MVP SIGNS CANADIAN IBO BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION AT 118 LBS AMANDA GALLE

NEW YORK, NY – June 11, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of 118lb IBO bantamweight world champion, three-time Canadian national champion, and BoxRec’s #1 Canadian bantamweight Amanda Galle (11-0-1, 1 KO). Galle joins MVP’s elite roster of top Canadian talent, including top-ranked lightweight Lucas Bahdi and 2x Canadian Olympian Tamm Thibeault, strengthening MVP’s commitment to uplifting women’s boxing globally. 

Amanda Galle was raised in a proud Italian family in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and began her combat sports journey at age six. Under guidance of her lifelong coach Vito Brancaccio, she excelled in karate and earned her black belt at just 11 years old, also learning boxing and kickboxing. At 16, Galle stepped into the boxing ring for the first time and delivered a 28-second knockout. She quickly rose through the ranks, capturing gold at her Canadian National Championship debut in 2009. Galle captured a second national title at the 2013 Canadian Championships, just weeks after her mother was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Following a three-year battle, her mother went into remission in 2016 and Amanda took time off to recover from depression before returning to the ring in 2017, even as her mother’s cancer returned. Galle proved her resilience yet again as she quickly re-established herself among the amateur elite to win her third national title in 2018.

She made her professional debut in 2019, recording six back-to-back unanimous decision victories to begin her pro career. As Galle continued to fight, both in the ring and for her mother’s spirit, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she stepped back from boxing to spend additional time with her mother and baby nephew. She returned to the ring in November 2021 with a unanimous decision victory against Jaica Pavilus, shortly before learning her mother had exhausted all treatment options. Galle fought once more in March 2022 before her mother’s passing, winning the Canadian super bantamweight champion title over Tania Walters and delivering the belt to her mother’s hospital bed at home. Her mother passed later that month. In December 2022, Galle overcame a broken hand to finish the year with a TKO win over Luz Elena Gerardo Martinez, then opened 2023 with another dominant decision. In December 2023, Galle earned her first title shot, defeating Niorkis Carreno to earn the then-vacant IBO bantamweight world champion. She most recently defended the title in a rematch against Carreno in December 2024. Outside of training at All Canadian Martial Arts Academy, Galle is an ambassador for Fight To End Cancer, regularly hosting bootcamps to raise funds for cancer research. As a graduate of Ryerson University in early childhood education, Galle enjoys working with youth at her gym and passing on the strength, resilience, and legacy her mother helped shape. Now under the MVP banner, she will look to achieve her next goal of becoming an undisputed champion at 118lbs.

“I’m thrilled to be working with MVP, the most powerful promotional team in women’s boxing,” said Amanda Galle. “MVP is making the biggest moves in the sport right now and I can’t wait to see what they do for me in this next chapter of my career. I am coming for all the belts in the bantamweight division so stay tuned for what’s next for Amanda Galle with the MVP team by my side.”

“Amanda Galle’s accomplishments and resilience in and out of the ring speak for themselves,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We are proud to welcome her to MVP and continue to strengthen our investment in Canada’s elite boxing talents as Amanda joins Olympian Tamm Thibeault and standout lightweight Lucas Bahdi on our roster. We look forward to empowering Amanda on the next stage of her pro journey in the 118lb division as we continue to elevate women’s boxing globally.”

Galle joins MVP’s elite roster of athletes and up-and-coming talents including international superstar Jake “El Gallo” Paul, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, Boxrec’s #2 greatest pound-for-pound women’s boxer of all time and former UFC 135lb champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, MVP’s first homegrown champion, the new WBO super middleweight champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, IBF and Ring Magazine super middleweight world champion at 168lbs Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall, WBC super lightweight interim world champion at 140lbs Chantelle “Il Capo” Cameron. English boxing phenom and unified 122lb super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney, IBF bantamweight world champion at 118lbs Shurretta Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), Spain’s WBA Interim featherweight world champion at 126lbs Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), multi-talented megastar Javon “Wanna” Walton, India’s most successful professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, top-ranked lightweight “Prince” Lucas Bahdi, Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado, three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro, Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, 2x Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault, 2x US national amateur champion and rising bantamweight star Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche, Nigeria’s 126lb featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba, the multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight world champion Naomy Valle, 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”’ Dove, two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley, undefeated Mexican prospect Yolanda “Pitayita” Vega, welterweight powerhouse Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin, and Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel “El Doctorcito” Rivera.

