Showing posts with label MVPW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MVPW. Show all posts

Thursday, May 21, 2026

MVPW 04 Set For June 13 In Orlando On ESPN Unlimited

Credit: Most Valuable Promotions 



Press Release: May 21, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions-  NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced final bouts for MVPW-04, taking place live on ESPN+ on Saturday, June 13 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. On the main card, MVP’s and Tampa’s WBA super flyweight world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will make her third world title defense against WBA Interim champion and mandatory challenger Nataly Delgado (20-7-2, 5 KOs) over 10 rounds at 115lbs. On the preliminary card will be a clash of professional debuts with MVP’s undefeated Brazilian boxer and influencer Jully Poca, the most-followed active female boxer in the world, set to rematch Monica Medina in a professionally sanctioned super lightweight bout over 4 rounds at 140lbs. Joining them will be MVP’s WBA #1 super flyweight contender at 115lbs LeAnna Cruz (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Rubi Gutierrez (8-3-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight bout at 115lbs, MVP’s #1 WBA contender Brittany Sims (9-3, 5 KOs), making her promotional debut vs. top contender Naomy Cardenas (10-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs, MVP’s 19-time US national champion Sa'Rai Brown El making her pro debut, and Jordan Orozco Hernandez (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. Fernando Diaz (16-7-1) in a 10-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs. Orlando’s Jayson Martinez will also join the card for his pro debut.



MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. The fourth installment of MVPW-04, the new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, will be headlined by MVP’s IBF super welterweight world champion Oshae Jones (9-0, 3 KOs) vs. mandatory challenger and #1 IBF contender Elia Carranza (11-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round world title rematch at 154lbs following the pair’s tightly-contested first world title clash in 2025. In the co-main event, MVP’s WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (20-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round 126lbs defense of her title against top-ranked contender Hannah Rapp (8-0-1, 5 KOs). Also on the main card, MVP’s and Argentina’s unified WBO, WBA, and IBF light flyweight champion Evelin Bermudez (22-1-1, 8 KOs) makes her promotional debut in a 10-round defense vs. Mexico’s IBF #1 contender Estefany Alegria (14-1-0, 4 KOs) at 108lbs. The preliminary card will also feature MVP’s two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley (1-0) and  Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated Gabriela Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) against TBA opponents. Tickets for MVPW-04 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-04 must apply here.



WBA super flyweight world champion and Tampa, Florida’s first native-born world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga transitioned from playing gridiron in the Legends Football League to boxing at age 21, quickly carving out an impressive resume. After 13 unbeaten bouts, including a first round TKO win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects series in February 2024, she stormed into the spotlight on March 22, 2025, winning the vacant WBA female super flyweight title via majority decision over Mexico’s Regina Chávez. Artiga, Tampa’s first native world champion, was recently honored with a city proclamation from Mayor Jane Castor, honoring her athletic achievements and commitment to community mentorship. Standing 5′4″ with a 64″ reach, the 33-year-old Artiga continues to build momentum as one of women's boxing’s hungriest new champions. She made her first successful world title defense with a TKO win on MVP Fight Night in August 2025, and defended her title again against challenger Stephanie Silva in December 2025.



“Nataly Delgado has perfected her craft and has earned being a mandatory challenger,“ said Jasmine Artiga. “The world will see two top females in their weight class contest their skills, strength, power, and will.”



Nataly Estefany Delgado Hernández is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Republic of Panama, holding a record of 20 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws across 29 fights. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora, former world champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez, and Johana Zúñiga for the WBA Fedelatin Championship. Delgado won the Interim WBA super flyweight world title at 115lbs in July 2025 and has since made two successful defenses. She is now the mandatory challenger for Jasmine Artiga’s WBA world title.



"God's plans are perfect and always designed for our own good. I'm grateful to MVP for this opportunity, honored, and very much motivated,” said Nataly Delgado. “We have earned this via very hard work, and I will deliver. I'm ready to fight in this Champion vs. Champion showdown. I hope Artiga is also ready. Let's give boxing fans around the world a fight to remember."



“MVPW-04 once again delivers four back to back world title fights and features seven promotional debuts from some of our most exciting new signees at MVP, from Oshae Jones, Tiara Brown and Evelin Bermudez to our stacked undercard with Brazil’s Jully Poca, the most followed active boxer in the world, #1 contenders LeAnna Cruz and Brittany Sims, and one of the best talents out of Team USA in the last few years with 19x national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El, ” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Anchored by a back-to-back-to-back-to-back championship main card from MVP’s defending champions, MVPW only gets bigger and better on Saturday, June 13 in Orlando, live on ESPN+.”



Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Jully Poca is a powerhouse athlete who has dominated the crossover boxing scene with an undefeated record. Originally Brazil’s premier female fitness influencer, her life took a sharp turn in 2023 when she was invited to compete in the UK alongside megastar Whindersson Nunes. Despite only training for three months prior to her debut, she discovered a profound passion for the sport and has spent the last three years training exclusively as a full-time boxer. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Antonio Filho, the mentor behind former WBO champion Rose Volante, Poca has solidified her status by going undefeated to date and is now set to make her fully sanctioned professional debut with Most Valuable Promotions. Beyond her technical prowess, Jully possesses a magnetic public profile built on genuine courage. She first captured the Brazilian public's heart when she intervened in a violent road-rage incident, physically subduing a man who was attacking two women until police arrived. This act of heroism, combined with her athletic transition, has earned her a massive digital footprint. With 3 million Instagram followers, Poca is set to become the most-followed female professional boxer in the world the moment she makes her pro debut, bridging the gap between social media stardom and elite combat sports.



“She asked for a rematch, I said let’s do it,” said Jully Poca. “Some stories need to have a definite ending, that’s what I’m coming to do. I’m excited to make my debut in Orlando and hope to see the local Brazilian community come out to support on Saturday, June 13!” 



Monica Medina comes to the ring from Vardaman, Mississippi. She will make her pro debut following her career so far bare knuckle boxing, dirty boxing and crossover boxing. Medina previously faced off with Poca in 2025, and now the pair will face off in a professionally sanctioned rematch.



“Jully this time when you go  down you’re staying down, said Medina. “You truly didn’t beat me last time, and this time I’ll show everyone who the better boxer is”



Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez is an undefeated rising prospect in the lightweight division, holding a 7-0 record with 3 knockouts. At just 19 years old, the orthodox fighter has already built a strong foundation with over 90 amateur bouts, showcasing maturity and ring IQ well beyond her years. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, and now fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Tellez began boxing at the age of six and has quickly developed into one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Standing 5’3” and competing at 135 pounds, she is known for her sharp jab, her favorite punch, and disciplined style. Inspired by legends like Andre Ward and current pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, Tellez has set ambitious goals to become the youngest women’s world champion, unify the division, and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of fighters. She is currently ranked WBA #3 contender in the world at 130lbs.



LeAnna Cruz is a 28-year-old Puerto Rican-American professional boxer competing at 115lbs who Cruz has built her career on consistency, discipline, and a deep respect for the craft of boxing. Of proud Puerto Rican heritage, Cruz brings grit and heart into every training camp and every fight. Her style blends sharp fundamentals with intelligent pressure, allowing her to control distance, dictate pace, and adapt to any opponent placed in front of her. Inside the ring, she is focused and methodical; outside the ring, she is respected for her humility, professionalism, and commitment to growth. Signing with Most Valuable Promotions represents a major milestone for Cruz, who holds ambitions for placing her on a global stage and firmly. She is the WBA #1 contender at super flyweight, 115lbs.



“Rubi Gutierrez is a great opponent to step back in the ring with,” said LeAnna Cruz. “She has a SD loss against a future world champion and is not afraid to lose or for a challenge. I have a ton of respect for her coming up two  weight classes to share the ring with me, but on Saturday, June 13th she’ll learn that was a huge mistake.”



Rubi “La Panterita” Gutierrez is a 20-year-old rising contender from Saltillo, Mexico. She is currently on a three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory in April 2026.



WBA #1 contender at 118lbs Brittany “Eagle Flex” Sims has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in women’s boxing, having transformed her career from a 1–3 start into a formidable 9–3 record, highlighted by her current eight-fight winning streak. A well-rounded athlete, Sims brings a diverse background in MMA and track and field, tools that have helped shape her explosiveness, conditioning, and ring IQ. She also dominated in the TCL league, where she put together an incredible 16-fight winning streak. During her rise, Sims captured the WBA Americas Continental title, the NABF title, and the WBA International title, achievements that positioned her as the WBA’s #1 contender and mandatory challenger for the world championship against Cherneka Johnson. Trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and managed by Dave Dubinsky of DKO and fighting out of Bethlehem, Sims now looks ahead to the next chapter of her career with Most Valuable Promotions.



“Cardenas is not someone to overlook. She is a great boxer, and I have a lot of respect for her and her team. That being said, my team and I have been working extremely hard every day. I’m prepared, focused, and ready for the moment,” said Brittany Sims. “May I be swift like an eagle, strong like a lion, and fight with the strength of ten men. It’s almost time to fly.”



