout with a perfect record and a reputation for explosive knockouts and relentless pressure. For the 27-year-old Dominican rising star, this is more than just a title opportunity — it’s a chance to make a statement on the international stage.

“This is the kind of fight I’ve been dreaming about since I first put on gloves,” Cedeno said with determination on the biggest fight of his career. “Fighting at the Barclays Center, with two belts on the line, against a proven fighter like Santiago — it doesn’t get bigger than this. I’ve worked too hard and come too far to let this moment slip by. I’m ready to give everything I have and show the world who Hendri Cedeno really is.”

Cedeno gives his thoughts on facing an experienced opponent like Alfredo Santiago. “I have a lot of respect for Santiago. He’s a strong fighter who’s shared the ring with elite competition, but I believe in my preparation and in my team,” Cedeno stated. “I know what’s at stake, and I know what I bring to the ring. I’m coming to win — no excuses.”

“This fight isn’t just for me, it’s for La Romana, it’s for the Dominican Republic, it’s for Reading, and for everyone who’s believed in me,” Cedeno shared emotionally on representing his roots and fighting under the bright lights. “I carry their pride into the ring with me. Being undefeated means something, but more important is proving I belong with the best in the world — and this fight is my opportunity to do that.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, is confident Cedeno is ready to take his place among the sport’s top contenders. “Hendri Cedeno is one of the most promising fighters to come out of the Dominican Republic in recent years,” said Amaury Piedra on Cedeno’s potential and the opportunity ahead. “He’s disciplined, explosive, and carries himself like a champion. This fight is a golden opportunity for him to elevate his name on the world stage. With two WBO titles on the line, a strong performance puts him right in the mix at the top of the division. We believe in him — and the fans will too, once they see what he can do.”

With high stakes and high action guaranteed, Cedeno vs. Santiago promises to be a must-see clash between two hungry fighters with world title aspirations. Don’t miss it on January 10, 2026, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn — where one man’s dreams move a step closer to reality.

MONTREAL, CANADA – September 18, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the remaining undercard matchups for Most Valuable Prospects 15, an MVP Championship Edition on Saturday, September 27 at the Theatre St-Denis in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, available globally on DAZN. Headlining the preliminary card will be MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton (2-0-1, 1 KO), who returns to the ring to face American Anthony “El Toro Rojo” Mora (7-4-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout at 135lbs. Joining Walton on the preliminary card will be MVP’s Costa Rican rising contender Naomy Valle (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Italy’s Federica “La Cattiva” Macrí (6-0-1, 1 KO) contested over 8 rounds at 108lbs in the light flyweight division and Dominican prospect Hendri Cedeno (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. Alejandro Frias (19-11-2) in a 10-round super lightweight bout at 140lbs. 

MVP also announced the signing of Olympic bronze medalist, European champion, and five-time German national champion Nelvie Tiafack (1-0, 1 KO). The 26-year-old German Olympian will make his promotional debut on Most Valuable Prospects 15 Championship Edition against undefeated American Ramiro Robles (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 6-round heavyweight bout. Tiafack vs. Robles joins a decorated main card headlined by IBF world champion Sol Cudos (10-0-2, 3 KOs) vs. MVP’s new signee, Canadian boxing star Kim Clavel (21-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round women’s world championship fight at 105lbs for the IBF strawweight world title and the co-main event featuring MVP’s 2x Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and #1 IBF and WBA middleweight contender Tamm Thibeault (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Italy’s Cristina Mazzotta (1-0) in a 6-round middleweight bout at 160lbs. Also on the main card will be Montreal’s undefeated 28-year-old Mazlum Akdeniz (21-0, 8 KOs) vs. American Anthony Soto (13-0-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout at 147lbs. The 15th event in the series in partnership with Boxlab Promotions will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 15 Championship Edition, promoted by GYM, are on sale now HERE.

