Most Valuable Promotions launches MVPW, deal with ESPN
NEW YORK CITY – Most Valuable Promotions announced the launch of MVPW, which is going to be a global platform for women’s boxing. MVP also secured a landmark multi-year agreement with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028. The MVPW events will feature the sport’s most elite female fighters with their first event scheduled for April 5th as Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores are the two fights that will be shown on the ESPN App.
“When Jake and I started MVP four years ago, we had a vision…to create a brand that represented the best in the sport of boxing each time that we put on an event,” Nakisa Bidarian said. “Now we are in a position to do that. I am thrilled to announce the launch of MVPW, the global home for women’s boxing.”
Bidarian introduced the platform of MVPW to a number of media members in attendance for a press conference at Madison Square Garden and streamed live on the Most Valuable Promotions YouTube channel. The announcement – which also marks the beginning of a strategic relationship between MVP and Madison Square Garden Entertainment – strengthens MVP’s position in women’s boxing.
“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,” Bidarian said. “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.”
The MVPW Launch presser included a number of fighters that had been signed with Most Valuable Promotions and new additions. Unified champion featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, unified super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, unified super middleweight champion Shadasia Green, WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han, former multi-division champion Holly Holm, Tamm Thibeault, super welterweight champion Oshae Jones, WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown, and and super flyweight contender LeAnna Cruz were part of the presser.
On April 17th, MVPW will have their second event at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden as Baumgardner will defend her titles against Bo Mi Re Shin in the main event and Shadasia Green will put the WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles on the line against Lani Daniels. Stephanie Han and Holly Holm will face each other in a rematch on Saturday, May 30 in El Paso, Texas for MVPW-03.
The plan is to have a series of events through 2028 and also involve MSG Entertainment to stage annual MVPW events at the iconic venue over the next three years. With the April 17th event being the first MVPW telecast in the US featuring Baumgardner and Green, they were both excited to be part of this card.
“MVP have been gamechangers in women’s sports,” Baumgardner said. “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.”
Baumgardner will be fighting Bo Mi Re Shin over 10 three-minute rounds as she defends her unified titles. The former undisputed champion
“Every fight for me is about elevation. I’m here to dominate and continue building something that lasts beyond belts. ESPN is where greatness is documented, and I’m ready to perform at that level.”
Shadasia Green hails from Patterson, New Jersey and will look to make a statement in her bout against Lani Daniels. Green became the unified champion last year with a victory over Savannah Marshall and hopes to secure big fights in the near future.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a beautiful performance and to showcase some skills you guys haven’t seen,” Green said. “I’m excited to be fighting in NYC and excited to put on a beautiful performance and showcase my skill set on ESPN. This platform has been around for a long time showcasing some of the best fighters ever, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
One of the topics of conversation at the press conference was the possibility of Green facing current undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields, which Green is definitely interested in that fight.
“I think that’s a great fight between me and Claressa Shields,” Green said. “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.”
More information on this presser will be provided in later articles.
Photos by James Bell for The Boxing Source