Naomy Cardenas is a 26-year-old boxer from Chihuahua, Mexico. Cardenas made her international debut in June 2025 as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 13, winning by split decision. Following the bout, she stepped up to contend for the WBO super flyweight world title, losing by decision to reigning champion Mizuki Hiruta. She most recently rebounded with a UD win in March 2026.



“I’m very happy for the opportunity MVP is once again giving me,” said Cardenas. “I know I have a strong and intelligent opponent in front of me, which will make for an even better fight because of the contrast in styles. I have had great preparation behind me and I’m coming in with the hunger for victory.”



19-time US national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El comes from a proud lineage of fighters and was born into boxing royalty, but her rise wasn’t guaranteed. Her mother first saw her spark, despite early resistance from her father and coach, who didn’t believe boxing was a sport for women. Everything changed during a family trip to her birthplace in Albany, NY when a visit to her uncle’s boxing gym flipped the script. Once Brown-El stepped into the ring, her natural talent spoke louder than tradition ever could, and her father never looked back. She began boxing at the age of 10. What followed was a journey defined by relentless discipline, a powerful work ethic, and a fierce hunger to master the craft of boxing. That fire drove her to the top of the amateur ranks, where she became the first female boxer from Georgia to win both the Junior Olympics and the National Silver Gloves. Within a year, she had become a national champion, marking the beginning of her dominance. By age 14, she had cemented her name in history as one of the most decorated young female boxers in the country, ranked #1 in her age and weight class by USA Boxing and holding the most wins across all female divisions at the time. In 2019, she earned a coveted spot on Team USA after winning the USA Boxing National Championships, becoming the first female boxer from Georgia to achieve those honors. A five-time international medalist and seven-time Georgia Female Boxer of the Year, Brown-El’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. USA Boxing named her the future of women’s boxing—a title that carries weight, and one she’s ready to live up to. With her amateur legacy cemented, the 19-year-old now joins MVP’s elite roster of women’s fighters ahead of her professional debut this year, entering into the professional ranks with one goal: to take over women’s boxing.



WBA and WBO #12 ranked contender Jordan Orozco Hernandez will also join the undercard. He boasts a fearsome 100% KO ratio on his 16-0 record, with 16 knockouts. The 21-year-old Nicaraguan bantamweight most recently earned a second round TKO win over Daniel Olea in March. Orozco will face Fernando Diaz. Diaz is a 26-year-old prospect from Riverside, California. 



Jayson Martinez will make his pro debut on MVW-04. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Martinez completed a 30-fight amateur career earning a top six national ranking. The 22-year-old has built a reputation for his skill, discipline, and exciting style as he prepares for his professional debut. 



MVPW-04 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.



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




About MVP


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



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



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



About ESPN


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



Material  and Photo Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Most Valuable Promotions Signs Multi-year Broadcast Deal With Sky Sports



Press Release: March 31, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions - 



31 March 2026



Sky Sports and NOW today announced a landmark multi-year partnership with Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) to become the UK and Ireland home of MVPW, the new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card. The deal will see Sky Sports exclusively broadcast two all-female MVPW fight nights in the UK annually beginning with MVPW-01, the inaugural global event of MVPW. 



MVPW-01 takes place at London’s Olympia on Sunday, 5 April. The all-women’s main card will feature four back-to-back world championship fights, headlined by a double main event  with the long-anticipated clash of MVP’s British champions, “Sweet” Caroline Dubois (12-0-1, 5 KOs) vs. Terri “Belter” Harper (16-2-2, 6 KOs), a 10-round women’s championship bout for the unified WBO and WBC lightweight world titles, contested at 135lbs. In the historic double main event, MVP and England’s unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (11-0) will face Mexico’s WBA world champion Mayelli Flores (13-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round undisputed super bantamweight championship bout contested at 122 lbs. Entering the fight, Scotney is the youngest UK women’s boxer in history to fight for undisputed, and if she wins, she will become the youngest UK boxer in the four belt era in history to become undisputed world champion–male or female. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster UK.



Sky Sports will also show selected MVPW U.S. fight nights, beginning with MVPW-02 on Friday, 17 April from the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, with unified junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner defending her titles against South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin in the main event, contested over 10 rounds with equal rules, three-minute rounds. Shadasia Green will make a 10-round defense of her unified super middleweight world titles against former light heavyweight champion Lani Daniels in the co-main event. The event will stream live on ESPN in the U.S.



