Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the burgeoning sports promotion company co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, has officially unveiled MVPW, a revolutionary new women’s boxing league poised to significantly reshape the landscape of female combat sports. The league’s inaugural event is slated for April 17th in New York City, featuring a highly anticipated super-featherweight title unification bout. Alycia Baumgardner, the formidable WBO, WBA, and IBF champion, will put her belts on the line against the tenacious Bo Mi Re Shin, marking a significant moment in MVP’s ambitious foray into elevating women’s boxing.
This ambitious initiative by MVP is not merely a series of boxing cards; it represents a substantial financial and strategic commitment to female athletes, building upon MVP’s five-year track record of investing in and promoting women in sports. The MVPW league will encompass 43 fighters currently signed to MVP, a roster boasting multiple world champions and elite contenders, underscoring the depth and talent the new platform aims to showcase. The league’s launch is further bolstered by a new broadcast partnership with ESPN in the United States, providing extensive reach for its events. In the United Kingdom, a separate, significant deal has been struck with Sky Sports, ensuring a strong international presence for MVPW.
"Over the past five years, we have invested heavily in female athletes, delivered historic and record-breaking events, and proven that these athletes belong on the biggest stages in the sport," stated Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, in a joint statement. This declaration highlights the core philosophy driving MVPW: to provide a consistent and prominent platform for women boxers, fostering growth and ensuring they receive the recognition and opportunities commensurate with their skill and dedication.
The MVPW series will commence with MVPW1 on April 5th in London. This opening event will be headlined by a compelling lightweight unification bout between two of Britain’s most exciting talents, Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. This high-stakes matchup immediately signals MVPW’s intent to deliver marquee fights and unify championships within its inaugural events.
While the fanfare surrounding the MVPW launch is considerable, the precise operational framework of the league is still being defined, adding an element of intrigue to its unfolding structure. MVP’s initial press release referred to MVPW as a "new global platform," a designation that has since evolved on the promotion’s social media channels to explicitly identify it as a league. This subtle shift in terminology suggests a more structured and potentially exclusive operational model, although it is widely anticipated that MVPW will not adopt a closed system akin to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where athletes are typically bound to compete exclusively within that organization. The promotion has expressed a desire to foster collaboration rather than exclusivity.
At a recent press conference introducing the league, MVP’s marquee fighter, seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano, joined other athletes on stage. When questioned about the possibility of MVPW introducing its own championship belts in the future, Bidarian elaborated on the promotion’s strategic vision. He emphasized a commitment to delivering "the best possible match-ups" for the fans and expressed a strong desire to collaborate with existing sanctioning bodies, including the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF.
"We’re interested in having as many world champions as possible being a part of the MVPW brand," Bidarian explained. "Ultimately, it’s not really about sanctioning bodies; it’s about our athletes. We respect the sanctioning bodies and their process, but they need to evolve as well to allow for consistent matchmaking that is logical in terms of growing the brand and fanbase." This statement suggests a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the established power of traditional boxing organizations while advocating for reforms that facilitate more consistent and fan-friendly scheduling and opponent selection.
The MVPW schedule is already taking shape, with MVPW3 confirmed for May 30th in El Paso, Texas. This event will feature a highly anticipated rematch between WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han and former UFC champion Holly Holm. Their initial encounter in January resulted in a technical decision victory for Han, and this second meeting promises to be a captivating contest between two accomplished fighters.
MVP’s strategic expansion into a league format is occurring against the backdrop of proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. This legislation has historically prohibited promoters from controlling multiple aspects of the sport, such as sanctioning bodies, rankings, belts, and fighter management, effectively preventing UFC-style closed leagues in boxing. Proposed amendments, reportedly initiated by Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, aim to permit league-style formats while ostensibly maintaining fighter protections. This legislative development could be a crucial catalyst for MVP’s league model, potentially creating a more favorable regulatory environment for such ventures.
Alycia Baumgardner, the 31-year-old super-featherweight queen, has been a central figure in MVP’s investment in women’s boxing. With an impressive professional record of 17 wins in 18 fights, Baumgardner signed with MVP last year. Her commitment to securing top-tier competition was evident when she vacated her WBC title to compete in a 12-round, three-minute per round bout against Leila Beaudoin in December 2023. The WBC had declined to sanction the longer round format, a decision that highlighted Baumgardner’s dedication to maximizing her fighting time and athletic performance, a stance MVP has publicly supported.
Bo Mi Re Shin, also 31, brings a record of 18 wins, three draws, and three defeats into her title challenge. Her recent outing saw her lose a decision to Caroline Dubois at lightweight in March, a fight that provided valuable experience against a highly regarded opponent. The prospect of Baumgardner facing Shin, two champions at the pinnacle of the super-featherweight division, is a compelling proposition for boxing enthusiasts.
The potential for a clash between Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois has already been a topic of significant discussion. Following their verbal exchanges at a Miami card in December, Dubois has openly welcomed a potential showdown with Baumgardner, labeling it "the biggest fight in women’s boxing." This simmering rivalry adds another layer of excitement to the MVPW narrative, suggesting future matchups that could transcend the initial events.
The inclusion of Holly Holm in MVPW events further underscores the league’s commitment to featuring established stars and compelling narratives. The 44-year-old combat sports icon made a return to professional boxing in 2023 after a 12-year hiatus, during which she carved out a highly successful career in mixed martial arts with the UFC. Her recent bout against Stephanie Han saw her fall short in her bid to become a four-division boxing champion. The fight was controversially stopped in the seventh round due to a severe cut on Han’s forehead, sustained from an accidental headbutt. Holm’s participation in MVPW, even in defeat, demonstrates her continued relevance and appeal within the boxing world.
The launch of MVPW signifies a pivotal moment for women’s boxing, driven by an investment from a promotion that has consistently championed female athletes. The league’s structure, broadcast deals, and commitment to high-level competition suggest a long-term vision for the sport’s growth. As MVP navigates the evolving regulatory landscape and works to forge partnerships with established entities, the MVPW series promises to be a compelling showcase of talent and a significant force in shaping the future of women’s boxing. The success of these initial events and the league’s ability to foster consistent, high-profile matchups will be crucial in cementing its place in the sport’s history. The commitment to athlete-centric matchmaking and the potential for collaboration with existing bodies, while seeking necessary evolution, positions MVPW as a potentially transformative entity, aiming to bridge the gap between established traditions and the future of women’s professional boxing. The league’s journey, beginning with Baumgardner’s title defense and extending through a carefully curated schedule, will be closely watched by fans, fighters, and industry insiders alike.