Headlining the preliminary card will be MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton (2-0-1, 1 KO). Walton signed with MVP in July 2023 as an athlete under development before making his pro debut in 2024. As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer. Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects, becoming a multi-time Junior Regional Champion and two-time Junior Olympic national silver medalist. The Atlanta native is also a world-renowned actor who captured international attention with his debut role as the beloved drug dealer “Ashtray” in the HBO Max Emmy-winning series Euphoria starring alongside Hollywood icons Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and has since continued to co-star in numerous other film and TV titles. He trains under his father and coach, DJ Walton. His opponent, the more experienced American Anthony Mora (7-4-1, 4 KOs), comes to the ring from New Britain, Connecticut, USA. Mora, of Ecuadorian and Dominican descent, is known for his aggressive, charging style in the ring. He began boxing at age 26, choosing first to raise his family and build his career as a barber. Now, the 36-year-old contender is a seasoned and dangerous opponent, having learned from every ring war to date.

“Every fight is a chance to grow, and I’m excited to show what I’ve learned from my last fight while facing a tough opponent with a winning record like Anthony Mora. Competing in a big fight city like Montreal on a big stage is right where I wanna be,” said Wanna Walton. “This card is stacked with MVP talent and on Saturday, September 27, I want everyone to tune in to see my best performance.”

In the main card opener, MVP’s newest signee, German Olympian Nelvie Tiafack will face San Diego, California’s Ramiro Robles. Tiafack’s journey began long before he entered the ring. Growing up in Cameroon, he faced the loss of his father at just 2 years old, a turning point that motivated him throughout his life. Inspired by his mother’s strength and sacrifices, who moved to Europe to create a better future for him, he found the determination to overcome challenges. At the age of 8, he traveled alone from Cameroon to Cologne, Germany, showing courage beyond his years. After two years apart, he reunited with his mother in a new country, where her support became his foundation. Their home was filled with shared experiences and sacrifices, reminding him that achieving goals requires dedication. At 15, he discovered boxing, where he could channel his energy and compete on his own terms. His achievements include becoming a 5x German amateur champion, a European Championship gold medal, and being the first German super heavyweight boxer to win an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, reflecting both physical skill and a strong mindset shaped by his mother’s example. Tiafack’s notable wins include UK amateur titan Delicious Orie, British Olympian and 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Frazer Clarke, and Armenian heavyweight standout Gurgen Hovhannisyan. When the 26-year-old steps into the ring, he fights not only for victory but also to honor his mother’s influence and inspire others facing their own challenges. Tiafack will face American heavyweight Ramiro Robles over 6 rounds. Robles, the 28-year-old prospect, comes to the ring from San Diego, California following his latest TKO win in June 2025.

“MVP is the most disruptive promotion out there,” said Nelvie Tiafack. “They understand the game in and outside the ring, putting their fighters on big stages and also helping them grow their brand through huge social media exposure. My goal is to become the best in my division and become an MVP, so it’s a no brainer why I chose to work with Most Valuable Promotions.”

“Most Valuable Prospects is about introducing fans to talent that can define the future of boxing, and this card delivers on that mission,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Our newest signee, Nelvie Tiafack, is an Olympic bronze medalist making his professional debut under the MVP banner, and we believe he has all the tools to become a world champion. Nelvie now joins our growing roster of Olympians including Tamm Thibeault from Canada, Keno Marley from Brazil, Yankiel Rivera from Puerto Rico, and Jahmal Harvey from the U.S. This card will also feature one of the youngest megastars in the sport in Wanna Walton proving himself against his toughest opponent to date in Anthony Mora, a rising superstar in Costa Rica’s Naomy Valle, and other Canadian and international prospects eager to prove themselves on a global stage. Montreal has a rich boxing history, and on Saturday, September 27, fans will witness the next generation carrying that tradition forward live on DAZN.”