Sky Sports’ Chief Officer UK & Ireland, Jonathan Licht, said: “This agreement with MVP underlines Sky Sports’ ambition to showcase the very best in women’s boxing to sports fans and new audiences. As the UK and Ireland’s biggest investor in and broadcaster of women’s sport, we are proud to be part of the momentum women’s boxing is enjoying and adding the sport to our unrivalled line-up. 2026 is set to be a huge year yet again for women’s sport with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil as well as the Solheim Cup, WSL and more, all live on Sky Sports.”



Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, said: “This partnership with Sky Sports marks a major milestone for MVPW and women’s boxing globally. Through MVPW, we are committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for fighters while producing premium events that expand the global reach and commercial potential of women’s boxing. Bringing two premium all-female MVPW events to the UK and Ireland each year, starting with the historic MVPW-01 on Sunday, April 5 at London’s Olympia, is exactly what we envisioned when we launched this platform. We have the best female British boxers in the world and Sky Sports is the perfect home to showcase the elite talent and championship-level action that defines MVPW. Together, we’re committed to continuing to elevate women’s boxing to the main stage it deserves, delivering unforgettable nights for fans across the UK and beyond.”



Sky Sports has broadcast some of the most iconic moments in women's boxing, including the first all-female card in 2022 which was headlined by Claressa Shields' landmark victory over Savannah Marshall. More than two million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched women's professional boxing event at the time, delivering Sky's biggest audience for live women's sport ever. Just last year, Sky Sports exclusively broadcast the second all-female card in the UK, headlined by Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price from Royal Albert Hall.


As the UK and Ireland’s biggest investor in and broadcaster of women’s sport, Sky Sports’ agreement with MVP reinforces the broadcaster’s commitment to showcasing the best female fighters and contributing to the continued growth of the sport. Sky Sports accounted for 79% of all televised women's sport coverage in 2025 in the UK, with total viewing up 25% across over 4,000 hours of women’s sport broadcasting. 



Further details of future cards will be announced in due course. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.


Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission. 


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Saturday, March 14, 2026

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SIGNS THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION, POUND FOR POUND TOP 10 AND 2016 U.S. OLYMPIAN MIKAELA MAYER

Press Release: March 14, 2026 (Originally released March 13, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions - NEW YORK, NY – March 13, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of three-division world champion, reigning two-division world champion, and 2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs). Mayer, currently the unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs is Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6, and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally and one of the most accomplished and respected fighters in women’s boxing. Mayer’s signing represents another major addition to MVP’s rapidly expanding roster of elite female fighters and comes as the company launches MVPW, its new global platform dedicated to women’s boxing. Mayer also becomes the latest Olympian to sign with MVP, joining Oshae Jones, Caroline Dubois, Tamm Thibeault, Ramla Ali, Jahmal Harvey, Nelvie Tiafack, and Keno Marley. 



Mayer joins MVP at a pivotal moment as the company continues to expand its roster of elite female athletes, representing more than 40 elite women’s fighters, 15 reigning women’s world champions, and 22 top female contenders, and promoted many of the most-watched, historic, and highest-grossing women’s boxing fights of all time. MVPW will deliver a year-round schedule of the best fighting the best with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028, combining linear broadcast and streaming distribution. 



Reigning unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, jumped out to a 17-0 record to begin her pro career while winning a pair of junior lightweight world titles and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. Mayer lost her perfect record in a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed junior lightweight title. In January 2024, she contended for the IBF welterweight world title against Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer seized her second opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. In September 2024, she defeated WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan by majority decision in a Fight of the Year contender. Six months later, Mayer bested Ryan by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, putting an exclamation point on their fierce 20-round rivalry. Mayer conquered a third weight class in October 2025, dominating Canadian star Mary Spencer over 10 rounds in Montreal to capture the WBA, WBC, and WBO junior middleweight titles. She is currently ranked Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6 and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally.



“I’m thrilled to join Most Valuable Promotions as we continue breaking barriers and elevating women’s boxing to new heights,” said Mikaela Mayer. “I’ve always wanted the biggest and best fights, and MVP’s premier roster of women champions creates incredible opportunities to make those matchups happen. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills on some of the biggest platforms in the sport and working with a passionate, innovative team that believes in the continued growth of women’s boxing.”



“Mikaela is one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing and a proven champion across multiple weight classes,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “She has competed on the sport’s biggest stages, faced the best fighters in the world, and continues to push the sport forward. We’re proud to welcome Mikaela to MVP and look forward to building the next chapter of her career together.”



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



For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @MikaelaMayer1 or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @mikaelamayer.




About Most Valuable Promotions (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 and currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 18 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. 



Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions/ Photo Courtesy of: Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, March 7, 2026

MVP Signs Multi-Year Broadcast Deal With ESPN, Launches MVPW

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. 

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.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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