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

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 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.




MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SIGNS AMATEUR STANDOUT AND TWO-TIME BRAZILIAN OLYMPIAN KENO MARLEY AHEAD OF PRO DEBUT

ATLANTA, GA – April 25, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of 24-year-old two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley. Following a highly-decorated amateur career, Marley will make his professional debut under the Most Valuable Promotions banner in 2025 at 200lbs in the cruiserweight division as the company continues to reinforce its commitment to identifying and developing elite boxing prospects. Marley is the first Brazilian athlete and second Olympian to sign with MVP, following the company’s signing of two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault in December 2024. 

Marley is the latest signee to the company amidst MVP’s dedicated roster expansion in the opening months of 2025, joining undisputed 130lb world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, English boxing phenom and unified 122lb super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney, Denmark’s unified 122lb bantamweight champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, IBF bantamweight world champion at 118lbs Shurretta Metcalf, Spain’s WBA Interim featherweight world champion at 126lbs Jennifer Miranda, Nigeria’s 126lb featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba, Somali-British boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight world champion Naomy Valle, 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”’ Dove, and 2x US national champion and rising bantamweight star Alexander “Alley Cat” Gueche

Keno Marley is a 24-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, who faced MVP’s Neeraj Goyat on the main card of MVP’s record-shattering Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in November 2024. He currently resides in São Paulo, Brazil. 

“Signing with MVP is an important step in making a dream come true,” said Keno Marley. “Now my focus is fully on making history and proving that Brazil has another boxing champion ready to take over the world.”

“Keno Marley is a world class talent that has the potential to be a global star in boxing, like Anderson Silva was in MMA,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “He’s already made history for Brazil, and now he’s ready to take over the pro ranks. Beyond his elite skillset and Olympic pedigree, Keno’s personal story is one of true perseverance—overcoming unimaginable loss, serving in the Brazilian Army, earning a degree in physical education, and currently pursuing a law degree, all while competing at the highest levels of amateur boxing. We’re proud to welcome him as our first Brazilian signee and look forward to promoting a live event in Brazil featuring him and Javon “Wanna” Walton in 2026.”

Marley joins MVP’s elite roster of athletes and up-and-coming talents including international superstar Jake “El Gallo” Paul, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, prolific top boxing prospect H2O Sylve, MVP’s first homegrown champion, the new WBO Super Middleweight Champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, English boxing phenom and unified 122lb super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney, IBF bantamweight world champion at 118lbs Shurretta Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), Spain’s WBA Interim featherweight world champion at 126lbs Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), multi-talented megastar Javon “Wanna” Walton, India’s most successful professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, top-ranked lightweight “Prince” Lucas Bahdi, Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado, three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro, Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, 2x Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault, 2x US national amateur champion and rising bantamweight star Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche, Nigeria’s 126lb featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba (9-0, 5 KOs), the multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight world champion Naomy Valle, and 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”’ Dove

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, and @keno_marley1 or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, and @@keno_marley1.

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 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.




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Ellie Scotney

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

About Yamileth Mercado

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

About Dina Thorslund

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

About Shurretta Metcalf

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

About Tamm Thibeault

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

About Mary Casamassa

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

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

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

About Netflix 

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 PAUL’S MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS TO HOST ITS FIRST EVENT IN CANADA WITH MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS 11 ON FRIDAY, MARCH 7, FEATURING MVP’S NEWEST CANADIAN SIGNEES “PRINCE” LUCAS BAHDI AND TAMM THIBEAULT

NEW YORK, NY – January 31, 2025 – Today, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced its expansion into Canada for the 11th installment of its Most Valuable Prospects series, set to take place in Toronto, Canada at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto on Friday, March 7, available globally for free on both DAZN.com and the DAZN app, with no subscription required. United Boxing Promotions will serve as the official licensed promoter. Most Valuable Prospects 11 marks a significant milestone for MVP’s up-and-coming talent showcase series in collaboration with Caribe Royale Orlando as it now comes to Canadian soil for the first time. This international expansion follows MVP’s late 2024 signings of two standout Canadian prospects. MVP’s undefeated #8-ranked WBA lightweight contender with the most-awarded knockout of 2024, “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (18-0, 15 KOs), will headline Most Valuable Prospects 11 against fellow undefeated fighter Ryan “The Untouchable” Racaza (15-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Canada’s own WBA light flyweight world champion Sara Bailey (5-0) will make a world title defense in the co-main event. 

