Press Release: March 7, 2026 (Originally released March 6, 2026) By Most Valuable Promotions - NEW YORK, NEW YORK – March 6, 2026 – Today at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) officially launched MVPW, a new global platform for women’s boxing, alongside a landmark multi-year agreement with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028. The announcement, which also marks the beginning of a strategic relationship between MVP and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, with the organizations’ shared goal of staging annual MVPW events at the iconic venue over the next three years, cements MVP's position as the global home of women's boxing. MVPW will showcase the sport’s most elite fighters in championship bouts on every card and will deliver a mix of linear and streaming distribution on ESPN and the ESPN App.
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| Credit: Harry Aaron/ Most Valuable Promotions |
MVPW events will be sequentially branded, starting with MVPW-01 featuring Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores on Sunday, April 5 in London, streaming live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and broadcast by Sky Sports in the UK.
MVPW-02 marks the platform’s U.S. linear premiere on ESPN on Friday, April 17, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner vs. Bo Mi Re Shin at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, l
MVPW-03 will take place Saturday, May 30, in El Paso, Texas, live on ESPN and the ESPN App, headlined by MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm.
In attendance at today’s press conference were MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian as well as MVPW fighters Amanda Serrano (48-4-1, 31 KOs), Alycia Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs), Shadasia Green(16-1, 11 KOs), Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs), Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs), Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs), Oshae Jones (9-0, 3 KOs), Tiara Brown (20-0, 11 KOs), and LeAnna Cruz (11-0, 1 KO), all of whom addressed the media as MVP officially ushered in a new era for women’s boxing.
Hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Bidarian and the fighters shared their thoughts on the launch of MVPW, the significance of the ESPN partnership, and the high-stakes matchups ahead. See quotes below and view the full press conference on MVP’s YouTube channel HERE.
NAKISA BIDARIAN QUOTES
On his inspiration for empowering women’s boxing:
I was raised by a single mom, so seeing her struggles and path to making it was always something that was very eye-opening for me. As we all know, half the world is women. 50% of the world population, so there is a massive demographic available. You then look at the amazing athletes who are women throughout the world. I was fortunate enough to be there when we introduced women's MMA to UFC, and to see the impact that Ronda Rousey had was beyond eye-opening.
On MVP’s path to elevating women’s boxing with ESPN:
When we set up MVP, we said to our network partner that we wanted to put women’s boxing on as the co-main event. Everyone paused, took a step back, and didn’t seem to understand why. And honestly, a lot of it was that conviction of what I saw with Ronda Rousey and the belief that we could find an Amanda Serrano that could show the world what this sport is all about. Now, to be here four years later with the best sports platform in the US on linear television for all these incredible athletes is the most important day of my career.
On bringing boxing back to ESPN:
I think it’s a testament to these athletes and, of course, our team at MVP, but also the rise of women’s sports.
On early conversations with ESPN:
We started talking to ESPN in early 2025, around the idea to one day be a part of ESPN. When it was decided that they were moving on from Top Rank, we met with them and started to focus on what the future could look like. We definitely presented a focus on women’s boxing because we think that’s the untapped opportunity to actually drive real new fan engagement in the sport.
On MVPW logo:
If you look at our logo, there's a reason that the W sits within MVP. The golden arches you see there represent the W, but it's part and parcel of the same brand. There is no differentiation between the men and the women.
On MVP’s role in helping fighters:
Our job is to give them the platform, help them express their brand, and then it's up to them who becomes the next Amanda Serrano when Amanda Serrano decides to join MVP in the executive ranks.
On MVP’s investment in women’s boxing:
We are investing a lot of time, a lot of resources, and capital. It’s not like there are endless riches in boxing for an independent promoter like ourselves. We have a belief that over time, we will then get to a point where the returns are there on investment the right way, and there’s more Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor type opportunities.
On giving women’s boxing a platform equal to men:
We have this amazing press conference today. I think many will look at it and say the riches are here in boxing. This isn’t about the riches in boxing; this is about giving these athletes a platform equal to their male counterparts, and they have to run with it. They have to show the world why they need to pay attention.
On MVP potentially working with smaller promoters:
We would love to work with smaller promoters and provide an ecosystem for their fighters to rise through the ranks as long as it comes from a place of logic.
On plans for MVP’s male fighters:
We have been very successful on the men’s side. The biggest event of the last 50 years was our event, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor. We’re going to continue to be selective about how we approach the men’s side to make sure it works for us and our network partners. We have plans to introduce something that’s male-specific, but different than what the existing players are doing.
On MVP’s commitment to treating women and men equally:
These athletes are the fabric of our organization, no different than Jake Paul, or Wanna Walton, Jamal Harvey, or any other male that’s a part of this platform. So while we want to say MVPW, they’re all a part of MVP at the end of the day.
On a potential Shadasia Green vs. Claressa Shields fight:
I’d love to make Shadasia Green vs. Claressa Shields. That’s an obvious fight that we want to focus on. Then it really comes down to these fighters. I always say it doesn’t matter if they’re a part of MVPW; it’s about what they want to do.
AMANDA SERRANO QUOTES
On elevating women’s boxing with MVPW and ESPN:
Look, I’ve brought a whole gang of amazing women with me, and we’re going to continue to show the world that we have talent. That we are marketable. That we can fight, and thanks to ESPN, the world gets to see us all.