MVP’s 20-year-old undefeated light flyweight Naomy Valle (14-0, 9 KOs), from San Jose, Costa Rica, has established herself as one of boxing’s brightest prospects. In her most recent fight in March 2025, Valle maintained her unbeaten streak and earned her first title honors, becoming the WBC Youth world champion at 108 pounds after defeating Mexican fighter Yelmi Sánchez. Outside the ring, she made history by winning the first season of popular dance show Mira Quién Baila Costa Rica on Teletica, securing 34.91% of the public vote. With her victory, she donated the $15,000 prize to the National Children’s Hospital, Fundación para el Desarrollo del Hospital Nacional de Niños. Beyond that, she is also studying aviation and recently completed her first official flight with pilot Alessandro Serrano from Aero Formación. During her preparation for the fight that earned her the WBC world title, she balanced boxing training with theoretical studies and flight simulations, demonstrating her dedication in both fields. Her opponent, Federica Macrí is a 25-year-old from Aosta, Valle d’Aosta, Italy. Before turning pro, Macrí held a decorated amateur career including a silver medal at the 2022 Italian Elite National Championships. Macrí then made her professional debut in 2023, most recently earning a first-round TKO win earlier this month. 

Seasoned prospect Hendri Cedeno fights out of Reading, Pennsylvania, USA by way of La Romana, Dominican Republic. The 27-year-old, represented by Boxlab Promotions, turned professional in May 2021, collecting an impressive 13 wins in just under three years before joining Team Combat League’s Philly Smoke in April 2024. Cedeno now makes his return to the Most Valuable Prospects series following his standout performances on the series’ 8th and 10th installments in 2024. His opponent, Alejandro Frias, comes to the ring from Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. The super lightweight prospect has finished his last two opponents by knockout. 

Also on the preliminary card, MVP’s recent Ontario, Canada signee Amanda Galle (11-0-1, 1 KO) will face Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez (8-1) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs, and Sherbrooke, Quebec super lightweight prospect Loick Lahaie (2-0) vs. Berlin, Germany’s Rufus-Venice Camara-Macauley (4-0, 3 KOs) in a 6 round middleweight bout. 

Most Valuable Prospects 15 is promoted by GYM and distributed globally by DAZN. The 15th event in the series in partnership with Boxlab Promotions will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Fansly, TORKLAW, and Event Tickets Center have also joined on to sponsor the Most Valuable Prospects series.

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

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 returns 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 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 DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?dazngroup.com.

Antonio Vargas stopped Winston Guerrero to capture the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

In the first thirty seconds of the fight, Vargas landed a hard left-right combination that sent Guerrero to the floor. In round two, Guerrero evened up the score as he landed a big right hand that put Vargas down for a heavy knockdown.

In round 10, Vargas rocked Guerrero with a right hand. Vargas followed up with a huge flurry that included two more vicious right hands om a prone Guerrero and the fight was stopped at 1:10

Vargas, 117.2 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is now 19-1 with 11 knockouts. Guerrero, 117,8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 22-1.

Wanna Walton Decisions Hanley

Javon “Wanna” Walton won a four-round majority decision over Erik Hanley in a lightweight bout.

Walton, 135 lbs of Atlanta won by scores of 40-36 twice and 38-38 and is now 2-0-1. Hanley, 133 lbs of Oceanside, NY is 1-2.

Danier Pero Stops Burns in 1

Danier Pero stopped Walter Burns in the opening round of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In the opening minute, Pero landed a huge left that put Burns on his back. The punch opened up a huge cut around the right eye of Burns. Just before the round ended, Pero landed another right that made Burns stumble to the canvas. Upon Burns getting to his feet, the bout was stopped at

Pero, 236.8 lbs of Camguay, CUB is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Burns, 225.8 lbs of Detroit is 8-3.

Tammara Thibeault Wins Pro Debut

Tammara Thibeault won her professional debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Natasha Spence in a middleweight bout.

Thibeault landed 61 of 267 punches. Spence was 14 of 95.

Thibeault, 160 lbs of Quebec, CAN won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-0. Spence, 158.6 lbs of Cambridge, CAN is 8-7-2.

Thibeault became the first professional women to make a pro debut in three-minute rounds.

Jocksan Blanco won an eight-round majority decision over Jeovanny Estela in a junior middleweight bout.

