Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) have formally announced a media deal with ESPN, in addition to confirming two new fight cards.
The announcement was made via press release on Friday. ESPN will specifically broadcast events that fall under the banner of MVPW, a “dedicated women’s boxing league.” The deal will make the broadcaster the home of MVPW through 2028.
According to the press release, the majority of MVPW events will air on ESPN’s linear channels. Additional international broadcast partners are also set to be announced.
MVP announces new fight cards in addition to media deal
The first MVPW fight card will be the previously announced WBC and WBO lightweight world title unification between Caroline Dubois (12-0-1, 5 KOs) and Terri Harper (16-2-2, 6 KOs). In addition to airing on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, the April 5 event will also be broadcast on the ESPN app in the United States.
The second MVPW card sees Alycia Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs, 1 NC) defend her IBF, WBA, and WBO super featherweight world titles against Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs). Their April 17 bout will take place at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fight fans in the United States will be able to catch the action live on ESPN. Shadasia Green (16-1, 11 KOs) will also be defending her IBF and WBO super middleweight world titles against Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO).
The third MVPW card will be headlined by a rematch between Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs) and Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs). Their first bout was a technical unanimous decision win for Han after being stopped in round seven due to a cut she sustained. The rematch will take place at a yet to be determined venue in El Paso, TX, on May 30. Han’s WBA lightweight world title will be at stake. Fight fans in the United States will be able to catch the action live on ESPN.
Key Reactions to Most Valuable Promotions deal
“Since inception MVP has strategically focused on creating an umbrella brand as the global home for women’s boxing, with the best fighters in the world, that engages existing boxing fans and attracts untapped fan demographics that embrace women’s sport, and today, we proudly enter a new era,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, in the press release.
“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. Partnering with ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, to launch MVPW across its platforms is a historic milestone, and aligning with the world’s most iconic venue, Madison Square Garden, as we introduce the brand in the U.S. reinforces the scale and ambition behind what we are building.”
“MVPW is the first boxing brand that truly features the best fighting the best on a consistent basis, and it begins in the US with one of the sport’s most electrifying champions, Alycia Baumgardner, facing top contender Bo Mi Re Shin on Friday, April 17 at Madison Square Garden, alongside unified champion Shadasia Green in the co-main event. Then on Saturday, May 30, Stephanie Han and Holly Holm will settle their rivalry in El Paso. All live on ESPN.”
“MVPW brings together some of the most accomplished and dynamic championship athletes in boxing, competing on a stage that reflects the magnitude of their talent,” said Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, in the same press release. “We’re proud to bring these championship matchups to ESPN and the ESPN App and further elevate women’s boxing for fans across the country.”