On fighting on a future MVPW event:
Listen, there’s one card in particular that I’m looking at, but I’m still speaking with the team, Nakisa, and Jordan.
On potentially fighting on ESPN:
I never fought on ESPN. I’ve fought on the best platforms. I remember sitting watching fights on ESPN and now to be a part of it…I need to fight on ESPN, too.
On her current goal:
Right now, I have the goal to break the knockout record that Christy Martin had for 20 years. That’s the goal now, but I would love to fight anybody.
ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES
On her upcoming title defense vs. Bo Mi Re Shin on Friday, April 17:
This event is going to be super exciting. Nakisa [Bidarian], Jake Paul, and MVP have been gamechangers in women’s sports. So now we have ESPN coming along for MVPW. So to be a part of that, to be a game-changer, to be someone who is setting a standard, I’m looking forward to this opportunity, setting the stage, and always bringing the fight.
On the significance of her upcoming fight vs. Bo Mi Re Shin:
This fight is such an honor for my Korean heritage, so you get to see two different sides, two warriors. That is the surprise I’ve been holding in. Baby, when I tell you I’m coming, I’m coming. New York City is the best place to do it at.
On continuing to fight three-minute rounds:
When we talk about equality, and we talk about the standards we’re setting, three minutes is no issue, and I look forward to it. When you see a type of style like mine, very poised, who knows how to box, who knows how to punch, who uses a jab to set things up, you appreciate the extra minute. Come April 17, you’ll see again why three minutes is the standard and why champions like myself can separate those from others.
SHADASIA GREEN QUOTES
On how her life has changed since unifying her super middleweight titles at MSG in July 2025:
It was very emotional. I achieved something so amazing that night, July 11, being on the biggest boxing card ever. My life has changed, of course. I’m still sleeping on cotton. I moved.
On her upcoming bout on Friday, April 17:
I’m looking forward to putting on a beautiful performance and to showcase some skills you guys haven’t seen.
On a potential Shadasia Green vs. Claressa Shields fight:
With MVPW and Nakisa at the head of making that happen, I think that’s a great fight between me and Claressa Shields.
On her willingness to fight Claressa Shields:
Just recently, I heard Shields say she wanted to fight Mikaela Mayer. She has to want it. I want it, but reality is we both have to come to terms and be willing to fight each other. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, and I'm looking forward to the future.
STEPHANIE HAN QUOTES
On her upcoming rematch vs. Holly Holm on Saturday, May 30:
I’m so excited for this rematch. Yes, the fight ended in controversy. She says she could have caught up at the end, and I want to have this next fight with no excuses.
On fighting on ESPN in her hometown of El Paso, TX:
To have this fight in my home city of El Paso is a dream come true, and I’m so excited because I know Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico are going to come out to support this fight.
HOLLY HOLM QUOTES
On her upcoming rematch vs. Stephanie Han on Saturday, May 30:
I’m excited for the rematch. I think a lot of people are, considering how the fight kind of ended. I’m just excited to put the work in and show up and do the best that I can do.
On her preparing to face Stephanie Han again:
Any fight you have is a learning experience, and we’ve already addressed a lot of things, putting work in at the gym.
On why she is still fighting:
I am getting closer to having my final fights and things like that, but I still feel it in myself, and I still feel the passion, and that’s why I still fight.
TAMM THIBEAULT QUOTES
On being a part of MVPW:
I’m really excited and really honored and eager to show the world what I’m about. I love what I do. I love boxing. I love going to the gym, working on new things, and coming here and showing people what I can do, what women can do. I don’t want to be known as another woman athlete. I want to be known as just another athlete, like anybody else.
On forthcoming plans to box on ESPN:
You will see me soon. We’re still working out the kinks, but you guys should stay tuned.
OSHAE JONES QUOTES
On being a part of MVPW:
I chose MVPW because I feel like MVPW is the best platform for women’s boxing. They changed women’s boxing so much. We’ve been evolving, and I’m a champion. This is where the best are at, so I might as well join them.
On a potential bout vs. Chantelle Cameron to unify her belts:
I’ll take a warm-up fight, and then I’ll definitely take that fight. She’s a great fighter, and we can go belt for belt. She came up to 154, and she’s got to be ready to pay those consequences.
TIARRA BROWN QUOTES
On signing with MVPW:
MVP is the best on the planet, and I’m glad to be here as a part of it.
On forthcoming plans to box on ESPN:
I’m waiting on a fight date, but just know I’m ready whenever.
LEANNA CRUZ QUOTES
On being a part of MVPW:
I chose MVPW because they have the best platform for women’s boxing, and they open a lot of opportunities and doors for women.
On her message to competitors:
I’m the mandatory at 115lbs in the WBA, and I’m wearing a fur coat. That’s to signify that if these girls call themselves The Animal, I will have a mink suit on.
On future bouts:
I tore my ACL in my last fight, and I fought nine rounds with a torn ACL, so I’m still recovering. I’m hoping next week to be cleared so that I can show everyone that I’m going to have the craziest comeback story as an athlete.
About MVP
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.
MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.
Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally.
About ESPN
ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.
Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions/ Photo Courtesy of: Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.
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