Blanco, 153.2 lbs of Caracas, VEN won by scores of 77-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 8-0. Esteala, 153.1 lbs is now 14-2,

Gurgen Hovhannisyan remained undefeated with a hard fought eight-round majority decision over Patrick Mailata in a heavyweight bout.

Hovhannisyan, 275 lbs of Armenia won by scores of 77-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 7-0. Mailata, 309.4 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 6-3.

Hendri Cedeno remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Hernandez Ramos in a welterweight bout.

Cedeno, 142 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 15-0. Ramos, 146.6 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 23-6.

ORLANDO, FL (December 9, 2023) – Undefeated middleweight Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs), one of boxing’s rising stars, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on Saturday, December 13, 2023. Cedeno will face seasoned veteran Luis Hernandez Ramos (23-5, 20 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, in a scheduled 8-round bout at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The event, part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 series, will be televised live on DAZN.

Co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions, Cedeno is excited to showcase his talents against a tough and experienced opponent, who possesses extreme knockout power. Known for his own knockout power and aggressive style, Cedeno looks to maintain his unblemished record while continuing to climb the middleweight rankings.

“Ramos is a strong, experienced fighter, who is dangerous because he has heavy hands, but I’ve been training hard and I’m ready for whatever he brings,” stated Cedeno, who hails from the Dominican Republic. “These are the challenges I need to grow and prove I belong among the best. Fighting on DAZN is a huge opportunity. Fans all over the world can watch me, and I’m ready to show them what Hendri Cedeno is all about. This is just the beginning of something big.”

“Hendri Cedeno is a special talent,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “His work ethic, skill, and strong will, make him a star in the making. We are happy with his progress and he’s getting better with each fight. We firmly believe he will become the next great champion from the Dominican Republic, and December 13 is another step on that journey.”

“This will be my fourth fight this year, and I couldn’t ask for better promoters than Boxlab and Kings Promotions,” concluded Cedeno, as he reflects on staying busy in 2024. “They’ve kept me busy and given me the platform to develop as a fighter. I’m grateful and ready to finish the year strong.”

The Caribe Royale Resort will serve as the perfect stage for Cedeno’s latest challenge, as he aims to thrill fans with another dominant performance. Tickets for MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 are available now, and fans can catch the action live on DAZN.

NEW YORK, NY – December 5, 2024 – MVP today announced the remaining undercard bouts for Most Valuable Prospects 10, which will take place on Friday, December 13, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, available globally as part of the DAZN subscription package with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter. On the main card of Most Valuable Prospects 10, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, the 25-year-old undefeated Cuban Olympian Dainier Pero (9-0, 7 KOs) makes his fourth series appearance vs. Michigan’s Walter Burns (8-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout for the vacant WBA Continental USA heavyweight title. Also joining the main card will be two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault, who will make her highly-anticipated pro debut against fellow Canadian Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence (8-6, 6 KOs) in a 6-round middleweight bout. Most Valuable Prospects 10 will be headlined by a 12-round bantamweight bout between Kissimmee, Florida’s #1-ranked WBA bantamweight contender Antonio Vargas (18-1, 10 KOs) vs. 24-year-old Nicaraguan sensation and the #9-ranked WBA contender Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero (22-0, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight world title. In the co-main event will be MVP’s youngest signee, 18-year-old boxing prodigy and actor Javon “Wanna” Walton (1-0-1, 1 KO), aiming for his second professional win in the rescheduled 4-round super featherweight bout against professional boxer Erik Hanley (1-1, 1 KO). Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 10 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. 

Headlining the preliminary card will be an 8-round super welterweight showdown between Orlando, Florida’s own 24-year-old Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela (14-1, 5 KOs) vs. 29-year-old undefeated Jocksan Blanco (7-0, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental USA super welterweight title. The Most Valuable Prospects 10 preliminary card will also feature an 8-round super lightweight bout between undefeated Dominican sensation Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mexican powerhouse Luis “Matador” Hernandez Ramos (23-5, 20 KOs) and an 8-round lightweight bout between Venezuelan standout Fradimil Macayo (17-1, 13 KOs) vs. 2x interim world champion Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon (27-8, 18 KOs). Also on the card will be a 6-round middleweight showdown between Saint Louis, Missouri’s Jamar “J-Money” Pemberton (7-1, 5 KOs) vs. Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Kahlil Mitchell (4-0, 2 KOs). Alongside them will be the previously announced 8-round heavyweight showdown between undefeated 26-year-old Armenian talent Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Samoan fighter Patrick “Magic” Mailata (6-2, 3 KOs).  

