Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) co-owners Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian have announced that they are launching a global platform for women’s boxing and have agreed to a multiyear deal with ESPN.
MVP is leading the way in women’s boxing, with Paul acting as a promoter for stars such as Amanda Serrano alongside his own combat sports career. Serrano’s trilogy with Katie Taylor led to both fighters selling out Madison Square Garden on a historic all-women’s card organized by the promotion.
Paul is taking a break from boxing after breaking his jaw in a loss to Anthony Joshua, and MVP is now launching MVPW, which will feature on ESPN. The multiyear deal will begin with three events, the first taking place on April 5.
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The first event has been titled MVPW-01, with Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper headlining the inaugural card. Dubois is the WBC lightweight champion, and Harper is the WBO titleholder.
Featuring on the undercard will be junior featherweight champion Ellie Scotney, Mayelli Flores, Chantelle Cameron, and Michaela Kotaskova. The inaugural event will be held in London, England, before the second card takes place weeks later in the U.S., at the Theater at MSG in New York City.
The third and final event currently confirmed will take place in El Paso, Texas, with Holly Holm meeting Stephanie Han for the WBA lightweight title on May 30. MVPW events will air on ESPN through 2028 under the agreement.
“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 a statement.
“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.”
Ariel Helwani, who has worked with MVP during fight events, will be on the ESPN broadcast for the future fights. Paul and Bidarian have been hailed for their contributions to women’s boxing, and one of their prized fighters, Serrano, has opened up about their impact on her life.
She signed with MVP in 2021, and when reflecting on the decision with FOX Digital, she said: “(It was) the best decision I’ve made in boxing. It changed my life totally. Jake brings eyes to the sport, and I was excited to be a part of it and be the first girl on his undercard.
“I had to make sure I had to go out there and prove I’m deserving of that position. Jake is just an amazing guy. Nakisa is an amazing guy. And they just want what’s best for me. They’ve definitely added more zeroes to my bank account, so I’m truly blessed for that.”