This landmark event highlights MVP’s expanding presence in Canada, showcasing the country’s wealth of boxing talent and opening doors for the next generation of stars. MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and the #8-ranked WBA middleweight contender Tamm Thibeault (1-0) will also join the main card to face American Sonya Dreiling (6-7, 2 KOs), making a statement for equality in women’s boxing by fighting six, three-minute rounds. Barrie, Ontario’s “Marvelous” Mark Smither (13-1) will round out the main card in a super lightweight bout. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 11 will go on sale Monday, February 3 at 12pm ET on Ticketmaster.com.

In the main event, Most Valuable Prospects 11 will feature the highly anticipated homecoming of “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (18-0, 15 KOs) in a 10 round lightweight bout vs. fellow undefeated fighter Ryan “The Untouchable” Racaza (15-0, 11 KOs). Coming to the ring by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Bahdi, the 31-year-old top contender has gone undefeated since making his professional debut in mid-2019, winning his first 11 fights by knockout. Bahdi had unanimous decision wins against Diego Fabian Eligio and Diego Andrade Chavez in 2022 before resuming his knockout streak. In May 2023, Bahdi defeated Jesus Amparan to claim the IBF North American Lightweight title. Bahdi is a top-ranked lightweight by both the IBF and WBA. Bahdi proved himself among the best title contenders in the lightweight division when he scored a sensational knockout win over H2O Sylve on the main card of Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in July 2024. The finish earned Bahdi 2024 Knockout of the Year recognitions from Boxing Scene, Talksport, Dan Rafael, Yahoo! Uncrowned, and NY Fights. Bahdi most recently earned a decision win over Armando Casamonica on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in November 2024. Bahdi now aims to cement his name as an up-and-coming powerhouse within the sport in front of his home fans in Ontario, Canada. His opponent, Ryan “The Untouchable” Racaza (15-0, 11 KOs) comes to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Caloocan City, Philippines. The 28-year-old southpaw has finished his last five opponents by knockout.

“Headlining MVP’s first event in Canada, free to watch on DAZN globally, is a huge moment for me and the exceptional boxing talent emerging from my country,” said “Prince” Lucas Bahdi. “Thank you to Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and everyone at Most Valuable Promotions for making this opportunity possible. I’m excited to kick off the new year alongside some of Canada’s brightest boxing talents at Most Valuable Prospects 11, add another highlight reel KO to my collection, and set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey ahead.”

The co-main event will feature a world title defense from Canada’s WBA light flyweight world champion Sara Bailey (5-0). Bailey made history in April 2024, when she dethroned Maria Bautista and became the fastest Canadian to ever win a World Championship. The Etobicoke, Ontario resident trains out of the West End Athletic Club, and has wasted no time taking the professional ranks by storm after a decorated amateur career. She enjoys a strong following both in the arena on fight night and on social media, and is backed by the passionate Iranian community. She is promoted by United Boxing Promotions.

“Thank you to United Boxing Promotions and Most Valuable Promotions for giving me the opportunity to defend my world title on such a big stage,” said Sara Bailey. “Bringing this level of boxing to Toronto is huge for the sport, and I’m grateful to MVP for putting a spotlight on women’s boxing and rising athletes with this event. Canada has a deep pool of talent and I’m looking forward to representing on Friday, March 7.”