Joining the main card to compete for the vacant WBA Continental USA heavyweight title is Cuban Olympian Dainier Pero (9-0, 7 KOs), the 24-year-old 6’5” talent who will make his fourth appearance on the Most Valuable Prospects series following his current five-bout TKO win streak, including on Most Valuable Prospects 5, 6, and 7 earlier this year and most recently over Willie Jake Jr. in October 2024. Pero comes to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Camaguey, Cuba. With his formidable size, the heavy-hitter seeks to continue his impressive undefeated streak over 10 rounds against American Walter Burns (8-2, 6 KOs). Hailing from Michigan by way of Indiana, Burns comes to the ring off an impressive first-round TKO victory over Moses Johnson in August 2024 and aims to deliver an exciting and hard-hitting showdown against the undefeated Pero.

Also joining the main card of Most Valuable Prospects 10 will be world-class amateur talent Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault, who will make her highly-anticipated professional debut vs. the seasoned Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence (8-6, 6 KOs) in a 6-round middleweight bout. Thibeault enters the ring with an impressive pedigree–the Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada native is a 2x Olympian who competed at both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic games, among other accolades, including taking gold at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Natasha Spence, a fellow Canadian from Cambridge, Ontario, will look to leverage her power and significant professional experience against Thibeault on Friday, December 13. Spence, the #10 WBA-ranked middleweight, makes her return to MVP events following her recent bouts against Shadasia Green on the undercard of MVP’s Paul vs. Perry and Serrano vs. Morgan in July 2024 and Melinda Watpool in September 2024. 

Headlining the Most Valuable Prospects 10 preliminary card will be a thrilling super welterweight showdown between Orlando Florida’s own Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela (14-1, 5 KOs) and the undefeated 29-year-old Jocksan Blanco (7-0, 4 KOs) in an 8-round battle for the vacant WBA Continental USA super welterweight title. The 24-year-old Estela, of proud Puerto Rican descent, looks to bounce back from his most recent bout, his first-ever career loss in July 2024, and re-establish himself with a strong showing on Friday, December 13. He will face a sharp, tactical opponent in Blanco, from Caracas, Venezuela, who enters the ring with an unblemished record.

Undefeated Dominican prospect Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs) will face Mexican fighter Luis “Matador” Hernandez Ramos (23-5, 20 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight bout on the preliminary card. The 26-year-old Cedeno looks to continue his rise in the division and establish himself as a future contender. Standing in his way is the 28-year-old Ramos, a formidable challenger who has proven that he’s capable of taking on the toughest competition. 

Also on the preliminary card, 32-year-old Fradimil Macayo (17-1, 13 KOs) will face seasoned veteran Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon (27-8, 18 KOs) in an explosive 8-round lightweight clash of Venezuela vs. Colombia. Macayo, who comes to the ring from Carupano, Venezuela, will showcase his power and knockout potential against Escandon as he aims to continue his rise through the ranks and solidify his place as a top contender. Escandon, a 2x interim world champion, will prove no light challenge, bringing his own wealth of experience and ring savvy to the bout. 

Rounding out the preliminary card additions will be a 6-round middleweight showdown between 21-year-old Saint Louis talent Jamar “J-Money” Pemberton (7-1, 5 KOs) vs. Chattanooga, Tennessee’s 28-year-old Kahlil Mitchell (4-0, 2 KOs). Pemberton, currently boasting a three-bout win streak, will aim to prove his title contender aspirations against an undefeated Mitchell.

“Most Valuable Prospects 10 rounds out an immensely impactful year from MVP, in which we’ve provided a stage to both today’s biggest stars and tomorrow’s upcoming champions. It could not be more fitting that MVP’s final event of 2024 returns to our mission to provide a platform for young and female prospects in this sport,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “We are especially excited to feature the professional debut of a standout amateur talent and two-time Olympian in Tamm Thibeault against Natasha Spence in a battle for Canadian dominance and we are proud to welcome back Danier Pero for another heavyweight thriller against Walter Burns. This will be a night of nonstop action featuring the long-awaited return of MVP’s Wanna Walton, an incredible interim world title fight in Vargas vs. Guerrero, and sensational local and international talent from top to bottom on this card. Thank you to Boxlab Promotions, DAZN, and CELSIUS for an incredible second year of partnership with the Most Valuable Prospects series. We look forward to renewing the series in 2025.”

“Caribe Royale is once again thrilled to be working with the team at MVP on this stacked card. Multiple titles will be on the line including what should be a very exciting interim world title bout between Vargas and Guerrero,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions and Managing Director of the Caribe Royale Resort. “Our goal is to continue to bring world class entertainment to Central Florida and partnering with Jake and Nakisa is part of that initiative. It will be a great night of action and coupled with the World Boxing Association convention happening at the same time will make Orlando, Caribe Royale, and Most Valuable Prospects the focus of the boxing world on Friday, December 13th.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The tenth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Fansly and Event Ticket Center have also joined on to sponsor the Most Valuable Prospects as well.

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

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 five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz 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, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?dazngroup.com.

NEW YORK, NY – August 20, 2024 – MVP today announced that 18-year-old boxing prodigy and actor Javon “Wanna” Walton (1-0-1, 1 KO) will be facing professional boxer Erik Hanley (1-1, 1 KO) over 4 rounds at super featherweight in the co-main event of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 8. The event will take place on Friday, September 6 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, available globally as part of the DAZN subscription package with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter. The main card of Most Valuable Prospects 8, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy and sponsored by Fansly and Event Ticket Center, will be headlined by a 10-round super lightweight showdown between Boxlab Promotions’ rising Cuban star Kevin Brown (5-0, 3 KOs) and seasoned Puerto Rican contender John Bauza (18-1, 8 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight Continental Americas title. Joining the main card will be 26-year-old Dominican talent Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Enriko “Gudan” Gogokhia (13-1-2, 8 KOs) in an 8 round super lightweight fight. The 26-year-old rising Cuban standout Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (7-1, 6 KOs) will also compete in an 8 round middleweight fight on the main card. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 8 are available now at Ticketmaster.com.

Javon “Wanna” Walton (1-0-1, 1 KO) aims for his second professional win on Friday, September 6. Walton signed with MVP in July 2023 and fought to a split draw in his global debut in MVP’s marquee event in March 2024. As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer. Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects. His skill and hard work earned him the title of multi-time Junior Regional Champion and two-time Junior Olympic national silver medalist. The Atlanta native is also a world-renowned actor who captured international attention with his debut role as the beloved drug dealer “Ashtray” in the HBO Max Emmy-winning series Euphoria starring alongside Hollywood icons Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and has since continued to co-star in numerous other film and TV titles. He trains under his father and coach, DJ Walton. Walton will now take on 30-year-old professional boxer Erik Hanley (1-1, 1 KO) in the co-main event of Most Valuable Prospects 8. Hanley, a fierce competitor, comes to the ring from Rancho Cordova, California by way of Oceanside, New York, ready to challenge Walton’s rise to professional stardom. Hanley most recently secured a KO victory in the ring in February 2024. 

In an 8-round super lightweight bout on the main card, 26-year-old talent Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (13-0, 10 KOs) will take on Enriko “Gudan” Gogokhia (13-1-2, 8 KOs). Cedeno, from La Romana, Dominican Republic, turned professional in May 2021, collecting an impressive 13 wins in just under three years before joining Team Combat League’s Philly Smoke in April 2024. Cedeno is promoted by Boxlab Promotions and now returns to the professional ranks to take on a true test in Gogokhia. The seasoned Gogokhia, a Georgian-born Ukrainian, began his career in kickboxing in Europe before moving to the United States and taking up boxing in 2016. He fights out of Woodland Hills, California and will look to end Cedeno’s undefeated run at Most Valuable Prospects 8.

Also on the main card will be the 26-year-old rising Cuban standout Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (7-1, 6 KOs), who will compete in an 8 round middleweight fight against a to-be-announced opponent. Gomez comes to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Havana, Cuba following a strong start to his professional career since his professional debut in 2019. A hopeful future title contender, Gomez will seek to demonstrate his knockout power in the ring on Friday, September 6. He is promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

On the preliminary card, top-10 WBA ranked Bree “Bam Bam” Howling (7-0, 2 KOs) will face Hungary’s Beata Dudek (4-3, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout. The 26-year-old Howling comes to the ring from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Following her professional debut in September 2019, Howling has worked up an impressive undefeated 7-0 record, advancing to #8 on the WBA’s world rankings of top female bantamweight talents. Howling is promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Kings Promotions and now aims to continue her undefeated streak on Friday, September 6. She will take on Beata Dudek, the 31-year-old from Miskolc, Hungary by way of Nové Zámky, Slovakia. Dudek steps into the ring on Friday, September 6 ready to leverage her taller 5’7” stature and knockout power against the smaller 5’4” Howling. 

In a 6 round lightweight bout on the preliminary card, 24-year-old Harley “Dennis the Menace” Mederos (6-0, 5 KOs) will take on Russia’s Nikolai Buzolin (9-9-1, 5 KOs). The young talent Mederos comes to the ring from Brooklyn, NY ready to prove he has what it takes to become a title contender. Buzolin, coming to the ring from Brooklyn, NY by way of Tyumen, Russia, will aim to ruin Mederos’s undefeated streak, leveraging his additional professional experience against the younger Mederos. 

Returning to the Most Valuable Prospects series will be local talent Antraveous Ingram (7-0, 2 KOs), who will take on Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (8-3, 6 KOs) over 6 rounds at junior middleweight on the preliminary card. Ingram, the 25-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida, most recently took home a unanimous decision victory over Luis Solis on Most Valuable Prospects 6 in May 2024. His opponent, Stewart, comes to the ring from Maple Grove, Minnesota by way of Rock Island, Illinois. Stewart will make his Most Valuable Prospects debut as he looks to leverage his power and experience to earn his ninth professional win. 

“Most Valuable Prospects 8 on Friday, September 6 marks the highly anticipated return of Wanna Walton” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “Wanna will be testing himself against a strong fighter in Erik Hanley in the co-main event as he continues to prove his standout star potential and looks to collect his second professional win. We’re proud to feature an incredible women’s fight between Canadian top-ranked WBA contender Bree Howling vs. a relentless athlete in Beata Dudek. As we continue to develop this series and identify the next big names in boxing, we’re excited to welcome back multiple promising talents to the series, including Kevin Hayler Brown in our main event and Antraveous Ingram on our preliminary card. We appreciate Boxlab Promotions, DAZN and CELSIUS for their continued commitment to bringing this incredible night of boxing to Orlando.”

“Caribe Royale is once again excited to be working with MVP to bring this exciting event to Central Florida,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director of Caribe Royale Resort and President of Boxlab Promotions. “From top to bottom, this is a stacked card culminating with the WBA title bout featuring a Cuba vs. Puerto Rico battle. In addition, there are great bouts ranging from female prospects to future stars like Yoelvis Gomez, Wanna Walton, and hot local prospect Antraveous Ingram. Caribe Royale prides itself on bringing world class entertainment to Central Florida both for our guests and locals alike, this is just another step in that direction. It’ll be an action packed evening for local attendees and those watching on DAZN as well!”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The eighth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Fansly and Event Ticket Center have also joined on to sponsor the Most Valuable Prospects as well.

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

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 five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz 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, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?dazngroup.com.