MVP’s newest signee, Tamm Thibeault (1-0) will also join the main card of Most Valuable Prospects 11 vs. Sonya Dreiling (6-7, 2 KOs) in a middleweight bout contested over six, three-minute rounds. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Thibeault began her boxing journey at the age of nine, inspired by seeing her father, a former CFL player, knock out an opponent during a Provincial boxing tournament. Following in his footsteps, she took up boxing at age 12 and was inspired to compete for Canada while watching the first women’s Olympic boxing competition during the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old middleweight, a southpaw standing 6 feet tall, forged an outstanding career in the amateur ranks. A two-time Olympian, Thibeault made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg (165lb) event, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in any women’s boxing event. She went undefeated until she returned to the Paris Olympics in 2024, earning gold medals at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Thibeault, who speaks French, English, and Spanish, recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Concordia University in 2023, which she earned over seven years while competing. She currently lives in Sheffield, England, where she is earning a one-year Master’s degree in urban design and urban planning while training at the renowned Steel City Gym. Thibeault made her pro debut while competing under men’s rules, three-minute rounds, on the main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 in December 2024, defeating Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence. She is currently the #8-ranked WBA middleweight contender. Her opponent, Sonya Dreiling (6-7, 2 KOs), is the #13-ranked middleweight by the WBC and a former US National Golden Gloves champion. She comes to the ring from Albertville, Alabama. Thibeault will make her next statement for equality in the sport alongside Dreiling as they compete over three-minute rounds on Friday, March 7.

“It is an honor to make history with MVP as part of the company’s first event in Canada on Friday, March 7,” said Tamm Thibeault. “Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and Most Valuable Promotions have been incredible advocates for me since I signed with MVP, and I can’t wait to fight in front of our home fans and alongside so many talented Canadian athletes in my second pro fight.”  

Also on the main card will be a super lightweight bout featuring Barrie, Ontario’s “Marvelous” Mark Smither (13-1). Smither has contested for regional titles in his last three bouts, most recently defeating Helmand Meran Alekozai for the Canadian Super Lightweight title in October 2024. He is represented by United Boxing Promotions. 

The Most Valuable Prospects 11 preliminary card will feature MVP’s three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro (3-0, 3 KOs). The 24-year-old Chaparro, raised in Ridgewood, New York, competed at both the 2020 and 2024 USA Boxing Olympic trials. The gifted Puerto Rican athlete is also a high fashion model, having worked for Versace, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others. Chaparro landed a sensational first-round KO win in his pro debut on Most Valuable Prospects 6 in April 2024, before scoring a stunning second round knockout win on the preliminary card of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in July 2024. He most recently earned a first-round TKO victory on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 9 in Puerto Rico in October 2024.

Joining Chaparro on the preliminary card will be standout 29-year old prospect Doni Foreman (1-0, 1 KO) from Brampton, Ontario, who will compete in a 4-round heavyweight bout. Also featured will be 22-year old Angel Barrientes (12-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round super bantamweight bout and his twin, Chavez Barrientes (10-0, 6 KOs), also set to compete in an 8-round super bantamweight bout. The Barrientes brothers are promoted by Boxlab Promotions and come to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada.

“MVP’s expansion into Canada marks a significant new chapter for MVP and underscores our commitment to discovering and promoting boxing talent from every corner of the globe,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Lucas Bahdi had a remarkable year in 2024, and he’s earned the opportunity to headline his first event, joined by our latest signee, Tamm Thibeault, alongside fellow standout Canadian talents like Sara Bailey, on Friday, March 7. Given Nakisa’s Toronto roots, this event is particularly meaningful, demonstrating our commitment to bringing world-class Canadian talent to the forefront and igniting a new era for boxing in Canada. Thank you to DAZN for making the event available globally for free, no subscription required, on both DAZN.com and the DAZN app.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP. United Boxing Promotions serves as the official licensed promoter of Most Valuable Prospects 11. The 11th 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 2025. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Event Ticket Center has 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 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.

About Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto 

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Canada’s newest and largest casino resort, and one of the largest in North America, opened in June 2023. The $1 billion dollar landmark entertainment destination features 328,000 sq. ft. of gaming space including High Limit Table and Slot rooms, 400-room hotel, wellness and fitness area, multiple dining options, private event and flexible meeting space, and 5,000-person The Theatre, its live entertainment venue in association with Live Nation, which plays host to the best in live music, comedy, and special events.

Consistent with Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s commitment to responsible gambling, the property also features two PlaySmart Centres on the gaming floor, filled with engaging interactive tools and valuable responsible gambling resources available for all players, including information on how to participate in OLG’s voluntary My PlayBreak program if they choose to take a break from gambling.

For more information please visit greatcanadiantoronto.com or follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook.